Picture Perfect Paris 15 Ideas On What’s Hot In Paris

Paris! The city that dares to be all things to all people… everybody’s hometown. Paris

is like a huge village with more than its fair share of discoveries, surprises, crazy nights, beauty, art, light, fabulous food and great people – it’s a city where it’s great to wander, lose yourself, taste adventure, see life and feel alive. From its historic heart to its high-profile street art and the futurist architecture of the Grand Paris infrastructure plan, Paris and its region quite simply live life to the fullest.

So you don’t have to, we have collated 15 of The Best Things To Do In Paris. There are, obviously, many more, but make sure you experience these when you travel to France’s crown jewel. J’aime Paris!

1 – Louvre Museum: 35,000 — this is the number of works exhibited in the Louvre, from the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, to Egyptian antiquities and medieval objets d’art, not to mention Islamic art or paintings from the first half of the 19th century. The Louvre museum is home to items spanning a period of nearly 5,000 years. The treasures of the Louvre are an infinite wealth to discover at your own pace, day or night.

Originally a medieval fortress on the right bank of the Seine (in the city’s 1st arrondissement) the Louvre protected the French capital during the reign of King Philippe Auguste (1190-1202). It wasn’t until the second half of the 14th century that King Charles V made it his home and the Louvre Palace was born.

Following the fall of the French monarchy, the building’s purpose changed once again to become home to thousands of pieces of the nation’s art collection, back in 1793. And so, the museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings.

W: www.louvre.fr/en

2 – The Eiffel Tower: is a world icon and quintessential symbol of Paris and, indeed, of France itself. The structure dazzles her visitors from all over the world. 1,062 feet (323.7 metres) high, the famous ‘Iron Lady’ has dominated

the city of Paris since 1889. Although it is not at the residence of the President of the Republic, the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the First Lady of France.

The Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889 saw her birth. Since then, the banks of the Seine have been her kingdom. The Eiffel Tower rests on the green carpet of the Champs de Mars gardens, facing the Trocadéro Gardens.

Gustave Eiffel’s Tower dares those who are brave enough to climb the 1,665 steps (and those who prefer the lift!) to admire the exceptional 360⁰ views across Paris’s cityscape.

At nightfall, she puts on her clothes of light. On special occasions such as the National Holiday on July 14, she illuminates Paris with different colours…the Iron Lady remains the most visited monument in the world.

The renowned French symbol might have never existed. The Eiffel tower went through a few oppositions during the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1889. However, Gustave Eiffel stood tall and defended his project.

After two years, two months and five days of work, Eiffel finished the tower that defies the laws of physics and stands out against the strong winds. The Eiffel Tower became, in the 1920s, a symbol of modernity and technological superiority.

On the occasion of the centenary of Gustave Eiffel’s death, 2023 will be marked with tributes to him and his iconic creations. On December 27, 1923, Gustave Eiffel passed away in Paris, surrounded by his family. Aged 91, this extraordinary engineer and entrepreneur, and later a great scientist, left behind many creations and constructions, plus countless achievements and actions in support of science and technical progress. One of his finest accomplishments still presides proudly over Paris to this day.

W: www.toureiffel.paris/en

 

3 – Galeries Lafayette: Welcome to Paris, the world’s fashion capital! Galeries Lafayette is one of the most popular, chic and distinguished shopping centres in Paris. Beauty and fashion enthusiasts are passionately attached to this city, where some of the most remarkable fashion moments have happened since the time of Kings and Queens.

Paris is the city where Marie Antoinette used to spend heavily on fashion and where Coco Chanel invented the iconic Little Black Dress. Today in Paris, designers both young and old continue to intensely create and to enthral the fashion world.

The Galeries Lafayette offers its visitors a splendid glass Coupole (dome), rising to a height of 43 metres, which can be seen from across the city. Inside the Art Nouveau steel and glass Coupole you’ll find women’s designer collections, children’s clothing, jewellery, accessories, music, electronics and cosmetics.

On the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Coupole, passage-ways lead to L’Homme, a 4-floor fashion store of 12,000m2 devoted to menswear. The Galeries Lafayette also hosts Lafayette Maison, the ideal spot for those who are looking for fine linens and kitchen supplies. The store is located just next door to L’Homme.

For visitors who have a fondness for fashion shows, the Coupole holds a weekly fashion show at 3pm every Friday on its 4th floor. Altogether, the Galeries Lafayette and its three buildings offer up more than 750,000 square feet of shopping and dining.

W: www.haussmann. galerieslafayette.com/en

 

4- Restaurant Benoit from Alain Ducasse: Located a stone’s throw from the town hall, the Pompidou Center and the famous Saint-Jacques Tower, Benoît has invited since the beginning of the 20th century, lovers of great cuisine traditional.

Push open the door and discover Benoit in its warm and comfortable atmosphere. From tile to woodwork, from red velvet seats to brass, from engraved glass windows to fake marble columns, from the lightings above the bar, from the huge mirrors to the art paintings, the whole decoration gives a peaceful feeling and a sensation of time travel. On the upper floor, a private room with a large oval table welcomes guests. The paintings on the wall, the terracotta tiles and the decorative panels above the doors and fireplace will make you feel at home.

 

Bistro cuisine includes the great French classics, executed with skill and love: pâté en croûte and escargot in their shells, black pudding and sweetbreads, profiteroles and savarin. Kelly Jolivet, the chef, masters them with talent. She adds a touch of creativity so that this gastronomic heritage remains a gourmet pleasure today.

The wines are just as good: by the glass, Georges Duboeuf’s pouilly- fuissé served in magnum, by the pitcher and of course beautiful bottles from Beaujolais, Bourgogne and the Vallée du Rhône. As the saying goes, “At Benoit, drink and feast like kings.”

“There’s no other place as typically Parisian as Benoit. I have a very special affection for this beautiful house, with its own history and generosity. Benoit is a friendly place, full of memories and shared pleasure. It reflects a certain way of life and tradition that we want to preserve.” – Alain Ducasse.

W: www.benoit-paris.com/en/ the-restaurant/

 

5 – Hotel de la Marine: is an iconic monument on Place de la Concorde and a fine architectural ensemble that Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the king’s chief architect, made in the 18th century. Until 1798, it housed the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, before becoming the headquarters of France’s navy ministry for over 200 years.

Visit this unique monument in the heart of Paris and discover its refurbished 18th century apartments, its stately reception rooms and its restaurant in a building that the Centre des Monuments Nationaux has fully restored. With The Confidant, a connected headset, two audio visitor circuits are available for an immersive visit that plunges you into 250 years of the monument’s history.

Visitors can also explore the independent 18th century apartments and the Reception Rooms & Loggia. Discover the treasures of the Al Thani Collection and the masterpieces of the new exhibition, Ca’d’Oro, masterpieces of the Renaissance in Venice as well as the salons and the loggia.

W: www.hotel-de-la-marine.paris/en/

6 – Seine River Cruises & Dining: Bateaux Mouches invites you on a cruise to explore Paris from its best thoroughfare…the River Seine. Book online for brunch or lunch in a quirky restaurant, a romantic dinner on the water or simply a guided tour for an original way to view Paris’s most beautiful monuments…from the deck of a boat.

This service includes a commentated boat tour of the historical monuments dotted along the route: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Conciergerie, the Musée d’Orsay. These monuments, forming the true richness of Paris’s heritage, are absolute must-sees on a sightseeing holiday. Seeing Paris by boat gives you a different perspective, enabling you to take in the historic heart of the capital in a new way, from a different angle. Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches suggests you hop on board one of its six passenger-boats for a fantastic commentated trip down the Seine.

Paris Dinner Cruise: As the sun sets and night falls over Paris, its glazed boat casts off its moorings and slowly drifts away. You are about to experience an extraordinary dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches. The city of lights slowly unveils itself as you softly slip by along the shimmering waters of the Seine. The mood is romantic…magic is in force. The sophisticated menu echoes the extraordinary setting, displaying culinary flair, governed by excellence. This dinner cruise will be remembered as one of the most special moments of your stay in Paris. Dinner cruise costs start from €85.00.

W: www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en

 

7 – Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary: Until 30 September 2023, enjoy the Grand Finale of Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary. Dream bigger, laugh louder and smile wider, with jaw-dropping shows, new attractions and experiences that will make the end of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration more special than ever!

Sprinkle a little Disney magic on your next Parisian holiday! Disneyland Paris has been bringing their epic moments and unique experiences to Chessy, a town located 32kms east of the City of Lights, since 1992. The 140-acre resort is home to two parks – Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios, as well as eight resort hotels, a high-speed rail station and two world-class shopping destinations. With so much to see and do around one of France’s top attractions, you’ll need an entire day to just explore the two parks alone.

Dream…And Shine Brighter! Dance and sing along with Mickey, Minnie and Friends dancing along in their new 30th Anniversary costumes! Head to Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and celebrate with this joyful daytime show!

Disney D-Light: As night falls, prepare to be amazed by a magical show with spectacular drone light choreography that illuminates the sky over Sleeping Beauty Castle…a first in a Disney Park! The show incorporates illuminated water jets, lighting effects and classic Disney songs. Using cutting-edge technology, synchronised drones form a sparkling figure ‘30’ in the sky right above the castle,

30th Anniversary Merchandise: This is the most significant product development program ever managed at Disneyland Paris! Inside the park are 63 theme-based boutiques and shops, making shopping an experience in itself at Disneyland Paris. For the resort’s 30th Anniversary teams have designed more than 350 new exclusive items.

Gardens of Wonder: Disneyland Park will be home to entirely new Gardens of Wonder consisting of 10 different theme-based gardens. Installed in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the gardens will feature 30 entirely new art pieces, kinetic Disney and Pixar sculptures, which will ‘come to life’. They will celebrate nature, embody the diversity of popular Disney and Pixar Characters, and offer an enchanted promenade for all the family.

W: www.disneylandparis.com/ en-usd/

 

8 – The New Dior Exhibition La Galerie Dior: It was chosen in 1946 by the grand couturier, who wanted to transform this townhouse into the showcase and lair for his elegant creations. The atmosphere is that of a chic 1930’s boudoir, is both resolutely cosy, making guests feel at home, and modern enough to keep up with the times. Take a sensorial stroll through Dior’s different worlds, from beauty care, leather goods, jewellery and fashion. The legendary staircase leads to the haute-couture area, in pink and grey, Christian Dior’s favourite colours.

W: www.en.parisinfo.com/ shopping-paris/73534/Dior

 

9 – Les Puces de Saint-Ouen Flea Market: at Porte de Clignancourt is the most famous flea market in Paris. It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world, receiving between 120,000 and 180,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday with some dealers open by appointment only on Monday until noon.

If you love digging for secondhand trinkets or shopping for gorgeous French antiques from bygone eras, then you must visit the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, or Les Puces, for short. Rue des Rosiers is the main street, which you walk down in order to go into the separate markets. The individual markets tend to run into each other, and even after shopping there for 20 years, it is still not obvious where some stop and others begin!

The market and neighbourhood are very colourful and you’ll love the diversity of personalities, stall keepers and the merchandise that is on sale! Note: The 18th arrondissement, where the Puces are located, is in a less affluent part of Paris and the market gets very crowded.

Flea Market Tips:

• Choose a central meeting point and rendezvous time once you arrive so that members of your group can wander off in different directions depending on their interests. Then you can rejoin each other and share your discoveries and purchases
• The best time to visit the Flea Market is in the morning as it becomes very crowded in the afternoon
• You won’t need a lot of cash as most dealers accept credit cards
• Don’t bring passports to the Flea Market or miscellaneous credit cards that you won’t use: you do not need your passports to buy goods, because antiques do not have VAT/GST for a tax refund

Important Note: Be careful to hide wallets and purses; as in any city, big crowds are a great place for pickpockets to quite literally ‘pick up’ work and the Flea Market is no exception.

Directions: To get there by Metro, head to Porte de Clignancourt on Line 4 and follow the crowds towards the large concrete overpass. Note: The Metro itself is worth experiencing as it is one of the most well regarded underground systems in the world.

 

10 – Basilica Sacré-Coeur Heart: was built in 1875 and is situated on a large hill in the 18th arrondissement, of Montmartre, aka Mountain of Martyrs. Here you will walk in the footsteps of famous artists including Vincent Van Gogh and Picasso. Surrounded by beautiful vistas and bohemian architecture, you will also be pleasantly surprised by the many gardens and vineyards dotted around the neighbourhood.

The famous Montmartre district, a place known for its trendy hotspots, clubs, cabarets and cafés, sparkles at the foot of this uniquely sacred place, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over France and around the world every year.

The Sacré Coeur Basilica is definitely a visual treat for the eyes. The unspoiled white colour of the building is just one of its many charms. Since 1914, despite the pollution and the test of time, the building is still pristine. The secret? Stones used for construction secrete a white substance (cullet), which makes the building beautiful and white when it rains. Another paradox, compared to other religious buildings in Paris, which mostly date back to the Renaissance, the Basilica only dates back a century. Nevertheless, it is the most visited religious monument in Paris after Notre Dame Cathedral.

 

Some 234 spiral steps lead you to the basilica’s dome, which rises 83m high with the most spectacular panoramas of Paris. They say you can see for 30kms on a clear day. Magical, giant, sprawling, the French capital spreads out magnificently in front of your eyes. La Defense, Montparnasse Tower, the Panthéon, the Bois de Vincennes, the Buttes-Chaumont and the basilica of Saint-Denis – you can see nearly all of the monuments of Paris with binoculars. After all, the Sacré Coeur is the highest point in Paris after…the Eiffel Tower.

W: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre. com/english/

 

11 – Walk the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe: To this backdrop, admire stunning Haussmann-inspired buildings, stop for a bite to eat or enjoy a shopping trip along the ‘world’s most beautiful avenue’. A temple of outdoor shopping, there’s something for every taste and budget along the Champs-Elysées. From major department stores with their ready-to-wear collections to luxury boutiques, the choice of Parisian chic on offer is endless. If flash cars are more your thing, on the Champs- Elysées you’ll also have the chance to visit the showrooms of some of the world’s leading car manufacturers.

Foodies will also be in their element on the Champs-Elysées, as the avenue is home to some of the smartest restaurants in Paris, from chic tearooms to the very best gastronomic haunts. Just imagine the pleasure of eating on a traffic-free outdoor terrace – a very rare occurrence in Paris! Make the most of this opportunity by trying some of the famous Ladurée macarons, or enjoying a memorable meal at one of the famous Michelin- starred restaurants along this breathtaking avenue.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is also home to some of the city’s most impressive nightlife. Perhaps attend a play at one of its theatres, experience the glitz and glamour of the Lido Cabaret or take to the streets to experience one of the unmissable festive events for which Paris is so famous.

At the top of the Champs-Elysées, don’t miss the Arc-de-Triomphe, another of the famous landmarks in Paris. And if you head to the top of this 50m-high monument you’ll be rewarded with a superb panoramic view of the city!

One Sunday every month the Champs- Elysées is taken over by pedestrians, providing a calm and peaceful setting for visitors and Parisians alike to stroll at leisure along this legendary avenue.

W: https//en.parisinfo.com/ discovering-paris/walks-in-paris/

 

12 – Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité: Notre Dame de Paris is one of Paris’ best-known structures with pride of place on the Île de la Cité, in the middle of the River Seine. Sadly, it was severely damaged by a fire on the 15th April 2019, which destroyed most of the roof, including the iconic 69-metre-tall spire. Fortunately, being mostly made of stone, the majority of the structure remained relatively undamaged.

A special law was passed in France in July 2019 to ensure that the cathedral would be restored to its original design, with the reconstruction expected to be complete in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

 

Île de la Cité, once known as Lutetia, is the oldest settlement in Paris, and boasts more than its fair share of Paris sights: the Pont Neuf, the Pont de l’Archevêché and Notre Dame Cathedral, to name only three. Its location bang in the middle of Paris, with Châtelet to the north and Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the south, makes it the central crossroads of the city, which grew outwards from here.

When you’ve finished visiting all the sights, take one last admiring look at the magnificent facade of Notre Dame, then stroll along the banks of the Seine and stop to watch improvised concerts by wandering musicians, for whom this area is a prime performance venue. Île de la Cité is also the perfect place for a riverside picnic. At night, the bridges are beautifully lit, and there is a feeling of midsummer magic.

W: https//en.parisinfo.com/ transport/83430/Île-de-la-Cité

 

13 – The Palace of Versailles: Together with its gardens, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous world heritage monuments. The ensemble traces the architectural style of the 17th and 18th centuries and comprises the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Chapel, the Royal Opera and the Museum of the History of France.

The Park is decorated with statues, fountains,  water  parterres  and outstanding buildings such as the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, the Temple de l’Amour and the Hamlet of Queen Marie-Antoinette. After the restitution of the royal gate and the complete restoration of the Petit Trianon, the Royal Opera opened its doors in 2009 after two years of renovation works. It now welcomes the public with an exceptional programme.

Since October 2010, the King’s table is once again in the antechamber of the Grand Couvert, which has been fully restored, and is now reopen to the public. It recreates the dinnertime atmosphere in which King Louis XIV would eat in public, with his family, every night at 10pm; with each dinner lasting 45 minutes!

The Château de Versailles has a new welcome and information area for the public, where all entrance tickets have been grouped together (the Palace ticket, one-day pass and guided tour tickets are sold here). This area is located in the first building (Aile des Ministres Sud) located on the ramp on the left after passing the main gate.

W: https://en.chateauversailles.fr/

 

14 – Explore in The Latin Quarter: No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement, on the Left Bank in all its legendary brilliance. This is a district of prestigious universities, replete with scores of students where many call this part of the city home. The area’s many cafés and restaurants are laid-back and welcoming; they are filled with Parisians, students as well as tourists. There are several attractions to visit, among them the Pantheon, the Musée National du Moyen-Âge, the Palace of Luxembourg gardens and museum and the Arènes de Lutèce.

As you stroll through the district you will also come across the Sorbonne, the best-known university in Paris; the Collège de France, the Lycée Henri IV, the shopping streets Rue Mouffetard, boulevard Saint-Michel and Rue Monge and the charming Place de la Contrescarpe. The district also has popular show venues like the Paradis Latin, the Théâtre de l’Odéon and the Caveau de la Huchette.

W: www.en.parisinfo.com/ transport/73228/Quartier-Latin

 

15 – Sporting Events:

Rugby World Cup France 2023: France is preparing to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With 48 matches organised in 9 host cities, the organisers promise 52 days of celebration in a spirit of openness beyond sport. After the 2007 edition, France will host the Rugby World Cup for the second time in its history. Highly anticipated by fans of the oval ball, the event promises to appeal to far more than just rugby fans.

The 10th World Cup in the history of rugby will take place from the 8th of September to the 28th of October – 200 years after rugby first came about. This is an opportunity to reconnect with the founding spirit of rugby and celebrate the event during the seven weeks of the competition.

The 9 host cities where the matches will be held are Lille, Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Paris and Saint-Denis. At least 10 matches will be played at Stade de France in Paris.

W: www.en.parisinfo.com/ paris-show-exhibition/260176/ coupe-du-monde-de-rugby

 

The Olympics, Paris 2024: This is the event not to be missed during the summer of 2024 in Paris! Held in France, the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will welcome thousands of international athletes and many more spectators. All will be gathering in France around a common passion, a love of sport. This event promises to be one to remember.

For several weeks, Paris and France will be the focus of the world. The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in two phases. The Olympic Games take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024. An exception to this: the handball football and rugby tournaments, which due to their extensive calendar of matches will start on 24 July 2024. The Paralympic Games take place from 28 August to 8 September 2024.

The vast majority of the events will take place in the capital, Paris, including at landmark monumental sites that are well known to the public – fencing and taekwondo at the Grand Palais, beach volleyball and blind football at the Stade Eiffel, swimming, triathlon and on-road cycling at the Pont Alexandre III. Also hosting events are historic stadiums like Parc des Princes, Stade de France and Stade Roland Garros.

W: www.en.parisinfo.com

W: www.visitparisregion.com/en/ W: https://en.parisinfo.com/

W: www.france.fr/en