The City of Light, The City of Love ... Paris is one of the most visited capitals in the world.
When visiting Paris, a haven of luxury and elegance awaits you. With its rich history, timeless beauty, and impeccable taste, the French capital offers a plethora of experiences to indulge in.
Begin your luxury adventure by exploring the iconic landmarks that define the city's charm. Admire the majestic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, and ascend to its pinnacle for a breathtaking panoramic view. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, lined with high-end boutiques and designer stores, before reaching the magnificent Arc de Triomphe.
For an opulent cultural experience, immerse yourself in the world-renowned museums. The Louvre, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, showcases an impressive collection spanning centuries. Delight in the ornate beauty of Palace of Versailles, where French royalty once resided, and revel in the grandeur of its opulent halls and sprawling gardens. Indulge your taste buds in Parisian culinary delights. Savour gourmet cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants including Le Cinq or L'Ambroisie, where culinary artistry meets impeccable service. Indulge in delectable pastries and macarons at iconic patisseries like Ladurée or Pierre Hermé. For an elegant shopping experience, explore the designer stores of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where luxury fashion brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Hermès showcase their latest collections. Treat yourself to a personal shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette, an upscale department store offering a curated selection of high-end brands.
In the evening, indulge in a performance at the Opéra Garnier, an architectural masterpiece where ballet and opera take center stage. Alternatively, embark on a luxurious cruise along the Seine River, sipping champagne as you marvel at the illuminated landmarks. Paris, with its refined allure and sophisticated offerings, promises an unforgettable luxury experience. From cultural treasures to haute cuisine, the city entices and captivates at every turn, leaving you with memories of indulgence and elegance that will endure a lifetime.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the 30 Best Things to See & Do in Paris:
Eiffel Tower
Originally constructed on the occasion of the Exposition Universelle of 1889 and the centenary of the French Revolution, the Iron Lady of Paris was meant to be a technological showcase for France. Today the 1083-feet high tower, located in the 7th arrondissement, is the most famous icon and the most-photographed sight in the City of Love. Visitors can ascend to the three floors for 360-degree views of the French capital.
Stop at the first floor, at 187 feet (345 steps), to walk across the transparent floor supported by glass-and-steel pavilions, then watch a film show about the tower's history. 359 steps will take you to the second floor, 377 feet above ground level. Then ride the elevator to the third floor for a sweeping panorama from 906 feet. Make sure you stop by to tour the office of Gustave Eiffel and learn about the mastermind behind one of the most loved monuments of modern times. The Eiffel Tower houses three fine restaurants, Madame Brasserie, Le Jules Verne and Bar à Macarons. Gourmands don't need coaxing.
Address: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007
Catacombs
One of the most offbeat experiences to look forward to in Paris is the underground Catacombs under the Haussmannian boulevards. The ancient limestone quarries, located sixty-five feet under the streets, contain the remains from the Holy Innocents' Cemetery and nearly 6 million bones, including those of famous French citizens like writer Jean de La Fontaine, politicians Danton and Robespierre and the Man in the Iron Mask. The catacombs were built to save the dual problem of collapsing old quarries and overcrowding cemeteries. But since the catacombs were opened for public viewing in the early 19th century, they have become one of the city's most unique attractions.
Over the 1.5 kilometres long tour of the labyrinth, visitors can find galleries exhibiting skulls and bones with poems in French and Latin. Macabre meets mysterious in the thick walls of bones stacked up to the ceiling, interspersed with rows of skulls. Don't miss the wall with a "heart" made of skulls. Several unique sculptures are displayed inside, including a model of the Port-Mahon Fortress. Guided visits and audioguides are available in French, English, Spanish and German.
Address: Catacombs, 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
Père-Lachaise
Head to the 20th arrondissement in east Paris to explore the beauty of funerary art through the ages in the largest necropolis of the city. Named after King Louis XIV's confessor, Father François d'Aix de la Chaise, the green and leafy Père-Lachaise cemetery sprawls over 44 hectares. It is the final resting place of 70,000 departed souls, including notable figures in art, music, literature and history. Celeb-hunters can find graves of writers like Jean de La Fontaine, Marcel Proust, Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde, Molière and Honoré de Balzac, performing artists like Sarah Bernhardt, Édith Piaf, Yves Montand, Warsaw-born composer and piano virtuoso Frédéric Chopin, Jim Morrison, singer of The Doors.
The romantic at heart can look for the tombstone of Heloise and Abelard, the famous lovers from the Middle Ages. It can be fascinating to trace out tombstones and grave styles varying from simple headstones to elaborate mausoleums and burial chambers, Gothic and Haussmanian to modern designs. Free maps are available at the entrance as a handy guide to some of the cemetery's most famous graves.
Address: Cimetière du Père Lachaise, Face au 21 boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020
Champs-Élysées
Tagged 'the world's most beautiful avenue', the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a landmark of Paris that most people have on their must-see list. The most iconic boulevard in Paris is translated from Elysian Fields (the resting place of Greek gods and dead heroes or paradise). In the 17th century, this former marshland was transformed into a royal road under Louis XIV. The emblematic avenue stretches over a mile from the gigantic obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe.
Closer to the Place de la Concorde, the avenue crosses a park with impressive monuments like the Palais de la Découverte (Discovery Palace), the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées remains the setting for significant events in the city, like the Bastille Day military parade and the arrival of the Tour de France. Its broad tree-lined sidewalks are always bustling with eager crowds, attracted by fine dining restaurants, museums, nightclubs, luxury boutiques and flagship stores from day till night.
Address: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008
Arc de Triomphe
The 146 feet tall triumphal arch at the crossroads of the city's twelve avenue arrondissements, at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. An emblematic symbol of the Napoleonic wars, it was commissioned two centuries ago by Emperor Napoleon himself. The monument was the site of historical events like Napoleon's funeral in 1840, the World War I victory parade in 1919 and the Victory Day parade to celebrate the end of World War II in 1944. The elegant neoclassic building is a delight for architecture buffs, thanks to elaborate sculptures and four pillars engraved with the names of 660 national heroes.
Each pillar represents important victories, such as the French resistance during the War of the Sixth Coalition in 1814, the Treaty of Paris in 1815, La Marseillaise and the Treaty of Schonbrunn in 1810. At its base, one can find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a torch whose flame is rekindled every evening. You can climb 284 steps to the panoramic terrace, 164 feet above ground level, to gaze along the historic axis that links the Champs-Elysées with the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense.
Address: Arc de Triomphe, Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008
Pont Neuf
The oldest stone bridge in the City of Love was constructed in 1578 on the orders of Henri IV. This ancient bridge takes the credit for making Paris the first European capital to use a river view to showcase modern architecture and continues to be a charmer even today. Translated as New Bridge in English, it is the longest bridge over the Seine, measuring over 760 feet and has a viewing platform seventy-five feet wide. The most prominent feature of the twelve-arch bridge is the ensemble of 384' mascarons' (grotesque faces of mythological figures) on the cornices with a range of expressions like fear, shock, and intimidation.
The original mascarons of Pont Neuf were created by French Renaissance sculptor Germain Pilon in the late 16th century. These originals were replaced by modern copies when the bridge was rebuilt in the 19th century. An equestrian statue of Henri IV adds a distinctive touch. Pont Neuf connects the Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli and the Tour Saint-Jacques on the Right Bank with the Rue Dauphine, the Monnaie de Paris and Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank via the Ile de la Cité.
Address: Pont Neuf, 75001
Place de la Concorde
The second largest square in France, designed in the 18th century, was the setting for public beheadings by guillotine during the bloody French Revolution. Over 1,200 people, including Queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, met their fateful end here. As the largest public square in Paris, it occupies around 20 acres and lures visitors worldwide. Its octagonal shape flaunts eight beautiful 18th-century statues in eight corners to represent eight cities in France: Brest, Rouen, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille and Strasbourg.
Situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées, it is recognised by the Luxor Obelisk, a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk in granite which is 75 feet high. Aligned with the obelisk are two river and sea-themed fountains inspired by Roman architecture. On one side, it is flanked by the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre Museum in the background. On the other side, it overlooks the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. A recent addition to the Place de la Concorde is the Big Wheel, a 213-foot observation wheel with spectacular views over the city.
Address: Place de la Concorde, 75008
Le Marais
Located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, one of Paris' oldest neighbourhoods is a warren of cobblestone streets with medieval buildings and quiet courtyards. The city’s Jewish quarter is a treasure trove of delis, bakeries, boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to unique museums like Centre Pompidou, the National Archives of France, the Musée Picasso and Musée des Arts et Métiers, the oldest science museum in Europe.
Hunt out the Place des Vosges, a favourite hangout of Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dive in and out of its art galleries and restaurants or watch lively street performances on a sunny day. Head over to Hôtel de Ville (city hall) to flashback to the era when it was a centre of political action and execution site. Antique lovers can browse for rare finds in Village Saint-Paul, while foodies can spend hours at Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris' oldest market. Remember to grab a falafel at the Rue des Rosiers or pick up a croissant from the tiniest cafe in Paris.
Address: Le Marias (central) 60 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003
Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre
The most-visited religious site after Notre Dame in Paris is located at the highest point in Paris, atop the 427-foot high Montmartre Hill in Montmartre. The bohemian neighbourhood is where the Impressionist art movement kickstarted with Renoir, Matisse, Van Gogh and other notable impressionists. You can take a cable car or walk up 197 flights of stairs to reach the pristine white facade of the Romanesque Byzantine church. The centrepiece of the dazzling interiors is a 475 square metre mosaic of "Christ in Glory", depicting Jesus with a golden heart.
The bell tower houses the 19-tonne Savoyarde, the largest bell in France. Those who climb 300 steps up to the gigantic dome will be rewarded with a swoon-worthy panorama. The crypt of Sacré-Cœur holds interesting treasures, the most impressive of which is a statue of St. Denis, the patron saint of Paris. You can also see the foundation stone of the basilica, the tombs of several Cardinals and a treasury containing gold and other valuable items.
Address: Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018
Palais Garnier
The 1,979-seat opera house at the Place de l'Opéra is an outstanding piece of architecture gracing the streets of the 9th arrondissement in Paris. The Neo-Baroque building built in the late 19th century was home to the Paris Opera for a century, and it continues to be the premier venue for ballet in the city. One look at the grandeur of Palais Garnier, and you will know why it has been the inspiration for celebrated plays and books over the years, including 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
The facade with intricate sculptural adornment is an apt preamble for the decadence that lies within. Inside, marvel at the oversized candelabras and busts of master musicians like Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. Feel a touch of royalty as you walk up the white marble Grand staircase with a red and green marble balustrade. The 500-feet long Grand Foyer with gold leafing and fine mosaic work is as extravagant as the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The red and gold Auditorium is a splendid entertainment arena with an elaborate crystal and bronze chandelier weighing seven tonnes, created by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall.
Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009
Panthéon
Simple Gothic features and impressive Greek-style come together in the first emblematic monument in the French capital. Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, close to the Jardin du Luxembourg, this 19th-century monument was used as a religious and patriotic building. Take in the Neoclassical beauty of its Corinthian columns and majestic dome before you step inside to admire beautiful tiled floors, wall paintings and an elaborate ceiling.
The Renaissance-style crown is 272 feet high with three superimposed shells. Seek out the frieze of 8 paintings laid out in 4 panels dedicated to Joan of Arc. Climb 267 steps to the dome and be rewarded with stunning city views. It was here that physicist Leon Faoucalt demonstrated the rotation of the Earth with a pendulum experiment in 1851. To be interred in the Pantheon mausoleum, one must be legitimately voted as a "national hero" by the French parliament. Many illustrious French citizens such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Louis Braille, Jean Monet and Alejandro Dumas have a final resting place in the crypt of the Pantheon.
Address: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005
St Germain
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, located in the Left Bank, is the intellectual and artsy heart of the French capital. Elegant buildings, lively restaurants and charming bookstores attract locals and visitors to this popular precinct. Make hidden discoveries in the narrow, winding streets dating back to the Middle Ages. Stop at the oldest Abbey in Paris, Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey, to see the Romanesque bell tower. Dating back to the 6th century, it was initially built to house a single piece of wood, believed to be a piece of Jesus's cross.
Dive deep into the Parisien café scene with Le Precope, the world's first coffeehouse in the city, which has been running since 1686. Artists, writers, sculptors, musicians and intellectuals came to exchange ideas and draw inspiration for their work in historic cafes like Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, Le Precope, Brasserie Lipp and Café Bonaparte. Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and even Pablo Picasso had their favourite haunts in the area. One of the essential pitstops for the itinerary is The Brasserie Lipp, frequented by literary and political figures of the time. Sip a coffee and feel the nostalgia overcome you.
Address: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 3 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés - 75006
Moulin Rouge
Located at the foot of Montmartre, in the Paris Red Light District, the Moulin Rouge, with its signature red windmill, is an icon in Paris. The city's top cabaret has entertained crowds since 1889. The original building burned down in 1915, but the current theatre is still as glamorous as it was centuries ago. Grand interiors decorated in Belle Epoque style and red velvet are the setting for scintillating performances, flamboyant sets, and original French music. Think feathers, rhinestones, sequins, acrobatics and the fast-paced high-kicking French Cancan.
Gawp at the famous feathered outfits of performers handcrafted by master craftsmen of Maison Février, exquisite boots created by hand-made shoe masters, Maison Clairvoy and magnificent costumes hand stitched by the highly-skilled craftsmen of Atelier Valentin. Gourmet French food served with champagne during the shows is considered one of the city's best dining experiences. You can treat yourself to the Moulin Rouge Privilege experience at the private balcony reserved for just 24 guests and enjoy uninterrupted views of the stage.
Address: Moulin Rouge, 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018
Pompidou Centre
This iconic landmark is located in the trendy Marais area of the 4th arrondissement of Paris, within one kilometre of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. The Centre Georges Pompidou is home to some of the world's best contemporary and modern art collections. It opened its doors in 1977 and is a hot favourite for those looking for a world-class museum experience. The Centre Pompidou is also considered a modern architectural masterpiece, thanks to unique features like exterior escalators and mega-size coloured tubing.
Visitors can find the permanent collections of the Musée National d'Art Moderne on the fourth and fifth floors. The fifth floor, dedicated to modern art, showcases various artwork starting from the early twentieth century, including masterpieces by Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky and Miró to Andy Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle and Anish Kapoor. Those who enjoy minimalist and conceptual art will return deeply satisfied after a tour of The Pompidou Centre. The building also houses a Public Information Library and a music and acoustic research centre called IRCAM.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004
Canal St Martin
Built in the early 19th century to provide fresh water and a new commercial waterway, the 4.5-kilometre-long Canal connects the waters of northeast Paris to the Seine through nine locks. The Canal Saint Martin is a hip, upcoming district in Paris where people can enjoy the peace and quiet away from the bustle of downtown Paris. Streets from both sides of the Canal are filled with cafes, bistros, restaurants, and hotels. Stroll through the tranquil area, and sit by the waterway to soak up the breezy atmosphere.
On Sunday, the space transforms into a pedestrian zone. Locals gather for picnics and soak up the sun. Settle down, watch the place come alive, or watch the bridges rise and turn as barges pass through. Linger under one-hundred-year-old sweet chestnut trees till dusk falls, and the twinkling lights illuminate the area. The Canal is a preferred hotspot for nightlife with wine bars and concert venues. Savour an apéritif on a cruise on the Canal at nightfall and make it a moment to remember. Other exciting options include the Parc de la Villette, a multidisciplinary space with various leisure activities, the Musée de la Musique and the theatre (Tarmac, Théâtre Paris Villette).
Address: Quai De Valmy, 75010
Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens and palace were built in the early 17th century for Marie de' Medici to fulfil her dream of an Italian-style palace similar to the one where she had spent her childhood in Florence. The palace was used as a prison during the French Revolution and as barracks by the Germans in World War II. One of the best-known attractions in the city, Luxembourg Garden, is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Head to this green haven to enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by flower beds and shady trees.
Soak up the sun and indulge in the pleasure of doing nothing. There are over a hundred sculptures in the gardens, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Locals can be found taking a break from work, playing tennis and petanque. Children can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies and ride the merry-go-round. String puppet or glove puppet performances are held regularly at the Theatre des Marionnettes, the country's biggest and most well-equipped theatre of its kind.
Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006
Montmartre
Known as the Painter's neighbourhood, this hill in the upper 18th arrondissement is a bohemian village evoking the charms of the simpler, bygone times. You can spend hours wandering through a delightful warren of steep, narrow streets, hopping from terrace restaurants to top-notch boulangeries, and pottering for paintings in cobbled market squares. Flashback to the late 19th century and think of the famous artists and writers who inhabited Montmartre, inspired by its slow pace.
Bigwigs like Renoir, Pissarro, Van Gogh, Modigliani, Matisse and Jean Cocteau once lived and worked out of their little apartments. The village of Montmartre is also known as the home of the oldest cabarets of the city, including the Moulin Rouge and the iconic Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur atop the hill. Climb the flight of 197 steps or ride the funicular for unparalleled city views. Another popular spot in Montmartre is the Wall of Love, an artistic installation designed by Frederic Baron and Claire Kito. It flaunts 312 ways of saying 'I love you' in languages as varied as Tamil and Spanish.
Address: Montmartre, 75008
Pont de l'Archevêché
The Pont de l’Archevêché (Archbishop's Bridge) is one of the narrowest bridges in Paris, connecting the Ile de la Cité to the 5th arrondissement. A pleasant place to walk and cycle, it has become a spot for couples to immortalize their love with a padlock. Pont de l'Archeveche boasts one of the best views of Notre Dame at sunrise, so plan a trip at golden hour to see the cathedral shine like molten gold.
Address: Pont de l'Archevêché, 75004
Shopping
Paris is the hub of haute couture and a paradise for every kind of shopaholic. Retail therapy reaches its pinnacle at the "Golden Triangle" of luxury shopping, where you can spend the entire day tempted by the latest goodies from Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. Hit the legendary department stores known as the Grands Magasins and lose track of time as you browse through endless racks of designer clothes, accessories and home decor. The glass-domed Galeries Lafayette department store and Printemps are essential pitstops for every shopper visiting the French capital.
Don’t miss a trail down Rue Saint-Honoré to upgrade your wardrobe with the la crème de la crème of French designer brands. From French perfumeries, stylish headgear and timeless jewellery to luxury leather goods, extravagant footwear and outfits fresh off the ramp, Paris offers everything for the fashionista. From international labels like Chloé, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent to high-street brands like H&M, Zara and Sephora, there is nothing to beat the joys of shopping in the elegant streets of Paris.
Address: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009
Seine River Cruise
One of the most romantic ways to soak up the essence of Paris is with a slow cruise along the Seine River. Sign up for a scenic riverboat ride during the day or evening to gloat over stunning city views. The tour starts from the pier of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Over one hour, you will drift down the Seine River to the Île Saint-Louis and return to the same pier. As you sail along one of the world's most legendary rivers, you can spot the bouquinistes selling old books, magazines and collectables in iconic green metal boxes.
Catch glimpses of the most famous landmarks of Paris, including Les Invalides, the French Parliament, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum and the Gran Palais. Learn more about each monument and the architectural styles dotting the banks using your audio guide. Ponder on the ancient trading route, thanks to which a small riverside village grew into a bustling trading post and the largest city in the western world by the 12th century.
Address: Port de la Bourdonnais 75007
Montparnasse Tower
The 689-foot tall observation deck offers a great vantage point over the magical cityscape of Paris. When it opened its doors in 1973, the Tour Montparnasse was the first office building to be built in the centre of Paris and became a hotbed of controversy for those passionate about the city's heritage architecture. 53 floors of Montparnasse Tower house offices with nearly 5,000 staff, while the 56th and 59th levels have terraces for city views.
Take a ride in Europe's fastest elevator to stare at a fabulous panorama of iconic monuments, including the Eiffel Tower. Stare down at the impeccably laid out city with its stately boulevards, sprawling green spaces and maze of arrondissements. On a clear day, you can see as far as 40 kilometres into the distance. State-of-the-art viewfinders and augmented reality screens help you explore the details of the skyline. Plan a trip in the early evening to gawp at the sight of the setting sun transforming the horizon into a golden and crimson spectacle of nature.
Address: Tour Montparnasse, 33 Av. du Maine, 75015
Museums
Paris is one of the world's leading art and cultural centres with a wide range of world-class museums. France's most renowned museum, the Louvre, houses the largest museum in the world. Covering a total area of 160,000 square meters, it is recognised by the monumental glass pyramid at its main entrance. The Louvre's permanent collection features a humungous collection of 300,000 works of art, of which 35,000 are on display. The iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci inevitably appears on every visitor's wish list. The Musée d'Orsay boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and architectural elements.
Bookmark a trip to the Musée Rodin, where you can see over 6,500 marble, bronze, terracotta, and plaster sculptures and thousands of drawings, including lithographs, watercolours and engravings. The National Museum of the Middle Ages (Musée de Cluny) is a must-visit for various antiques, including tapestries, ivory and sculptures. Especially noteworthy are the tapestries of the Lady and the Unicorn, dating back to the fifteenth century.
Address: Musée du Louvre, 75001
Address: Musée d'Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007
Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007
Address: Musée de Cluny, 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005
Art Galleries
A treasure trove of art galleries, creative events, and white spaces, Paris is an art connoisseur's paradise. One of the most fascinating museums in the city is Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Fans of modern art of the 20th and 21st centuries will be delighted to find works of Picasso, Matisse, Cubism and Surrealism. One of the finest collections of Picasso's artwork in the world can be found in the Musée Picasso, located in a 17th-century mansion of Marais. Musée Cernuschi has an impressive collection of 20th-century paintings, Chinese art, and far eastern art.
Fashion and design enthusiasts can drop into the Museum of Fashion and Textiles to see 16,000 costumes under one roof and track the history of fashion from the 16th century till the current times. One of Paris' most charming small museums is the Musée de l'Orangerie, near the Tuileries. It houses a sizeable and noteworthy collection of masterpieces by Cézanne, Picasso, Renoir, and Matisse. Fans of Monet should visit the museum for its exhibits of the water lily series Nymphéas.
Address: Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, 1 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116
Address: Musée Picasso, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003
Address: Musée de l'Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, 75001
Café Life
Slip into the Parisian mode with a cafe hop on the elegant streets of the French capital. Sip a rich latte at a little table facing a picturesque road and watch life unfold in the city. Double the delight at a historic cafe frequented by famous writers, thinkers and artists. The oldest and the most famous of them all, Café Procope is located in the 6th arrondissement, in the heart of Saint-Germain des Près. Its big-league clientele included Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon! Café de Flore in St.Germain was a favourite of Simone De Beauvoir and Sartre, while Les Deux Magots was the haunt of Ernest Hemingway and James Baldwin.
Café de La Rotonde in Montparnasse was where you would often bump into Picasso. The prestigious Ladurée Cafe on Champs Elysées is a place to be seen with celebrities, while Cafe de la Paix near the Opéra Garnier is a grand space which has hosted literary figures like Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant and Victor Hugo. Remember to stroll into Angelina and pamper yourself with decadent desserts, just like Coco Chanel loved to.
Address: Café Procope, 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006
Address: Café de Flore, 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006
Address: Café de La Rotonde, 105 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006
Address: Ladurée Cafe, 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008
Address: Cafe de la Paix, 5 Place de l'Opéra, 75009
Address: Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Versailles
Time travel to the era of royalty at the Palace of Versailles, located less than an hour's drive away from Paris. Seeped in splendour and old-world glamour, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of the main palace and sprawling gardens. The de facto capital of France during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries was the imperial residence of the Kings of France. Tour the opulent rooms, including the King's Grand Apartment, the Queen's Grand Apartment and the glittering Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, marking the end of the World War.
Gaze at the lifesize portraits of Marie Antoinette and King Louis VI to be reminded of dramatic stories of excess, intrigue and tragedy. Later, stroll through the immaculately landscaped Versailles gardens, occupying a massive area of 800 hectares. Statues, waterbodies, and elaborate fountains are silent witnesses to the times when lavish tea parties were held here for the bourgeois and the aristocrats of France. Venture beyond to discover the Petit Trianon and idyllic hamlet that Marie Antoinette created to seek refuge from the constraints and politics of royal life.
Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles
Pastry lessons
France is a country where gastronomy has evolved into an art form. Divine and decadent French pastries have captured the imagination of food connoisseurs. Gourmands and food fiends can take a crash course in pastry-making in Paris to add a new dimension to their cooking skills. Sign up for a three-hour French pastry baking class by La Cuisine, held in a 17th-century house overlooking the Seine in the 4th arrondissement.
You can practice your hand at the full range of French pastry techniques. The class includes four classic French specialities from start to finish…traditional Mini Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Madeleine, Baba au Rhum et sa crème Chantilly and Moelleux au Chocolat – Molten and Rich Chocolate Cake. Drool.
Address: La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004
Movie at Grand Rex
Let your passion for movies guide you to Grand Rex, the largest cinema in Europe. Opened in 1932, it is a slice of French heritage and a listed historical monument located on the Grand Boulevards of Paris. Study the intricacies of the stunning Art Deco facade before you take an hour-long tour with a tour guide. Spread over three levels (orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony), the 2800-seater Grande Salle is the epitome of luxury with Italian balconies, sculptures, a starry-sky ceiling and plush red velvet seats.
The Grand Rex is the venue for world premiers, blockbusters shows, sing-along movie nights, and live orchestra concerts. Film projections occur in one of 6 modern rooms holding 100 to 500 seats. Go the extra mile by exploring the backstage, where you can put your voice onto a film extract. The basement houses the Rex Club, a hotspot for Parisian nights out featuring electro music.
Address: Le Grand Rex, 1 Bd Poissonnière, 75002
Promenade Plantee
This park, built over a historical rail line in eastern Paris, is a hybrid public space for experiencing nature, art, and design. Located in the 12th Arrondissement of Paris, this elevated park walkway runs 5 kilometres from Bastille Square to Bois de Vincennes. At times, it reaches 10 metres above street level. Also called the Coulée Verte was the world's first inaugurated high line, opened to the public in 1993. The Coulée Verte is one of the projects to improve the quality of life and recreation in the urban environment of Paris.
The cherished landmark for Parisiennes is famous for its fascinating panorama over the rooftops. Locals and visitors escape to the Promenade Plantee to get lungfuls of fresh air, have a picnic, or get off the beaten path. 45 brick archways house artisan showrooms of violin-makers to glass blowers, jewellers, furniture makers and tapestry restorers. The first section is covered with lush vegetation, garden beds, benches, seating areas, water fountains and art installations.
Address: Promenade Plantee, 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012
Paris by Night
The French capital truly comes to life after night falls, when the famous landmarks are dressed in thousands of dazzling lights. There are endless options for nightlife and entertainment in the City of Love. One of the most popular experiences in Paris is the cabaret, a scintillating show of flamboyant costumes, music, singing and dancing, especially the French cancan. From the Moulin Rouge and Le Lido to the Paradis Latin, there is a wide range of cabarets in the city.
Another fascinating alternative is to attend a classical concert performed by excellent soloists and ensembles at the Sainte-Chapelle. If you are looking for a trendy spot for a drink, consider one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the landmarks of Paris. Nostalgia hunters can book a Vintage Citroën 2CV to drive through the city's broad boulevards to admire illuminations of the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. The adventurous at heart can sign up for thrills and chills with the Night Walking Tour of Paris' Ghosts, Mysteries, and Legends to uncover the dark side of Parisian history.
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