Choose from 198 Fun Things to Do in Paris
ShowingFilter 121-140 of 198 listings.
Paris-Story
A unique museum devoted to telling 2,000 years of Paris’ history through multimedia displays and interactive exhibitions, the Paris-Story offers a fascinating and fun introduction to the French capital.
The Paris-Story features three main exhibition areas, starting with a unique film of the city by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, including magnificent aerial views and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of landmarks like the Sacré Coeur, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. There’s also the Paris-Miniature exhibit, where visitors can explore a 3D-interactive model of Paris, and the Paris-Experience, with videos and quizzes about the city.
Practical Info
The Paris-Story is located on rue Scribe, close to the Palais Garnier. The site is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Adult admission costs €11.
Address: 11bis Rue Scribe, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: €11
From $ 11
Panth eon
The Panthéon, which dates back to 1790, is one of Paris’ most striking monuments. A fine example of early neoclassical architecture, the mausoleum houses the remains of some of France's most revered artists and writers, among them Rousseau, Voltaire, Zola, and Dumas.
The Basics
Situated at the heart of Paris’ atmospheric Latin Quarter, the Panthéon makes a popular photo stop on walking or bike tours of the Left Bank. Independent visitors can save time by pre-booking skip-the-line tickets; additionally, entrance is free to Paris Museum Pass holders.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors are required to undergo security checks and large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside.
- Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.
- The Panthéon interiors are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Paris Panthéon is located at the Place du Panthéon in Paris’ Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. You can easily walk to the Panthéon from nearby attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Luxembourg Gardens; alternatively, the closest Metro stop is Maubert-Mutualité (Line 10).
When to Get There
The Panthéon is open daily year round, but it can get busy in the peak summer months. Opt for a mid-week or early-morning visit to escape the crowds, or visit after dark when the grand monument is dramatically illuminated.
Exploring the Panthéon
Built as church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève, the original Panthéon was the work of architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot and deconsecrated in the 19th century. Today, visitors can admire its Corinthian columns and magnificent dome, then head inside to explore the crypt, see Foucault's Pendulum, and climb the 206 steps to the colonnade, which offers views of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Address: Place du Panthéon, Paris 75005, France
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm
Closed: January 1, May 1 and December 25
Admission: Adult: 9 €
From $ 10
Musee Delacroix
Celebrated French Romantic artist Eugène Delacroix spent the final years of his life in this house in Paris’ 6th arrondissement. The Musée Delacroix features works from every stage of the artist’s life, including over a thousand paintings, drawings, and writings. The museum also features works by artists inspired by his legacy.
The Basics
Visitors have plenty of options for purchasing admission to the Musée Delacroix in advance. Choose a multi-day Paris Museums Pass and gain entry to more than 50 area monuments and museums including the Musée Delacroix. Those who want to see as much as possible in Paris should consider a museum pass that includes unlimited public transportation to save both time and money.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Musée Delacroix is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
- Save time in admission lines by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass ahead of time.
- Some of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The metro is by far the easiest way to get around Paris. Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, the Musée Delacroix is within walking distance of the Mabillon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés metro stops. The museum is also easily accessible by bus or bike and is within walking distance from the Louvre.
When to Get There
The Musée Delacroix can be visited year-round and is closed on Tuesdays. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum is open in the evening, a good time to go to beat the crowds. Museum staff offer several free guided tours each afternoon.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Musée Delacroix is located at the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, one of Paris’ most charming neighborhoods. A favorite of artists, writers, and intellectuals, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is bursting with chic shops, bohemian cafés, art galleries, antique shops, and famed restaurants. The 6th arrondissement is also home to the Latin Quarter and the exquisite Luxembourg Gardens.
Address: 6 Rue de Furstenberg, Paris, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Mus ee Nissim De Camondo
The Musée Nissim de Camondo is more of a portal into the past than it is your run-of-the-mill museum. It is housed in the Hôtel Camondo, not a hotel but a home built in 1911 in the style of the Petit Trianon at Versailles on the strict instructions of its owner, Comte Moïse de Camondo. Comte Camondo was a Parisian banker with a penchant for 18th-century art and furniture, and his home was a kind of showcase for his extensive collection. Today the Musée Nissim de Camondo is kept just as it was when he lived there, and it's a fascinating tour of life in the early 1900s as well as French design in the 1700s.
Practical Info
The Musée Nissim de Camondo is at 63, rue de Monceau in the eighth arrondissement. Simply take the M2 to Monceau, and you're there!
Photo courtesy of Les Arts Décoratifs.
Photo courtesy of Les Arts Décoratifs.
Address: 63 Rue de Monceau, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Mon - Tue: Closed
Wed - Sun: 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: 7,50 €
From $ 95
Musee Gustave Moreau
French Symbolist painted Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) spent the last years of his life alone in a small provincial house he’d purchased in 1852. Since he had no family to pass along his artwork to, he decided to bequeath his estate and all the paintings and drawings found within to the state of France.
Today, this former private home serves as a museum for Moreau’s work. Set up by Moreau himself and opened in 1903, the museum showcases the artist’s private collection of family portraits, souvenirs and personal mementos on the first floor and his paintings, inspired by fantastical scenes from Greek mythology and the Bible in the light-filled studios on the top two floors. Six rooms on the ground floor, previously closed to the public, were recently opened after extensive renovation and offer a look at life during the nineteenth century.
Practical Info
The Musee Gustave Moreau is accessible via metro stops Trinité, Saint Georges and Pigalle. It’s closed on Tuesdays.
Address: 14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, Paris, France
Hours: Closed on Tuesdays
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 12.45pm and 2pm - 5.15pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10am - 5.15pm
Admission: €6
From $ 7
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
One of Paris' most picturesque picnic spots, the tree-lined Parc des Buttes Chaumont was commissioned by Napoleon III back in 1867, adding a welcome splash of greenery to the bleary residential streets of Paris' 19th arrondissement. The park’s 25 hectares rise and fall over a series of hills, pocked with hidden caves, vibrant flower displays and gurgling streams. One of the largest parks in the city, Parc des Buttes Chaumont offers around 5 km of walking and cycling tracks, blazing a trail between attractions like the Chinese and English-style gardens and an atmospheric grotto housing a 20-meter waterfall. The majestic Temple of Sybil (Belvedere Sybil), a Greco-Roman homage to the Temple of the Sibyl in Tivoli, is the striking centerpiece of the park, perched on a 30-meter grassy pedestal in the center of the park’s lake. Visitors can visit the island via a 63-meter long suspension bridge, from where the views stretch over the park and its surroundings.
Those spending an afternoon in the park, will find plenty to keep them amused -- the space hosts three restaurants, two Guignol theaters where traditional marionette shows are held, a number of well-equipped children’s playgrounds and children’s pony rides throughout the summer months. And if you ever tire of all the natural scenery, don’t worry -- the park even has free wifi zones.
Those spending an afternoon in the park, will find plenty to keep them amused -- the space hosts three restaurants, two Guignol theaters where traditional marionette shows are held, a number of well-equipped children’s playgrounds and children’s pony rides throughout the summer months. And if you ever tire of all the natural scenery, don’t worry -- the park even has free wifi zones.
Practical Info
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is located in the northeast section of Paris in the 19th arrondissement.
Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, Paris 75019, France
From $ 37
Parc Zoologique et Chateau de Thoiry
Parc Zoologique et Chateau is a 370 acre zoo, castle, and botanical garden in the town of Thoiry, France. The biggest section of the zoo covers 240 acres and has a road running through it for five miles. It is the African Reserve section, and visitors drive through in their own car while the animals roam freely. Some of the animals you can see here include horses, bears, bison, wildebeest, greater and lesser kudu, camels, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and elephants. In the walk-through section of the zoo, you can see tigers, leopards, gibbons, red pandas, lemurs, macaques, cheetahs, wolves, pygmy goats, and Komodo dragons.
The 16th century chateau is still home to the Counts of La Panouse, but some sections are open to the public with guides dressed in costume. The castle was designed as a solar calendar with the garden walkways as the hands. On the summer and winter solstices, the sun rises and sets in the castle windows as if it is coming out of the castle itself. The castle is surrounded by 95 acres of landscaped gardens and trees.
Practical Info
Parc Zoologique et Chateau de Thoiry is located 33 miles west of Paris and can be reached using route N12. The zoo and safari park are open 10am to 5pm in the winter and 10am to 6pm in the summer. The castle is open 11am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 6pm in the winter and for the whole day from 11am to 7pm in the summer. Admission is 30 euros.
Address: Rue du Pavillon de Montreuil, Thoiry, France
Admission: 30 euros
From $ 34
Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes)
The Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes) date back to the 1700s, when the ossuary was formed from an old underground quarry. Over the years, more and more remains were brought here from overcrowded cemeteries to make room for the city's development, up until 1860. For those with an interest, it’s a fascinating look at a former burial practice.
The Basics
A Catacombs tour takes you 135 feet (20 meters) below ground to explore this subterranean world of skeletal remains. You’ll cover just under one mile (1.5 km), which takes about 45 minutes. The Catacombs of Paris aren’t usually part of standard city tours, so they’re often experienced on a standalone tour. Book a skip-the-line ticket to bypass the queue, or make your sightseeing even easier by selecting combo admission to both the Catacombs and the Eiffel Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Buy a ticket in advance to avoid waiting in a long line; visitors are limited to 200 at a time.
- You may want to bring a layer, as the temperature is 57° F (14° C) in the Catacombs.
- There is no cloakroom, so bring only what you want to carry with you.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll go down 130 steps and up 83 steps to return to street level.
- The Catacombs tour is not for everyone—you will be underground and see human bones, so it's not recommended for those with sensitive disposition or young children. And unfortunately, the site is not accessible for those with limited mobility or recommended for those with heart or respiratory problems.
How to Get There
The Catacombs are located in Paris' 14th arrondissement. The Denfert-Rochereau metro and RER station puts you right by the entrance on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.
When to Get There
The Catacombs are open every day except Mondays and some bank holidays. The experience is the same by day and in the evening, as you’re underground and the lighting is artificial. For fewer crowds, book a morning visit.
Other Things to Do in the 14th Arrondissement
This section of Paris is not the city’s most visited, as it’s away from the Seine near the southern edge of the city limits. If you’re making the trip to visit the Catacombs, take advantage of being in the 14th to check out other attractions such as the 56th-floor observation deck of Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Cemetery, where writers and intellectuals such as Charles Baudelaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir are buried.
Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Roi-Tanguy, Paris, Ile-de-France 75014, France
Admission: € 8-12 for adults
From $ 29
Parc de la Villette
Holding the title of Paris’ largest park at around 25 hectares, Parc de la Villette is made up of a series of themed gardens, known as ‘prairies’, set around the banks of the l'Ourq Canal. There’s more on offer than just an idyllic setting, though – the park’s interactive play areas, cycle paths and event spaces, along with one of the city’s most popular museums offer plenty of options for a family day out.
The park is characterized by its modernist sculptures and installations, including around 35 fire-engine red follies dotted along the canal banks, a striking sight against the futuristic silhouettes of the park’s buildings. Three concert halls reside in the park – the Zenith Concert Hall and the Cite de la Musique, both important music halls, and the striking Grand Hall, a former livestock showground transformed by architects Bernard Reichen and Philippe Robert into a popular cultural center and performance arena. The City of Science and Industry, Europe’s largest science museum, is also on-site, fronted by the iconic Omnimax cinema, La Géode - a building constructed inside a giant silver ball. Film and music fans can even enjoy alfresco entertainment during the summer months, when the nearby Prairie du Triangle is transformed into an open-air cinema, and a number of music concerts and festivals are held in the park grounds.
Even the gardens themselves continue the postmodernist theme, designed by renowned architect Bernard Tschumi and including a Dragon garden, presided over by a towering ‘Dragon slide’, a firm favorite among visiting children; a Mirror Garden, where mirrored panels have been erected among the trees to dramatic effect and a pretty Bamboo Garden where shaded paths trace a scenic walk through the woodlands.
The park is characterized by its modernist sculptures and installations, including around 35 fire-engine red follies dotted along the canal banks, a striking sight against the futuristic silhouettes of the park’s buildings. Three concert halls reside in the park – the Zenith Concert Hall and the Cite de la Musique, both important music halls, and the striking Grand Hall, a former livestock showground transformed by architects Bernard Reichen and Philippe Robert into a popular cultural center and performance arena. The City of Science and Industry, Europe’s largest science museum, is also on-site, fronted by the iconic Omnimax cinema, La Géode - a building constructed inside a giant silver ball. Film and music fans can even enjoy alfresco entertainment during the summer months, when the nearby Prairie du Triangle is transformed into an open-air cinema, and a number of music concerts and festivals are held in the park grounds.
Even the gardens themselves continue the postmodernist theme, designed by renowned architect Bernard Tschumi and including a Dragon garden, presided over by a towering ‘Dragon slide’, a firm favorite among visiting children; a Mirror Garden, where mirrored panels have been erected among the trees to dramatic effect and a pretty Bamboo Garden where shaded paths trace a scenic walk through the woodlands.
Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris 75019, France
From $ 23
River Seine
The lifeblood of Paris, the River Seine plays many roles in the city: It separates the Right Bank from the Left Bank, acting as a dividing line between Paris’ historically sophisticated and bohemian halves; it provides transportation via riverboat and plenty of opportunity for romantic strolls; and its riverbanks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with the city’s top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, and the Louvre.
The Basics
One of the best ways to see the Seine is to walk along it, particularly on the central stretch from Les Invalides to Ile Saint-Louis, where you can zigzag across the river on bridges such as Pont Alexandre III, Pont Royal, and Pont des Arts to see some of the most elegant and well-known architecture in France. Alternatively, a Seine River cruise allows you to rest your legs and admire the same sights; book a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise to combine your sightseeing with a French meal, or opt for an Eiffel Tower combo to enjoy two of Paris’ most popular activities in one tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Running through Paris’ main tourist areas, the river’s hard to miss; you won’t have to go far to find it.
- More than 30 bridges span the Seine within Paris city limits.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the banks and bridges.
- Be prepared for crowds on popular bridges like Pont des Arts.
How to Get There
Bordering 10 of Paris’ 20 arrondissements—the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 13th, 15th, and 16th—the Seine is within walking distance of many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. By Metro, get off at Alma-Marceau, Invalides, Pont Neuf, or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station to reach the most central stretch of the river.
When to Get There
For a tranquil walk, head to the river in the early morning hours before most of the crowds and commuters arrive. Or go for an after-dinner stroll to take in the reflections of the City of Light on the water.
Exploring Canal Saint-Martin
In northeast Paris, the Canal Saint-Martin district is home to smaller waterways where footbridges and trendy locals replace the Seine’s traffic and tourists. Enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere and watch boats on the locks with a wander along the tree-shaded paths.
Address: France
From $ 16
Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)
With more than 61 acres (25 hectares) of flower-lined lawns, formal French gardens, and shady chestnut groves, the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) are one of Paris’ most idyllic green spaces. On sunny afternoons, this is the Left Bank picnic spot of choice for fashionable Parisians.
The Basics
No sightseeing tour of the Latin Quarter and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood would be complete without a stroll through the manicured Luxembourg Gardens, a perfect spot for walking tour or biking tour. In addition to admiring the sculptures and monuments—including the Marie de Médicis fountain and the Pavillon Davioud—visitors can explore the Luxembourg Palace (Palais de Luxembourg), tour the Luxembourg Museum (Musée de Luxembourg), and stroll around the Orangerie, a 19th-century building that still houses citrus trees. Feeling romantic? Take advantage of the scenery and renew your wedding vows here—it’s become a popular trend in recent years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee to enter the park, but opening hours vary throughout the year.
- The park is fully wheelchair accessible, and accessible restrooms are located at the Auguste-Comte entrance.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the park.
How to Get There
The Luxembourg Gardens straddle Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter in Paris’ 6th Arrondissement on the Left Bank of the Seine River. Bordered by Rue de Vaugirard to the north, Rue Auguste Comte to the south, and Rue Guynemer and Boulevard Saint-Michel to the west and east, the park is reachable on foot from the Latin Quarter and nearby attractions such as the Panthéon (a 10-minute walk). The closest metro station is the Odeon (Line 6) and the nearest RER station is Luxembourg (Line C).
When to Get There
The park is open year-round; each season has its charms. You’ll find open-air entertainment and festivals in summer, flowers in spring, foliage in autumn, and Christmas decorations around the holidays. The park gets busy on sunny afternoons, so if you’re hoping to take photos with crowd-free backgrounds, aim for an early-morning visit.
Family Fun at the Luxembourg Gardens
The park has a number of family-friendly activities. Take the kids to visit the beehives, try their hand at a pony ride, steer a rented model sailboat around the Grand Bassin lake, or play tennis. There’s also a playground, plus puppet shows, at the pint-sized Théâtre du Luxembourg.
Address: Boulevard St Michel, Paris 75006, France
Hours: Daily from 8am until sunset (7:30am in Summer).
Admission: Free
From $ 372
Palais Royal
Located across from the Louvre in the heart of Paris, the Palais-Royal is an architectural highlight known for its scenic gardens and regal heritage. Originally named the Palais-Cardinal—it was built for Cardinal Richelieu in 1633—the palace later housed French royalty until Versailles was completed in 1682.
The Basics
While it’s often overshadowed by the world-famous art museum next door, the Palais-Royal boasts its own cultural legacy, oasis-like gardens, and architectural grandeur. Today, the landmark serves multiple functions; for one, it’s the seat of several government bodies, including the Constitutional Council, the Council of State, and the Ministry of Culture. It also contains La Comédie Française, one of the oldest still-active theaters in the world, the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, another centuries-old theater, and Le Grand Véfour, a Michelin-starred restaurant whose origins date to 1784.
Given its convenient location, the Palais-Royal is a stop on numerous tours, including bike tours, history- and architecture-themed walking tours, and private driving tours of Paris.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The palace complex and its gardens are free to visit.
- Jacques Lemercier, the architect who built the Palais-Royal, also designed the Sorbonne.
- In September, the state rooms at the Palais-Royal are open to visitors as part of the European Heritage Days event.
- The Palais-Royal hosts numerous special events throughout the year, from Easter Egg hunts to Fête de la Musique concerts.
How to Get There
Given its perfectly central location in Paris’ 1st arrondissement, the Palais-Royal couldn’t be simpler to access. Take Métro lines 1 or 7 to the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre stop, which is just steps away. You can also take the 21, 27, 39, 48, 69, 72, 81, or 95 bus lines. The Palais-Royal is also easily accessed on foot, by car, or by Vélib’ bike.
When to Get There
Between October and March, the Palais-Royal is open daily from 7:30am–8:30pm. From April to May it’s open from 7am–10:15pm; from June to August it’s open from 7am–11pm; and during September it’s open from 7am–9:30pm. Visitors are asked to clear the palace grounds 30 minutes prior to the official closing time.
The Colonnes de Buren
One of the Palais-Royal’s most distinctive (and controversial) elements is an art installation in its inner courtyard (the Cour d’Honneur). Created by artist Daniel Buren in 1985, Les Deux Plateaux (also known as the Colonnes de Buren) consists of numerous black-and-white striped columns.
Address: Place du Palais Royal, Paris 75001, France
From $ 24
Louvre
Primarily associated with the steady gaze of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa, Paris' Louvre museum is home to a 35,000-strong collection of paintings and sculptures considered one of the greatest in the world. The contemporary glass Louvre Pyramid heralds the museum's entrance, which millions of tourists flock to every year to feast their eyes on masterpieces that span from antiquity to the 20th century.
The Basics
How to Get to the Louvre
Located next to the Seine River in central Paris, the Louvre is easy to find. Catch Metro line 1 or 7 to the Palais Royal/Musee du Louvre station.
The Basics
Highlights of the antiquity section include the Seated Scribe, the Jewels of Rameses II, and the armless Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo. From the Renaissance, don't miss Michelangelo's Slaves sculpture or the famous works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. French masterpieces from the 19th century include Ingres' La Grande Odalisque, Gericault's The Raft of the Medusa, and the work of David and Delacroix.
The large crowds attracted by the Louvre are evidence of the museum's global fame—book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long lines and save precious sightseeing time. And whether you're a lifelong art fan or a creative novice, exploring the museum with a tour guide is an excellent way to ensure you see all of its highlights and hidden gems. Take a tailored private tour if your interests lie in a particular area, or opt for the skip-the-line and audio guide package if you prefer browsing independently. If you're short on time, choose a sightseeing tour that combines a visit to the Louvre with stops at the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, or take in city sights from the water on a Seine River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Louvre always has big crowds—book skip-the-line entry to save time.
- Photography of certain major works inside the Louvre is prohibited.
- A Paris museum pass (valid for your choice of two, four, or six consecutive days) includes skip-the-line access at the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay, while also covering entry to other top attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Napoleon's Tomb.
- Family-friendly Louvre tours tailored to entertain children are available.
Located next to the Seine River in central Paris, the Louvre is easy to find. Catch Metro line 1 or 7 to the Palais Royal/Musee du Louvre station.
When to Get There
On Friday evenings, the Louvre stays open until 9:45pm, making it a great time to enjoy the museum with fewer crowds. You'll also see the pyramid majestically illuminated. From October through March, access to the Louvre's permanent collection is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Place du Louvre, Paris 75058, France
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9am–6 pm; Wednesday, Friday: 9am–9:45pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Palais du Luxembourg
A highlight of the sixth arrondissement, the Palais du Luxembourg was built as a residence for former Queen of France Marie de’ Medici in 1625. Though the palace has lost none of its luster in the ensuing centuries, its purpose has changed: the once-regal address now houses the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament.
The Basics
The Palais du Luxembourg has taken on numerous guises throughout its history. Originally created as a royal palace, it served as a prison during the French Revolution, housed senators appointed by Napoleon, and was occupied during World War II. Today, it houses the French Senate; as a result, you’ll often hear the building referred as “the Sénat.” Built in the Italianate style, and inspired by Florence’s Pitti Palace, the Palais du Luxembourg is also flanked by the Jardin du Luxembourg, a manicured public park that’s among the most popular in the city.
Generally, visiting hours are limited to days when the Senate is not in session (typically Mondays and Fridays) and group tours must receive advanced approval to visit. Otherwise, walking tours through the Jardin du Luxembourg are an excellent way to get acquainted with the site and admire the palace’s impressive exterior.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For organized group tours of the palace, the Senate recommends requesting a reservation roughly three months in advance.
- The Senate’s debates, typically held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, are open to the public, but visitors must obtain an invitation from a senator.
- The Jardin du Luxembourg, modeled on Florence’s Boboli Gardens, contains numerous fountains, statues, greenhouses, and other attractions.
How to Get There
Take Métro lines 4 or 10 to the Odéon, Mabillon, or Saint-Sulpice stations, which are all located just a short stroll away. The RER B additionally stops at the Luxembourg station. Alternatively, buses 58, 84, 89, and 96 stop nearby. The site can also be accessed on foot, by Velib’, or by car.
When to Get There
During the third weekend of September, the Senate opens its doors to visitors during European Heritage Days. Otherwise, while the Palais du Luxembourg can be tricky for visitors to access, the Jardin du Luxembourg appeals to flâneurs year round.
The Musée du Luxembourg
Located just steps from the Palais du Luxembourg, the eponymous museum is also a worthy stop. Originally located within the palace walls, it moved to its current location (in the palace’s orangery) in the 19th century. Today, it hosts a changing roster of temporary exhibitions.
Address: 15 rue de Vaugirard, Paris 75291, France
From $ 45
Paris Aquarium (Aquarium de Paris)
Also known as Cinéaqua, the Paris Aquarium is one of the three aquariums in the city and is technically the oldest aquarium in the world, having opened its doors in 1867. The aquarium’s décor is largely inspired by French writer Jules Vernes’ novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, a theme that truly sets the tone for discovery.
It now houses 10,000 different animal and invertebrates of 500 species (including rays, unicorn fish, angelfish, hermit crabs, puffer fish and fairy basslet) as well as 9,000 plant specimens and 600 corals, located in 43 basins spread over 3500 square meters! Marine wildlife comes from all corners of the world, from the Atlantic Ocean to Polynesia and New Caledonia.
The big-ticket attraction is undoubtedly the shark basin, which contains 3 million liters of water and 38 sharks of seven different species. It is, in fact, the largest artificial basin in France. Most of the attractions are kids-oriented, and the aquarium offers several educational animations, workshops and shows throughout the day.
Practical Info
The Paris Aquarium is located at Trocadéro, right across the Eiffel Tower. It is easily accessible by metro, with stops Trocadéro and Iéna close by. Entry costs €20.50 per adult and €13 per children for a day-time visit and € 27.90 per adult and €22.90 per child for a night-time visit. The aquarium is open daily (except July 14th) from 10AM and 7PM.
Address: 5 Avenue Albert de Mun, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
Admission: €13-€27.90
From $ 24
Musee Jacquemart-Andre
Far from being just another Paris hotel particulier with staggering history, Musee Jacquemart-Andre came to be in 1876 after Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart bequeathed the mansion and its collections to the Institut de France as a museum; having traveled extensively throughout their lives, the elegant couple had amassed one of the finest collections of Italian art in France, and their home was one of the most lavish properties in all of Paris at the time. The museum officially opened its doors in 1916.
The visit is divided into five major parts: the State Apartments (with a strong accent on French school of painting and 18th century decorative art), the Informal Apartments (where the Andrés would receive their business relations), the Winter Garden (which is famous for its splendid and inventive design), the Italian Museum (which houses 15th- and 16th-century Italian sculptures, the Florentine Gallery and its religious works, a picture gallery focusing on the Florentine school, the Venice Gallery, all of which are located in a hall that resembles a typical Venetian Palazzo) and at last, the Private Apartments (which are located on the mansion's ground floor and were graciously donated by the Andrés' in order give the museum the feel of a family home).
Practical Info
Musee Jacquemart-Andre is located is Paris’ 8th arrondissement on upscale boulevard Haussmann. Driving anywhere in Paris is highly unadvisable; public transit is readily available near the museum, with metro stops Miromesnil, Monceau and Saint-Philipe-du-Roule very close by. The museum is also within walking distance from Champs-Élysées and Saint-Lazare train station. It is open every day from 10am to 6PM, and until 8:30pm on Mondays and Saturdays during exhibitions. Entry costs €12 per adult and €10 for children aged 7-17 and students.
Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 10am to 6PM, and until 8:30pm on Mondays and Saturdays during exhibitions.
Admission: €12 per adult and €10 for children and students
From $ 16
Paradis Latin
Just steps from the Boulevard Saint-Germain in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Paradis Latin is one of Paris’ liveliest and most history-saturated cabaret venues. Originally built in 1803 and restored by Gustave Eiffel in 1887, the cabaret still hosts its revue show—which blends can-can dancing, music, acrobatics, and more—today.
The Basics
The famed Paradis Latin has a history full of twists, turns, and surprising characters—Napoleon Bonaparte, for one, who ordered the construction of the Latin Theatre (a predecessor to the Paradis Latin) in 1803. Though it was damaged in a fire during the Franco-Prussian War and forced to close, the theater was revamped and renamed under Gustave Eiffel, who decked it out with metal fixtures and a glass cupola in time for the 1889 World’s Fair. With additional periods of closure and renovation behind it, the thriving cabaret hosts its signature show, Paradis à la Folie, most evenings.
The Paradis Latin is an in-demand destination that attracts crowds, so book your tickets in advance. Choose from options that include dinner or Champagne and macarons on the side; upgrade to VIP seating, which affords the best views in the house.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Paradis à la Folie, the current show, has been performed since 2008 and includes 15 different rousing scenes.
- A smart-casual dress code is recommended; while jeans and sneakers are permitted, sportswear and beachwear are not.
- The Paradis Latin is accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Access the Paradis Latin via the Métro; the 10 line stops at Cardinal Lemoine, and the 7 and 10 lines also stop at the nearby Jussieu. You can also take the 47, 63, 67, 86, and 87 bus lines, which stop nearby. Given its convenient Latin Quarter location, the theater is also accessible by car, on foot, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
The Paradis Latin is open from Wednesday–Monday, and holds regular evening performances (as well as lunchtime, matinee shows on select dates). It also hosts special revue shows for select holidays, like Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
French Can-can Workshop
Impressed by the Paradis Latin’s dancers, and curious about the can-can? The theater hosts a monthly workshop that will teach you the basics of this classic dance style.
Address: 28, rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 75005, France
From $ 87
St Etienne du Mont
In a city filled with beautiful churches and cathedrals the likes of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, St Etienne du Mont remains one of the prettiest ecclesiastical buildings in Paris. Built between 1492 and 1655, the Gothic and Renaissance-style church in the city’s Latin Quarter houses the lone rood screen remaining in Paris, dating back to 1535.
Ste Genevieve, the patron of the city, was interred in the church’s southeastern corner before French revolutionaries destroyed her remains. Today, her ornate tomb includes a reliquary housing all that was left, a sole finger bone. Jean Racine and Blaise Pascal, two of the city’s most famous intellectuals, are also buried within the church.
Other items of note include the oldest pipe organ case in Paris (carved in 1631 by Jehan Buron), a baroque pulpit from 1651 and a series of stained glass windows dating from the early sixteenth century through the first part of the seventeenth century.
Practical Info
St Etienne du Mont is closed on Mondays. While visitors are welcome to attend services, they’re asked not to wander the church during times of worship.
Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, France
Hours: Closed Mondays
From $ 29
Mus ee Rodin
Housed in the 18th-century mansion of Hôtel Biron, the Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin) is devoted to the life and works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, and displays more than 6,600 sculptures throughout its exhibition rooms and garden.
The Basics
Visitors can opt for a single Musée Rodin Paris admission ticket, combined entrance to the museum and sculpture gardens, or a combination ticket for the Musée Rodin and the nearby Musée d'Orsay. To learn more about Rodin’s masterpieces, opt for a private tour of the museum and sculpture garden. If you don’t want to explore the museum on detail, you can simply admire the museum’s striking façade on a bike or Segway tour.
Art and history lovers can also maximize their time in the city with a Paris Museum Pass, which offers access to more than 50 museums and monuments, including the Rodin Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Panthéon, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors are required to pass security checks to enter the museum, and large bags and suitcases are prohibited.
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café.
- Audio guides are available in several different languages.
- The Rodin Museum is wheelchair accessible; entrance is free for disability-badge holders.
How to Get There
The Musée Rodin is located on Rue de Varenne in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, close to Les Invalides. You can walk to the museum from the Eiffel Tower (20 to 25 minutes on foot). The the closest Metro stations are Varenne (Line 13) and Invalides (Line 8 and 13).
When to Get There
The museum is open every day except Mondays, year round. The quietest time to visit is on a weekday, and the best time to explore the gardens is in spring and summer, when the roses are in bloom.
Highlights of the Musée Rodin Paris
Rodin’s legendary sculpture The Thinker is one of the museum’s star attractions, but other notable works include The Age of Bronze, The Gates of Hell, and The Hand of God. Visitors can also stroll through the idyllic sculpture garden, where highlights include the Garden of Orpheus, the Garden of Springs, and a series of magnificent rose gardens, and visit the impressively renovated chapel, which serves as a temporary exhibition room. For those keen to see even more, a second collection of Rodin’s works can be found at the Musée Rodin Meudon, located in the Villa des Brillants, the artist’s former home in Meudon, just outside Paris.
Address: 79 Rue de Varenne, Paris 75007, France
Hours: Mon: Closed
Tue-Sun: 10am–5:45pm
Admission: Full Rate: 10 € and 18-25 years old: 7€ (Free if part of the EU)
From $ 12
Musee de la Monnaie
Housed in the Palais Conti, the neoclassical eighteenth century royal mint building, the Musee de la Monnaie traces the history of global and French coinage from its pre-Roman roots through modern times. The Monnaie de Paris, the royal mint, was founded in 864, making it one of the longest standing institutions in the country. While the mint was moved to a different location in 1973, the Monnaie de Paris still produces limited edition coins, medals, weights and measures within the Palais Conti.
Currently undergoing major renovations, the museum is slated to feature interactive exhibits, hands-on machinery, a workshop where visitors can watch artisans at work and a collection of some 140,000 objects, 20 percent of which are coins. The upgraded space will also include a Zen garden, concept store and two restaurants (a flagship and a brasserie) by Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy. Rotating exhibitions highlight some of the biggest names in contemporary art.
Practical Info
The nearest metro stops to the Musee de la Monnaie are Pont Neuf on Line 7, Odéon on Lines 4 and 10, and Saint-Michel on Line 10.
Address: 11, quai de Conti, Paris 75006, France
Admission: 12€
From $ 81