The 29 greatest issues to do in Paris

The issue guests to Paris have is there may be simply an excessive amount of to do, from its world-class museums to totally staggering artwork galleries. Right here is Telegraph vacation spot skilled Hannah Meltzer’s information to the easiest experiences and points of interest within the metropolis, from ripping down the Champs-Élysées in a unusual retro sidecar to insider recommendations on tackling classics just like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower like a professional.

Learn on for our skilled’s ideas for the easiest issues to do within the metropolis, whereas for additional Paris inspiration, see our guides to the town’s greatest resorts, eating places, bars, nightlife, free issues to do, buying, plus the best way to spend a weekend in Paris. 

The group-drawing Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo within the Denon wing are solely a part of what this huge former palace has to supply. Head to the underground Medieval Louvre to see surviving remnants of the Twelfth-century fortress that when stood on this spot; marvel on the sarcophagi within the Division of Egyptian Antiquities or browse the astoundingly huge assortment within the Division of Islamic Artwork, which is housed in its personal devoted wing.

Insider’s tip: You possibly can keep away from the usually lengthy queues to enter by buying a timed ticket upfront on the Louvre web site. These guarantee entry to the Pyramid entrance inside half-hour of the time on the ticket (and not using a ticket the wait might be 2-3 hours in summer time months).

Contact: louvre.fr
Nearest metro: Pyramides (traces 7 and 14), Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre (traces 1 and seven)
Worth: ££
Book tickets

You’ll need to anticipate a spot of pointing on the street when you take this atypical jaunt round Paris from the sidecar of a bike with Retro Excursions. A dapper ‘Gentleman Sidecarist’ might be your information as you whizz via the important thing sights of Paris connected to classic bikes and decked out in Chevignon jackets. Night time excursions full with a champagne cease are additionally out there.

Insider’s tip: If you need an concept of what you’re in for, you’ll be able to watch Richard Ayoade & Mel Giedroyc check out the expertise on Channel 4’s Journey Man. 

Contact: retro-tour.com
Worth: £££
Book tickets

Go to the Orsay not just for its impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces, but additionally for the distinctive architectural backdrop of this former Belle Époque railway station: the views out over Paris from behind the huge clock face are a specific spotlight. Do not miss Manet’s ‘Olympia’ and ‘Déjeuner sur l’herbe’, Monet’s Rouen ‘Cathedrals’, Van Gogh’s self portrait and Degas’ delicately stunning dancer sculptures.

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the artwork nouveau galleries the place you’ll be able to wander high-quality furnishings and even recreations of entire rooms, to the backdrop of superb Seine views.

Contact:  musee-orsay.fr
Nearest metro: Solférino (line 12)
Worth: ££
Book tickets

Make sure to discover the Tuileries, the beautiful gardens designed by André Le Notre (who additionally designed the Versailles gardens). Inside the previous orangery, you’ll discover one in every of Paris’s most intimate and touching galleries. Downstairs you’ll discover short-term exhibitions with a distinctly up to date really feel (reveals in the previous couple of years embrace David Hockney and Paula Rego). Upstairs, you’ll discover the enchanting everlasting exhibition of Monet’s huge Water Lilies canvases, which had been painted to be hung on this oval-shaped area.

Insider’s tip: You possibly can take a guided tour of the everlasting assortment in English within the early afternoon on the very cheap value of €6. Ebook a spot forward on the museum web site within the ‘What’s On’ part.

Nearest metro: Concorde (traces 1 and 12)
Worth: ££
Book tickets

Louis IX (Saint Louis) constructed the magnificent stained-glass edifice Sainte Chapelle within the mid-Thirteenth century to accommodate the Crown of Thorns and different Holy relics. The decrease stage with its star-painted vaulting was for palace servants. The higher stage, supposed for the royal household and clergy, is a flamboyant masterpiece gothic, with superb stained glass, the place tons of of roundels depict Outdated Testomony scenes and the crucifixion.

Insider’s tip: Attempt to come on a sunny day when the deep blues and reds stand out greatest. Tickets might be purchased upfront, however you continue to should queue for safety checks (no steel objects).

Contact: sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr
Nearest metro: Cité (line 4)
Worth: ££

All of Paris initially grew out from an island within the Seine and the river remains to be the lifeblood of the town—probably the most picturesque level and the dividing line that separates the Left Financial institution from the Proper Financial institution (the official image of Paris is definitely a crusing ship).Taking a cruise alongside the river is a incredible method to soak up a few of the most well-known sights of the town. Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches are the biggest suppliers and cruise between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, taking within the Orsay and Louvre on the best way. Passengers can go for a basic sightseeing tour, or e book particular restaurant or champagne cruises. 

Insider’s tip: For a special day, contemplate forking out on a extra bespoke expertise with Inexperienced River Cruises. Many of the boats are eclectic (therefore the identify) and can be found for personal rent for between 2 ans 12 folks. You’ll have your personal captain, your selection of music and can even add on foods and drinks. An amazing selection for a proposal or particular birthday. 

Contact: Bateaux Parisiens, bateauxparisiens.com; Bateaux Mouches, bateaux-mouches.fr; Inexperienced River Cruises, greenriver-paris.fr
Nearest metro: See web site for embarkation factors
Worth: £-£££

Within the centre of city, the gathering of French luxurious mogul Francois Pinault, displayed within the historic Bourse de Commerce constructing opened to the general public in 2021 following intensive renovations of the grand Nineteenth-century domed constructing. Inside you’ll discover a wealthy and thought-provoking assortment of portray, sculpture and images, together with the fascinating oil work of British artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. 

Insider’s tip: From set up to portraiture, there’s a lot to see – however ensure you take the time to see the wonderful images part, the place you’ll discover thought-provoking snapshots from the likes of Sherrie Levine and Cindy Sherman. 

Contact: pinaultcollection.com
Nearest metro: Louvre – Rivoli (line 1), Les Halles (line 4), Châtelet (traces 7,11,14)
Worth: ££

The Centre Pompidou’s 40-year-old post-modern design that was so stunning when it was first constructed – criss-crossing major colored pipes and a diagonally rising tube escalator – nonetheless stands out at the moment. The gargantuan edifice homes a big assortment of contemporary artwork, in addition to a a café, artwork store and library. The programming is mostly wonderful.

Insider’s tip: For a particular deal with, sit down for a meal at Le Georges, the top-floor restaurant that gives beautiful views over the rooftops and monuments of Paris, in addition to the bustling sq. under, a hotbed for avenue entertainers within the hotter months.

Contact: centrepompidou.fr
Nearest metro: Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (traces 1 and 11), Châtelet (traces 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14)
Worth: £
Book tickets

The Musée Nationwide Picasso-Paris is housed in a former mansion home, earlier than turning into a temple to the enduring Twentieth-century artist. A multi-millionaire on the time of his loss of life, Picasso  left his ex-wives, mistresses and kids to struggle over his property together with his choice to not go away a will. The Picasso Museum’s assortment was donated to the French state by his household to settle a tax invoice. Guests can hint the prolific artist’s profession, from his shifting Blue Interval, to the beginning of Cubism and his eccentric sculptures. 

Insider’s tip: On the highest flooring, there are rotating short-term displays, usually by up to date feminine artists, which current an fascinating counterpoint to Picasso’s work. 

Contact: museepicassoparis.fr
Nearest metro: Chemin Vert (Line 8)
Worth: ££

The Musée Carnavalet, themed across the metropolis of Paris and its historical past, reopened after a refurb in 2021, revealing an enthralling immersive tour of Paris-themed artefacts; assume Emle Zola’s watch, Proust’s furnishings, authentic Métro signage, in addition to relics from historical Lutecia (the Roman identify for Paris). The everlasting assortment, which is free,  is complemented by an thrilling roster of ticketed exhibitions, with a concentrate on images and social historical past. 

Insider’s tip: When you’ve had your historical past repair, cease on the  beautiful courtyard restaurant, Fabula, which is open all through the hotter months and a stunning setting for a espresso or meal. 

Contact: carnavalet.paris.fr
Nearest metro: Saint-Paul (line 1)
Worth: £

The Musée Rodin is a stupendous rococo mansion the place Auguste Rodin had his studio within the early Twentieth century has been thoughtfully restored with new parquet, refined lighting and an ingenious new presentation that’s half chronological, half thematic. Guests can immerse themselves within the artist’s early portraits, and pioneering armless bronze and stone sculptures encrusted with fragments of vintage statuary.

Insider’s tip: Make sure to go to the gardens too, the place there are quite a few sculptures, together with The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, and a nice café.

Contact: musee-rodin.fr
Nearest metro: Varenne (line 13)
Worth: £
Book tickets

Regardless of being such a well-known icon, the Eiffel Tower by no means fails to impress with its iron latticework, its 2.5 million rivets and the fun of the old school elevators. The summit, some 1000-foot up, remains to be the very best viewing level in Paris, whereas the second stage viewing platform  permits for 360-degree monument recognizing. Go to at night time to please on the tower glowing (on the hour for 5 minutes).

Insider’s tip: Tickets purchased upfront should be reserved for a particular slot; in any other case, word that queues are shorter when you come late at night time, or when you stroll up so far as the second stage – 704 steps – after which purchase tickets for the very high.

Contact: tour-eiffel.fr
Nearest metro: Bir-Hakeim (line 6) Ecole Militaire (line 8)
Worth: ££
Book tickets

Going all the best way up the Arc de Triomphe entails climbing nearly 300 steps, however the view on the high makes it properly value it. Look out over the Champs-Elysées with the Louvre and the outdated metropolis on one aspect and the ultra-modern La Défense enterprise district out to the west. The development of the arch started within the early 1800s to have fun the navy triumphs of Napoleon Bonaparte (although he would by no means see it accomplished); at the moment it’s the point of interest of the annual Bastille Day navy parade. 

Insider’s tip: The flowery group sculpture on every pillar every represents a distinct historic occasion from the time of the primary Republic, first Empire and restoration. Underneath the arch is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and an everlasting flame which is lit every night. 

Contact:  paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr

Palais de Tokyo, an unlimited Thirties edifice on the banks of the Seine, homes Paris’s house for up to date artwork with probably the most experimental short-term artwork exhibitions within the metropolis (French artist Abraham Poincheval as soon as spent three weeks sitting on and hatching rooster eggs) – it could not at all times be to your style however you undoubtedly will not be bored. There is a everlasting assortment within the japanese wing taking in Picasso and Matisse. The bookshop has the most important assortment of artwork books and design journals in Paris.

Insider’s tip: The complicated hosts restaurant ‘Monsieur Bleu’- attempt the terrasse in summer time for beautiful Eiffel Tower views.

Contact: palaisdetokyo.com
Nearest metro: La Muette (line 9)
Worth: £

For an intimate encounter with artwork, go to Musée Jacquemart-André and uncover this luxurious non-public museum and its beautiful assortment. The mansion and assortment belonged to couple Edouard André, a rich protestant banker, and artist Nélie Jacquemart, who bequeathed all of it to the French state after their deaths. Inside, you’ll discover items purchased on their travels to Europe and the ‘Close to East’, together with unimaginable Italian Renaissance masterpieces and beautiful Ancien Regime artefacts.

Insider’s tip:  The thoughtfully curated museum store is a good cease for gift-shopping. You’ll discover fabulous artwork books, after all, but additionally jewelry and homewares and kids’s toys and video games themed round artwork and historical past. 

Contact: musee-jacquemart-andre.com
Nearest metro: Miromesnil (traces 9 and 13)
Worth: ££

Lovers of all issues sartorial might be in heaven in Paris’s official museum of vogue, Palais Galliera. The everlasting exhibition, which shows clothes from the 1700s to the current day, is solely beautiful with spellbinding items starting from Versailles-era frocks to Comme des Garçons casualwear. The museum has as much as 200,000 gadgets in itc assortment general. 

Insider’s tip: The museum has upped its programming recreation and up to date exhibitions, tracing the historical past of Vogue and the private wardrobe of Frida Kahlo, have all been blockbusters. Ebook a timed ticket forward to hurry up entry. 

Contact: palaisgalliera.paris.fr
Nearest metro: Iéna (line 9)
Worth: ££

Head out to the Bois de Boulogne park to find the monumental Louis Vuitton Fondation. You’ll discover its hanging glass and steel “wings”, which had been designed by famous person architect Frank Gehry. Opened in 2014, this thrilling fashionable artwork museum was funded by Bernard Arnault the CEO of the massive conglomerate LVMH (or Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). The exhibition programming is mostly wonderful. 

Insider’s tip: The humanities complicated additionally homes a state-of-the-art auditorium and there’s a well-liked calendar of classical music live shows. Ebook properly forward to safe a spot. 

Contact: fondationlouisvuitton.fr
Nearest metro: Les Sablons (line 1)
Worth: ££

Only a few vestiges of medieval Paris stay (because of Haussmann’s renovation), and even fewer of historical Roman settlement Lutetia – due to this fact the Musée de Cluny, incorporating the stays of Roman baths and housed within the Gothic city home of the abbots of Cluny – is a uncommon deal with. That is the standard house of the Woman and the Unicorn tapestries and reopened after intensive renovation in 2021.

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the heads of the kings of Judah: the stone monarchs that adorned the façade of Notre-Dame had been torn down throughout the Revolution and every beheaded, solely to be present in a long-forgotten cellar in 1977.

Contact: musee-moyenage.fr
Nearest metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne (line 10), Saint-Michel (line 4),
Worth: £

The Panthéon, an impressive neo-classical edifice, identifiable all through the town by its huge dome, was first constructed as an providing to Paris’s patron saint, Genevieve, from party-loving King Louis XV. After the Revolution, it was reworked right into a secular temple and burial place of the “nice males” of France, together with Victor Hugo, Voltaire and Rousseau. Marie Curie was the primary lady to be buried there: at the moment there are nonetheless solely six, together with holocaust survivor and pioneering politician Simone Veil. In 2021, legendary entertainer Josephine Baker turned the primary black lady to be added to the Pantheon.

Insider’s tip: Climb the 206 steps to the viewing platforms of the just lately restored dome to take pleasure in a powerful 360-degree view of the town.

Contact: pantheon.monuments-nationaux.fr
Nearest metro: Saint-Michel (line 4), Place Monge (line 7)
Worth: £
Book tickets

The Luxembourg Gardens, created within the early Seventeenth-century to accompany Marie de’ Medici’s Renaissance palace (now the French Senate) is understood for its central sunken parterre and picturesque plane-tree-lined avenues, nevertheless it’s not all decorative. In summer time you may discover busy tennis courts; very severe pétanque video games, performed by regulars; basketball and even bee hives. On the south aspect, cease within the secluded English-style gardens, replete with greenery and birdsong and dotted with neoclassical sculpture.

Insider’s tip: This can be a excellent spot to go to en famille. Napoleon Bonaparte devoted this park to kids and well-known options embrace the “Guignol” puppet present, pony rides and kooky miniature crusing boats on the central octagonal basin. 

Contact: en.parisinfo.com
Nearest metro: Odéon , Saint-Sulpice (line 4)
Worth: £

This little gem of a museum is housed in a historic constructing the place Renior as soon as had his studios, in addition to Montmartroise painter Suzanne Valadon. Inside, you’ll discover a pleasant recreation of her house and studio, evoking the golden age of Belle Epoque Montmartre. The short-term exhibitions are at all times thoughtfully put collectively.

Insider’s tip: Make sure to go to the quaint gardens, which have a view out over Montmartre’s final remaining winery. 

Contact: museedemontmartre.fr
Nearest metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (line 12); Anvers (line 2)
Worth: ££

The director of this museum, Beniamino Levi, is an internationally well-known artwork seller who labored carefully with Salvador Dalí and commissioned him to make quite a few large-scale bronze sculptures, that are on show right here. Lovers of Surrealism will adore the mind-bending show, which additionally contains quite a few engravings and lithographs. 

Insider’s tip: There isn’t any reward store right here, so you will want to hit the memento retailers close by on your Dali-themed knick-knacks. 

Contact: daliparis.com
Nearest metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (line 12); Abbesses (line 12);  Anvers (line 2)
Worth: ££

In case you make only one tour out of Paris, then it must be to Versailles, for its imaginative and prescient of royal absolutism — “the state is me”. At this time, its extravagant ceilings, corridor of mirrors, and king’s and queen’s bedchambers stay fascinating for his or her extra. The formal backyard created by André Le Nôtre, are integral to the design and each bit as beautiful as the home.

Insider’s tip: Head down the steps on the Grand Perspective to discover the magnificent “bosquets” (groves) with their spectacular fountains and ornate décor. On a heat day, seize picnic components and have lunch by the Grand Canal.

Contact: chateauversailles.fr
Nearest metro: RER Versailles Rive Gauche
Worth: ££
Book tickets

The newly revamped and reopened Musée Albert Kahn museum, positioned simply outdoors of the town in Boulogne-Billancourt, is a should for each lovers of images and, in an sudden pairing, additionally for lovers of gardens. Banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn was answerable for financing a few of the world’s earliest color journey images; inside you may discover 1000’s of hanging Autochrome colour-plate pictures captured all over the world between 1909 and 1931. Properly value a metro journey to the close to suburbs. 

Insider’s tip: The voyage of discovery continues into the grounds the place you’ll discover decorative gardens in English, French and Japanese fashion.Conventional decorative gardens mix with the up to date structure of Kengo Kuma. 

Contact: albert-kahn.hauts-de-seine.fr
Nearest metro: Boulogne Pont de Saint-Cloud (line 10)
Worth: £

The citadel positioned on the sting of the searching forest in Fontainebleau was the nation retreat of French rulers from the  Center Ages to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. The grounds are each bit as enchanting because the constructing itself. Take time to ponder the distinctive double-horseshoe staircase in the principle courtyard; in hotter months, guests can go boating on the magnificent Carp Pond. 

Insider’s tip: The Château organises an enormous variety of occasions and particular excursions and visits. Take a personal tour to see the Second Empire theatre and Marie-Antoinette’s boudoir. VIP experiences like non-public night time excursions and even a scorching air balloon trip are additionally on supply.

Contact: chateaudefontainebleau.fr
Nearest transport cease: Fontainebleau-Avon (practice from Paris Gare de Lyon)
Worth: £

Simply 27 miles (45 km) east of Paris, you enter one other world comprised of the principle Disneyland Park, smaller film-themed Walt Disney Studios Park and Competition Disney containing reveals, eating places and memento retailers. Small tots are entranced by the parades and the teacup trip, Massive youngsters (together with adults) benefit from the thrills of Star Wars-themed Hyper Area Mountain and the eery Tower of Terror.

Insider’s tip: It’s much more stress-free to remain in Paris than in one of many Disney resort resorts. Shopping for tickets on-line is cheaper than on the door.

Contact: disneylandparis.co.uk
Nearest metro: RER A Marne-la-Vallée — Chessy
Worth: £££
Book tickets

Les Puces de Saint-ouen is a should for thrifters and vintage lovers. This big sprawling flea market is open Friday to Monday inclusive each week and is likely one of the largest of its sort on the earth. Every of the dozen or so markets (coated and outside) has a distinct vibe and speciality. You will discover absolutely anything, from classic Chanel, to vintage lace, to massive stone animals, outdated door handles, vintage books, and the listing goes on.

Insider’s tip: Take in the ambiance by staying for lunch. There are ever extra hip addresses, like L’Insurgé on this quick gentrifying suburb, in addition to basic bistros liked by native brocanteurs (sellers), like Le Pericole and Le Relais Des Broc’s.

Contact: pucesdeparissaintouen.com
Nearest metro: Porte de Clignancourt (line 4), Garibaldi (line 13)
Worth: ££

Stade de France in Saint-Denis, within the north of Paris is a wonderful place to take in some sports activities ambiance a la française. Right here, the formalities of Parisian interplay are forgotten – the ambiance is relaxed and festive with loads of waving tricolores, songs and sloshing pints of beer. There are sometimes last-minute tickets out there for worldwide fixtures (soccer and rugby).

Insider’s tip: Die-hard supporters go to the north stand  – it’s nothing harmful however you’ll be able to anticipate a whole lot of leaping round and loud French chanting, so probably one to keep away from when you’re en famille.

Contact: stadedefrance.com
Nearest metro: St Denis – Porte de Paris (line 13)
Book tickets

Rosa Bonheur was one of the profitable French artists of the Nineteenth century and the primary lady to purchase a chateau together with her personal earnings, and to obtain the Legion of Honour– but till just lately she’d been largely forgotten by historical past. The Brault household has totally renovated Bonheur’s whimsical chateau in Thomery, on the sting of Fontainebleau forest. You’ll discover the artist’s hanging animal work and an enthralling tearoom. Ebook forward for a guided tour. 

Insider’s tip: There are two stunning visitor rooms within the artist’s former bed room and painter’s studio. Ebook properly forward for a memorable keep, together with breakfast and a go to of the chateau. 

Contact: chateau-rosa-bonheur.fr
Nearest transport cease: Thomery  (practice from Paris Gare de Lyon)
Worth: ££