© Emile Mentz
This summer, visitors have the rare chance to step inside Luxembourg's Grand Ducal Palace and experience royal life in a guided tour.
Open to the public every weekday until 31 August, the 75-minute guided tour offers a glimpse behind the scenes, into historic halls, royal collections, and even a guest apartment used for official state visits.
The tour begins in the Salle de la Balance, a space historically used for weighing goods before they could be sold on the market.Over time, the room served as various purposes: as a wardrobe, a mortuary, and now, an exhibition space featuring a photo series spanning 25 years of grand ducal history.
The tradition of public access dates back to 1964, when Grand Duke Jean first opened the Palace to visitors. "It was his wish to let the public revel in the beauty of such a symbolic place," explains Patrick François, guide at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO), which organises the tours.
While the Palace is known for its ornate decorations, visitors may be surprised by modern touches, such as the contemporary lamp in the Arms Room. Since the palace's last renovation in the 1990s, some changes have been made, though preserving the heart of its history.
Organised by the LCTO, the tours are available in German, French, and English, with tickets (€18) available to purchase on the tourist office's website.
