Choose from 198 Fun Things to Do in Paris
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Victor Hugo House (Maison de Victor Hugo)
Located on the picturesque Place des Vosges in the Marais district of Paris, the Victor Hugo House pays tribute to the French poet and novelist famous for such classics as Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Today, the Hugo family apartment is a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works.
The Basics
A visit to the Victor Hugo House is included in most guided tours of the Marais district and on literary tours of Paris. The museum focuses on his life before, during, and after his self-imposed exile from 1860s Napoleonic France. Visitors can tour the rooms—sumptuously decorated by Hugo himself, who had an interest in interior decor—in which he wrote and lived from 1832 to 1848, including the bed he passed away in from pneumonia.
The Victor Hugo House contains manuscripts and correspondence belonging to Hugo and even some first editions of his work. Temporary exhibitions pertain to the author’s life, and an immense library is open to the public by appointment.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Victor Hugo House is a must-see for literary buffs and Les Miserable fans.
- Admission to the permanent exhibit is free, but there is a charge to view the temporary exhibits.
- The house is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available at the reception area.
How to Get There
The metro is the easiest way to get around Paris. Taking metro line 1, 5, or 8 to the Bastille stop will get you within a 5-minute walk of the Victor Hugo House. Driving is not recommended since finding parking is difficult, but parking spots are available at the museum for disabled visitors.
When to Get There
The Victor Hugo House is open to visitors daily except for Mondays and French holidays. If you’re interested in the temporary exhibits or talks and special workshops the museum organizes for young visitors, check the museum website to see what special events are happening during your visit.
The Place des Vosges
Originally known as the Place Royale, the Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, built by Henri IV in the early 1600s. This beautifully manicured park, surrounded by 17th-century townhomes including the Victor Hugo House, is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch after touring the museum.
Address: 6 Place des Vosges, Paris 75004, France
From $ 39
Walt Disney Studios Park
Most visitors to Disneyland Paris make a beeline for the Disneyland Park, but don’t miss out on a trip to the adjoining Walt Disney Studios Park too, where you’ll find even more shows, rides and Disney-themed fun. The smaller of Disneyland Paris’ two theme parks is devoted to unveiling the magic behind the movies and it’s designed like a Hollywood movie studio, with four distinct areas - Front Lot, Toon Studios, Production Courtyard and Backlot.
As well as taking a studio tram tour, watching dazzling displays of stunts and special effects and learning how your favorite Disney films were created, there’s also a host of thrilling rides and iconic Disney characters to meet. Highlights include the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, Ratatouille: The Ride, Flying Carpets Over Agrabah, and the Toy Story Playland.
Disneyland© Paris
Disneyland© Paris
Practical Info
Walt Disney Studios Park is located at Disneyland Paris, 32 km east of central Paris, and can be reached by train from the city or shuttle bus from the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.
Address: Place des Passagers du Vent, Chessy, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Paris’ most famous independent bookstore, dating back to 1919, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is renowned as the one-time haunt of literary icons like Ezra Pound, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Ford Madox Ford.
The legendary Shakespeare and Company store was opened by American ingénue Sylvia Beach, who fashioned the shop into a creative haven where penniless writers congregated to share ideas, borrow books and even crash down on the shop floors. Sylvia even made history by publishing James Joyce's 1922 Ulysses when every other publisher refused. Situated in the art district of Paris' Left Bank, the original bookstore was located on Rue Dupuytren, before moving to larger premises on Rue de l’Odeon in 1922, then finally shutting its doors in 1941 during WWII German occupation.
The legacy of the bookstore now lives on in George Whitman's Shakespeare and Company bookstore on Rue de La Bucherie, which opened up in 1951 under the name of Le Mistral but soon changed its name in tribute to the historic bookstore. In the heart of Paris, just a short stroll from Notre Dame, the bookstore soon regained its popularity, hosting an incredible roster of famous literary figures over the years -- beatnik poets Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso; writer and painter Henry Miller and celebrated French author Anaïs Nin, have all passed through.
Now run by George’s daughter Sylvia (named after the original proprietor), the iconic bookstore is a literary paradise for book lovers, with two floors crammed with classic volumes, second hand novels and modern titles, and the small library space hosting weekly readings, workshops and regular gatherings of fledgling writers.
The legendary Shakespeare and Company store was opened by American ingénue Sylvia Beach, who fashioned the shop into a creative haven where penniless writers congregated to share ideas, borrow books and even crash down on the shop floors. Sylvia even made history by publishing James Joyce's 1922 Ulysses when every other publisher refused. Situated in the art district of Paris' Left Bank, the original bookstore was located on Rue Dupuytren, before moving to larger premises on Rue de l’Odeon in 1922, then finally shutting its doors in 1941 during WWII German occupation.
The legacy of the bookstore now lives on in George Whitman's Shakespeare and Company bookstore on Rue de La Bucherie, which opened up in 1951 under the name of Le Mistral but soon changed its name in tribute to the historic bookstore. In the heart of Paris, just a short stroll from Notre Dame, the bookstore soon regained its popularity, hosting an incredible roster of famous literary figures over the years -- beatnik poets Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso; writer and painter Henry Miller and celebrated French author Anaïs Nin, have all passed through.
Now run by George’s daughter Sylvia (named after the original proprietor), the iconic bookstore is a literary paradise for book lovers, with two floors crammed with classic volumes, second hand novels and modern titles, and the small library space hosting weekly readings, workshops and regular gatherings of fledgling writers.
Address: 37 Rue de la Bucherie, Paris 75005, France
From $ 29
Villers-Bretonneux
Villers-Bretonneux is an important stop on the Australian Remembrance Trail of the Western Front, a popular route for visitors looking to learn more about that country's efforts in France during World War I. The Australian National Memorial remembers April 24, 1918–the day Australian troops pushed back against the Germans and retook the land they had gained.
But more importantly, the memorial lists over 10,000 soldiers from WWI for whom there is no grave. Also of note in Villers-Bretonneux is the Franco-Australian Museum, located in the Victoria School–by far the most iconic building in the village. Both the memorial and the surrounding cemetery are the setting of ANZAC Day events in France each year on April 25.
Practical Info
Villers-Bretonneux is located roughly 10 miles east of Amiens. It is about 15 minutes by local commuter train from Amiens and between two and three hours by train from Paris, depending on the route. The Australian National Memorial is a mile outside the town center; the tower is closed in inclement weather. The Franco-Australian Museum is closed on Sundays and over the Christmas holidays; otherwise it is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. from November through February and 5:30 p.m. the rest of the year.
Address: Villers-Bretonneux, France
From $ 230
Sainte Chapelle
Built by King Louis IX to house a relic of the crown of thorns—now kept at nearby Notre Dame Cathedral—the 13th-century Sainte Chapelle is renowned for its striking Gothic architecture and some of the most exquisite stained glass windows in Europe.
The Basics
The Sainte Chapelle is part of the Palais de la Cité, and entrance is included with the Paris Museum Pass. Visitors can purchase a combination ticket including skip-the-line access to both the chapel and the adjoining La Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned.
Official Sainte Chapelle tours are conducted in French only, so book a group or private tour if you want to explore the chapel with a guide. For the best value, opt for a walking tour of the Île de la Cité, which includes visits to other attractions such as the towers of Notre Dame or a Seine River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All visitors must go through a security check. Large bags are not allowed inside.
- Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.
- Most areas of the Sainte Chapelle are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Sainte Chapelle is located on the Boulevard du Palais, on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine River. It’s a short walk from nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, and the closest metro station is Cité (Line 4). Alternatively, ride the RER or metro (Line 4) to St.-Michel Notre-Dame and walk across the Pont Saint-Michel.
When to Get There
The Sainte Chapelle is open daily year-round, but it can get crowded in peak season, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. The most impressive time to admire the stained glass windows is in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun shines directly through the glass.
The Upper Chapel
The magnificent Upper Chapel is the star attraction of the Sainte Chapelle. It’s encircled by 15 gigantic stained glass windows, each towering 49 feet (15 meters) high, which depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The 13th-century artworks have been painstakingly restored and are joined by the 15th-century Rose Window to create a dramatic effect, bathing the chapel in multicolored light.
Address: 4 boulevard du Palais, Paris 75001, France
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: € 10 for adults
From $ 12
Versailles Chateau Gardens
Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles takes the award for the most visited château in France, and the magnificent Versailles Château Gardens are world renowned. A series of beautifully landscaped gardens, show-stopping fountains, and tree-lined pathways covering 800 hectares (1,976 acres), the gardens center on the cross-shaped Grand Canal.
The Basics
The gardens of Versailles are famous for their spectacular musical fountain shows and evening fireworks displays, held throughout the summer months.
Most visitors opt to discover Versailles on a half-day tour from Paris. With wait times lasting up to two hours, it’s worth booking skip-the-line entrance tickets if you plan to visit both the palace and gardens. You can explore the gardens on a self-guided tour, but visiting with a tour guide can be helpful if you have limited time or want to learn more about their history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan at least two hours to explore the gardens.
- Access to the gardens is free of charge, except on the days when Musical Fountains Shows take place.
- Electric golf carts are available to rent, and a mini-train runs between the palace, the Trianon palaces, the Queen’s Hamlet, and the Grand Canal.
- The Versailles Château Gardens contain a selection of restaurants and cafés, but picnics are not permitted.
- It can be breezy in the gardens even in summer, so bring a jacket.
- Free Wi-Fi points are located in the Main Courtyard and at the garden entrance, and a free Gardens of Versailles app is available to download.
- All visitors to the gardens must pass through security checks, and no large bags or suitcases are permitted.
How To Get There
The Palace of Versailles, 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside Paris, is easy to reach by train. RER C trains run from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, a 10-minute walk from the palace. SNCF trains run from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station. On arrival at the palace, direct entrance to the gardens is through the Courtyard of the Princes.
When to Get There
The Versailles Château Gardens are open year-round, but by far the most popular time to visit is in high season (April to October) when Musical Fountains Shows, Musical Gardens, and Fountains Night Shows take place. On show days an admission fee is charged, and it’s best to visit early in the morning or just before closing to avoid the busiest periods. Visiting in low season means smaller crowds, but for conservation purposes the fountains are switched off, the groves are closed, and many of the statues are covered.
A Walking Tour of the Versailles Château Gardens
The masterpiece of landscape architect André Le Nôtre, the stunning gardens of Versailles offer scenic walks through groves, around formal parterres, and past spectacular fountains. Stride down the Royal Walk, gaze out across the Great Lawn, stroll around the Orangerie, and admire Marie Antoinette’s Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon palaces. Additional highlights include Apollo’s Baths Grove, the Mirror Pool, Ballroom Grove, the Neptune Fountain, and Apollo’s Fountain, which looks out across the Grand Canal.
Address: Place d'Armes, Versailles 78000, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Stade de France
France’s national stadium, the Stade de France was originally built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in the suburban commune of Saint-Denis north of Paris. Today, both the France national football team and French rugby union team are at home in what is the fifth-largest stadium in Europe with a seating capacity of 81,338.
Many world-class events have been held here, including the FIFA World Cup, which drew thousands in 1998, the Race of Champions auto race, the World Championships in Athletics, the UEFA Champions League finals and the Rugby World Cup. With all of this, the Stade de France is the only stadium in the world to have hosted both a Football World Cup final and a Rugby World Cup final. In addition, the site often serves as a venue for major music concerts, having welcomed acts such as the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, U2, Céline Dion, AC/DC, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Madonna, to name a few.
Practical Info
Guided tours in English of the Stadium are available several times a day almost every day, except when major events are scheduled. Tours cost €15 per adult, €12 per student and €10 per child aged 5-18.
Address: 93216 Saint-Denis, Paris, Île-de-France 93216, France
Admission: Tours: €15
From $ 17
Sewers of Paris
A mind-boggling network of tunnels stretching for 2,100 kilometers beneath the French capital; the sewers of Paris are one of the most unique and impressive sewage systems in the world. The city’s first underground sewer dates back as early as 1370, but the innovative system still in place today started life in 1850, the masterwork of engineer Eugène Belgrand. The vast underground sewers now mirror the city streets above ground, and the tunnels serve not only as waste removal channels, but as host to the city’s water mains, telecommunication cables and traffic light cables.
Somewhat bizarrely, the Paris sewers have also served as a popular tourist attraction ever since the 19th and 20th century, when boat and wagon rides would whisk visitors on a tour of the city’s murky underworld. Today, a section of the sewers remains open to visitors beneath the Pont de l’Alma and tours offer the chance to explore the tunnels, and learn about the engineering marvel at the adjoining Paris Sewer Museum.
Practical Info
The Sewers of Paris are located beneath the city, with visits taking place in the section around the Pont de l’Alma on Paris’ Left Bank. Visits are by guided tour only.
Address: Paris 75007, France
From $ 61
Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace
The grandiose Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle (Château de Vaux-de-Vicomte) is one of France’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Designed by the same architects behind the Palace of Versailles, it’s a Baroque masterpiece surrounded by manicured French gardens, decorative moats, and traditional drawbridges.
The Basics
When visiting Vaux-le-Vicomte you can explore inside Nicolas Fouquet’s extravagant palace, where highlights include the King’s Room, Grand Salon, and the basement kitchens. Then take in the view from the Dome, stroll through the formal gardens, and visit the carriage museum. It’s possible to visit independently on an audio-guided tour, take a group or private tour from Paris, or even combine a Vaux-le-Vicomte tour with a visit to nearby attractions like Château Fontainebleau.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan at least three hours to visit the palace and gardens.
- Visitor facilities include gift shops, a bar, restaurants, picnic areas, and free parking.
- Audio guides are available in nine languages.
- The ground floor of the palace and the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, and electric golf carts are also available for rent. Strollers are not allowed inside the palace.
How to Get There
Vaux-le-Vicomte is just 34 miles (55 kilometers) southeast of Paris, around a 1-hour drive. To arrive by public transportation, take the train to Provins from Paris’ Gare de l’Est and get off at Verneuil l’Etang train station, from where the Châteaubus shuttle runs to the château. Alternatively, catch the train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon station to Melun station, from where it’s a short taxi ride.
When to Get There
The palace is open to the public daily from mid-March to the start of November. The busiest time is during July and August, when an early morning tour offers the best chance of avoiding the crowds. Alternatively, the most atmospheric time to visit is during the Candlelight Visits, held on Friday and Saturday nights from May to October, when the estate is illuminated with over 2,000 candles, live classical music is played in the garden, and champagne is served.
Architectural Highlights of Vaux-le-Vicomte
Built for aristocrat Nicolas Fouquet during the reign of King Louis XIV, Vaux-le-Vicomte is a remarkable example of 17th-century French Baroque style. The brainchild of architect Louis Le Vau, landscaper André le Nôtre, and designer Charles Le Brun, it’s known for its striking facade, dramatic dome, and lavishly decorated interiors, complete with gilded walls, statues, tapestries, and the era’s finest furnishings. The gardens are equally stunning, with fountains, canals, and stone curbs that create an optical illusion depending on your viewpoint. In fact, the estate is so extravagant, it’s thought to be part of the reason that Fouquet was eventually accused of embezzling state funds and the king imprisoned him until his death.
Address: Maincy, Seine-et-Marne, France
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Adults: €14.50 - 19.50
From $ 68
Villa Savoye
Located 20 miles (33 kilometers) northwest of Paris, Villa Savoye a Poissy (Villa Savoye for short) was built by Swiss-born architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret between 1928 and 1931. The architect, more popularly known as Le Corbusier, was a founding member of the International Congress on Modern Architecture and a major player in Paris’s avant-garde architectural movement.
Villa Savoye, built as a country retreat for the Savoye family, was the last project in Le Corbusier’s “white villa” period and one of the best examples of the International Style that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by rectilinear forms, flat surfaces without ornamentation or decoration, open interiors and the use of cantilever construction to give buildings a visual weightlessness.
Villa Savoye was eventually abandoned by its occupants and restored by the French government between 1964, when it was declared a historic monument while Le Corbusier was still living, and 1997.
Practical Info
Guided tours in English are available on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am and 2:30pm.
Address: 82 Rue de Villiers, Poissy, France
Hours: Closed on Monday
Admission: Adult: 7,50 €
From $ 9
Tour Montparnasse
A key element of Paris’ skyline, the Tour Montparnasse stands in monolithic, modern contrast to the Hausmannian boulevards below. Debuted in 1973, the tower was France’s tallest building for decades; its stark look has caused controversy since its unveiling. Even still, there’s no arguing with the panoramic views visitors can glean from its observation deck.
The Basics
Designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis de Hoÿm de Marien, the 59-story Tour Montparnasse irrevocably altered the Paris cityscape. Following its construction, the city levied a ban on new buildings exceeding seven stories; while that stricture has been relaxed somewhat in recent years, the tower still stands out from the rest of the city.
Its looks may not inspire rapturous praise, but its views certainly do. The building’s observation deck includes both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. From its heights, most of the City of Light can be glimpsed, from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Coeur and beyond. Various ticket packages cater to individual visitors and groups; you can also explore Tour Montparnasse on a private Paris tour or glimpsed it in passing on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tour Montparnasse’s observation deck is poised 656 feet (200 meters) above street level, and the elevator that ferries visitors to the top is among the fastest in Europe.
- The observation deck is equipped with interactive kiosks and touchscreens that will help you spot key Paris landmarks.
- Two-entry tickets to the Tour Montparnasse, available for a small additional fee, let visitors take in both daytime and evening skyline views.
- The tower’s gourmet restaurant, le Ciel de Paris (the Paris Sky), is the highest panoramic eatery in town.
How to Get There
The Tour Montparnasse, located in the 15th arrondissement, is just adjacent to the Gare Montparnasse: one of Paris’ largest train stations, which is served by numerous train lines, including the TGV. It also stands above the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station, which is accessible by lines 4, 6, 12, and 13.
When to Get There
The Tour Montparnasse is open to visitors seven days a week, 365 days per year, from 9:30am–11:30pm. If you can, avoid visiting during foggy or rainy days, or times of low visibility. Sunny days and neon-lit evenings both offer top-notch sightseeing potential.
What’s Next for the Tour Montparnasse
It’s true that the Tour Montparnasse’s looks are oft-maligned, but that’s poised to change. Inspired by the 2024 Paris Olympics, the tower’s facade will undergo a complete renovation in the coming years that promises to give it contemporary flair.
Address: Avenue du Maine, Paris 75015, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Rue Mouffetard Market
One of the oldest streets in Paris, running from Maubert place to the Saint Medard Square in Paris' Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard is built along the route of an ancient Roman Road. Today, the pedestrianized street is the lifeline of one of Paris' most atmospheric areas, with tourists flocking to visit its lively street market (open every day except Monday) and soak up the quaint Parisian feel.
The Rue Mouffetard market, close by the apartment where Ernest Hemingway once resided, has roots stretching back to as early as 1350AD and remains one of Paris’ most famous street markets. Stretching along the southern half of the street, the colorful market is characteristic of a medieval marketplace with a medley of stalls lining the cobblestones and cabaret singers often busking on the sidewalks to earn a few extra euros. Food is the main produce on offer and there’s an excellent array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood. Don’t miss the fragrant cheese stalls, of which there are many, where you’ll be treated to a passionate rundown of France’s most beloved cheeses and might even wrangle a few free tasters.
It’s not only the market itself that holds appeal for visitors. The surrounding buildings, some dating back to the 12th century, house an array of typically Parisian cafés, bistros and boulangeries (bakeries), renowned for their culinary flair. Stick around for a post-shopping lunch and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample traditional French delicacies and can satisfy your sweet tooth at some of the finest patisseries and crêperies (pancake houses) in the capital.
The Rue Mouffetard market, close by the apartment where Ernest Hemingway once resided, has roots stretching back to as early as 1350AD and remains one of Paris’ most famous street markets. Stretching along the southern half of the street, the colorful market is characteristic of a medieval marketplace with a medley of stalls lining the cobblestones and cabaret singers often busking on the sidewalks to earn a few extra euros. Food is the main produce on offer and there’s an excellent array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood. Don’t miss the fragrant cheese stalls, of which there are many, where you’ll be treated to a passionate rundown of France’s most beloved cheeses and might even wrangle a few free tasters.
It’s not only the market itself that holds appeal for visitors. The surrounding buildings, some dating back to the 12th century, house an array of typically Parisian cafés, bistros and boulangeries (bakeries), renowned for their culinary flair. Stick around for a post-shopping lunch and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample traditional French delicacies and can satisfy your sweet tooth at some of the finest patisseries and crêperies (pancake houses) in the capital.
Address: 116 Rue Mouffetard, Paris 75005, France
From $ 93
Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t'aime)
The Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je T'aime) is a massive work of art featuring the words “I love you” written in over 250 languages. Composed of 612 dark-blue tiles, this work by artist Frédéric Baron and calligraphist Claire Kito is a favorite meeting spot for lovers and offers more evidence that Paris is in fact the City of Love.
The Basics
A must-see for couples visiting Paris from around the world, the Wall of Love is a monument to love, peace, and harmony. The artist, Frédéric Baron, wanted to give lovers a meeting place and began collecting the words “I love you” in as many languages as he could. Splashes of color on the dark-blue wall represent broken hearts.
A visit to the Wall of Love in Jehan Rictus Square is often included in tours of the Montmartre district of Paris. The park is also a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and rest a bit before continuing your exploration of Montmartre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Wall of Love is a must-see for couples and honeymooners.
- The wall is open to visitors free of charge.
- Jehan Rictus Square is a good spot to take a rest on your Montmartre explorations.
- If you want to take a Wall of Love photograph without the crowds, arrive early in the morning.
How to Get There
The Wall of Love is located in Jehan Rictus Square in the Montmartre district of Paris. Montmartre is in the 18th arrondissement on the city’s right bank, just north of the infamous Pigalle red-light district. From central Paris, take metro line 12 to the Abbesses stop and you’ll be within a few minutes’ walk of the park.
When to Get There
Like many attractions in Paris, The Wall of Love can be visited year-round. Keep in mind that parks in Paris have opening and closing times that vary with the seasons, so the Jehan Rictus Square does closer earlier during the winter months. Visit early in the morning during the summer months for the chance to photograph the wall without the crowds.
Other Attractions in Montmartre
Located in the 18th arrondissement north of central Paris, Montmartre is one of the most colorful districts in the city. Visit the hilltop Sacré-Coeur Basilica, where you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city, and then wander the historical cobblestones and famous staircases of Montmartre’s North Slope.
Address: Square Jean Rictus, Place des Abbesses, Paris 75018, France
From $ 266
Tokyo Palace (Palais de Tokyo)
A stark, industrial space overlooking the Seine River and adjoining the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Tokyo Palace (Palais de Tokyo) offers a striking canvas for contemporary art installations. The gallery has no permanent exhibition; instead, it hosts an ever-changing series of contemporary art exhibitions in its gigantic exhibition hall, with past artists including Mika Rottenberg, Jean-Michel Alberola, Simon Evans, Stéphane Calais and Sara Favriau.
A modern meeting place for artists, the Tokyo Palace has earned a reputation for its innovative and interactive exhibitions, with works ranging from thought-provoking conceptual pieces to offbeat graffiti works and large-scale avant-garde pieces. Alongside the main exhibition hall, there’s also the Pavilion, a space devoted to upcoming artists; an art bookshop; and a terrace restaurant and café with views across the river to the Eiffel Tower.
Practical Info
The Tokyo Palace is located on avenue du Président Wilson in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, close to the Trocadéro. Opening hours are daily (except Tuesday) from midday to midnight and admission is €10.
Address: 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 75116, France
Hours: Opening hours are daily (except Tuesday) from midday to midnight
Admission: €10
From $ 138
École Militaire
The École Militaire is a large complex of buildings located in the 7th neighborhood (arrondissement) of Paris that houses several different military training facilities. The original military school was founded in 1750 by Louis XV, who wanted to create an academic college for cadet officers from poor families. One of the school’s more well-known students was Napoleon Bonaparte, who graduated from the École Militaire in one year instead of the standard two. The impressively decorated building is still home to a training school for officers in the French army. The buildings are located within sight of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero – very close to the Champ de Mars, which originally served as a parade ground for the school’s troops and students. The front facade of the building (facing the Eiffel Tower) is decorated with true 18th-century grandeur and still contains bullet holes where German units made a ‘last stand’ prior to the liberation of Paris in WWII.
Practical Info
The École Militaire is located at the end of the Champ de Mars park (side note: this park was named after Mars, the Roman god of war). Because the school is still in active service, it is not open to the public (except once a year on the journée du patrimoine). However, it is worth checking out on your walk to the Eiffel Tower and/or the Champ de Mars.
Address: 87, avenue de Suffren, Paris 75007, France
Hours: Not open to the public
From $ 29
St Germain des Pr es
As is common in Europe, the St Germain des Prés neighborhood is named after its church, in this case the sixth-century Benedictine Église de St-Germain-des-Prés, named after St Germain, in honor of the Bishop of Paris. We have this church to thank for the student-led vibe of the area; they donated the land from the church to the Seine and to the University of Paris, thus creating the Latin Quarter that we know and love today.
The main street in the neighborhood, in the sixth arrondissement, is the Haussmann-designed Boulevard St Germain. It has chic stores and plenty of cafes for people watching. In fact, the romance of whiling away the hours at a cafe was practically born in St Germain des Prés, at historic Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
The main street in the neighborhood, in the sixth arrondissement, is the Haussmann-designed Boulevard St Germain. It has chic stores and plenty of cafes for people watching. In fact, the romance of whiling away the hours at a cafe was practically born in St Germain des Prés, at historic Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
Practical Info
The M4 has a St Germain des Prés stop, which takes you to the southern end of the neighborhood; head north, and the neighborhood ends at the left bank of the Seine.
Address: 3 Place St-Germain des Prés, Paris 75006, France
From $ 14
Versailles Fountains
Louis XIV, the Sun King, was not satisfied with ruling over the French people, or building the most magnificent palace in the world; at Versailles he was also determined to have mastery over water.
In 1666, building a fountain was not as easy as laying some pipes and turning on the tap – water was a scarce commodity in rural France and massive and expensive construction works were required to fulfill Louis’ dream of dancing water.
There are over 30 fountains at Versailles, the most famous being the Apollo fountain, with its horses pulling the god’s chariot, and the Neptune fountain featuring the god of the oceans with his wife, some dragons and a smattering of sea life. Neptune took over a century to complete and was therefore officially opened by the next generation, King Louis XV. Other fountains represent the four seasons: Saturn for winter, Flora for spring, Ceres for summer, and Bacchus for autumn.
During the weekends from April to October, the fountains run in full play to musical accompaniment. This Grandes Eaux fulfills Louis XIV’s ambitious dream of water at play, leading you through the expansive gardens and amazing you with the height of the jets and visionary scale of the themed fountains.
In July and August this water show also runs in the evenings with the fountains spectacularly lit. There are eight paths you can follow for different musical and visual experiences. The Sun King may finally have been satisfied.
In 1666, building a fountain was not as easy as laying some pipes and turning on the tap – water was a scarce commodity in rural France and massive and expensive construction works were required to fulfill Louis’ dream of dancing water.
There are over 30 fountains at Versailles, the most famous being the Apollo fountain, with its horses pulling the god’s chariot, and the Neptune fountain featuring the god of the oceans with his wife, some dragons and a smattering of sea life. Neptune took over a century to complete and was therefore officially opened by the next generation, King Louis XV. Other fountains represent the four seasons: Saturn for winter, Flora for spring, Ceres for summer, and Bacchus for autumn.
During the weekends from April to October, the fountains run in full play to musical accompaniment. This Grandes Eaux fulfills Louis XIV’s ambitious dream of water at play, leading you through the expansive gardens and amazing you with the height of the jets and visionary scale of the themed fountains.
In July and August this water show also runs in the evenings with the fountains spectacularly lit. There are eight paths you can follow for different musical and visual experiences. The Sun King may finally have been satisfied.
Address: Place d'Arm, Versailles, Ile-de-France, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 72
Air and Space Museum
Located within Paris-Le Bourget, one of Europe's busiest business airports, is one of the world's largest and oldest museums dedicated to aeronautics. The Air and Space Museum encompasses 1.6 million square feet (150,000 square meters) of hanger space showcasing more than 150 aircraft, including a 747, Concorde, DC3, Mirage and Ariane rocket, as well as a variety of aviation memorabilia dating back as far as the sixteenth century.
The Ballooning Era exhibit details the fascinating history of hot air and gas balloon flight, while the newly added Planete Pilote allows young visitors to take a seat in an aircraft cockpit, experience the buzz of an air traffic control tower or explore how a space station operates. An onsite planetarium takes visitors on a virtual journey into the heavens, while flight simulators teach them how crews operate real aircraft.
One weekend each month, the special Cockpits Secrets program takes visitors into some of the museum's legendary cockpits "” typically closed to the public "” to hear the stories and history of these great aircraft.
Practical Info
To get to the Air and Space Museum, take metro line 7 to Courneuve and then catch bus 152 to the museum.
Address: Aeroport de Paris-Le Bourget, Le Bourget 93350, France
Admission: 8 €
From $ 144
Viaduc des Arts
Few places offer travelers the unique shopping experience of Viaduc des Arts. This restored railway station in the heart of Paris is home to a wide variety of local artisans, from cabinet-makers to textile artists, fashion designers to painters. Dozens of one-of-a-kind shops are tucked beneath the picture-perfect arches of this old-world train station, providing travelers with one of Europe’s most idyllic shopping experiences.
After combing through the oddities and artwork of Viaduc des Arts, visitors can wander the gardens of nearby Paris’s Promenade Plantee—an elevated park just above the shops. Travelers agree this quintessential Paris walk is a must for anyone visiting the City of Lights.
Practical Info
The Viaduc des Arts is located between Opera Bastille and Jardin de Reuilly. It is accessible via the Bastille, Montgallet and Dugommier metro stations.
Address: Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 75012, France
From $ 110
Saint-Malo
Sitting on the English Channel coast of Brittany in northern France, the gray granite, walled town of St-Malo is today the prettiest of the Channel ports and a great gourmet destination. With a skyline dominated by the spiky tower of medieval Cathédrale St-Vincent, the town has a long and turbulent history that has seen repeated invasion, and the mile-long fortified ramparts were constructed as protection in the 12th century. Tucked inside the walls are cobbled streets lined with bookshops and souvenir stores, as well as scores of restaurants serving up the very freshest of seafood from oysters to lobster; find many of them between Porte St-Vincent and the Grande Porte, which was historically the main entrance to St-Malo. To the right of these great gates stands the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville (History Museum), showcasing the town’s history of slave trading and piracy as well as looking at German occupation during World War II.
Long, sandy expanses back the waterfront promenade and the halyards of bobbing yachts clank in the marina. Further out of town – and perfect for family vacationers on a rainy day – is the Grand Aquarium, with its many species of shark and turtles. The UNESCO-listed abbey of Mont St-Michel is an hour east of Saint-Malo, perched on rugged cliffs and only accessible during low tide.
Practical Info
Regular ferries run between Saint-Malo and Portsmouth in England, but Saint-Malo is four hours from Paris by TGV train and so is best visited as part of a multi-day tour.
Address: Saint-Malo, France
From $ 461