Paris is the city of all the sizes where there is infinity of experiences to be lived and places to be discovered. Luxury travel planners from Ultimate Paris Guide selected for you 10 better activities to be done in the French capital.
- MONTMARTRE
Montmartre is a district famous it’s Sacré Coeur Basilica and its spectacular view of Paris. A charming little village, which the top of its hill is discovered by taking the funicular railway. The sporty ones will climb the 222 step. After the obligatory visit of the Sacrée Coeur, you will enjoy a historical stroll through Montmartre. Discover the vines of Montmartre, the Dali museum, the Cabaret du Lapin Agile, still very popular. End of renowned Place du Tertre and its famous cartoonists. During the day, couples can have a portrait done by the painters.
The walk continues back down, to the most famous cabaret in the world, the Moulin Rouge, make it stop by the square Rictus, where you will find the renowned ‘Mur des je t’aime’ (I Love You Wall). Designed by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, this famous mosaic has ‘I love you’ written in 280 different languages. Continue your way, you will appreciate the very creative window shops of Rue Tardieu, the Rue des Abbesses and of Rue Lepic.
A few steps away from the Moulin Rouge, in South Pigalle, also called “SoPi”, there is the charming Musée de la Vie romantique (Museum of the Romantics), a calm and unspoiled place where time seems to have stopped … Ideal for a gourmet break. Access to the basilica is open and free of charge every day of the year, during the opening hours. Open every day from 7 am to 10.15 pm.
- COVERED PASSAGES
Galleries running in between buildings, and housing shops and restaurants, the covered passages of Paris are an architectural curiosity in the heart of the capital. The city once had 130 covered passages; only the richest ladies had the right to troll through them.
Many of them have been destroyed during Haussman’s work Only 20 of them style exist today! Restored, they have kept their small village spirit, which makes each passage timeless and unique.Housing cafés, restaurants, boutiques, which some have remain the same since 150 years.
For a gourmet break, go in direction of le Passage des Panoramas.Opened to the Public since 1799, it is the oldest covered passages of Paris.
For the shopaholics, the passage du Havre is your next destination.
If you are collectors of books or postcards visit the passage Verdeau. Finally, do not miss the mosaics of the Galerie Vivienne. Built in 1826, this gallery contains clothing and decoration shops as well as cozy cafés.
- ILE DE LA CITE
L’Ile de la cite is the cradle of Paris. It retains many symbolic monuments of old Paris: Notre Dame de Paris, the Palais de Justice (former Royal Palace and Parliament), the Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie …. It takes about half an hour to tour around the Cité island by walking on the Quays, but you It will take a whole day to visit all its monuments.
Cross from one island to the other by the Saint Louis bridge. Stroll the Île Saint-Louis to the agitation of the Île de la Cité. Everything revolves around the Notre Dame cathedral, If you are around 25 meters from its front entrance, you’ll find kilometer “0” under your feet, which symbolizes the starting point for all the streets of France.
Have a look to the Sainte Chapelle stained glass windows, or visit the Conciergerie and its prisons who still speaks of the revolutionary upheavals.
If you looking for a peaceful moment, among the greenery, you can sit in the square du Vert Galant, on the tip of the Island, named after Henry IV. From there you will enjoy the view of the Louvre museum on the left, the riverboats’ ballet and behind you the Pont Neuf Bridge.
- THE EIFFEL TOWER
This is the not-to-be-missed symbol of Paris. The Eiffel Tower One of the most famous monument in the world (324 meters, 10,100 tones), it was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 for the World Fair. From there, after having used the lift or climbed the steps, you will discover a unique panoramic view of the city of Paris. You have the possibility to visit behind the scenes of the monument accompanied by a guide. To conclude your visit, you can enjoy an original picnic meal with your kids at the 58 Tour Eiffel, drink a glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Champagne Bar or have a dinner in the luxurious restaurant Le Jules Verne. It is to be noted that the children of less than 4 years are the guests of the monument.
- PRIVATE CRUISE TOUR ON THE SEINE
With the beloved one, in family or between friends, discover Paris in a small group, aboard a privatized boat, this is the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience. Go back in time by navigating the Seine and discover another Paris. The most magic moment? The dawn. At that time of the day, the traffic on the Seine is very low and privileged persons have the feeling to have Paris for only them …
- JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Discover the architectural diversity of this best known public garden of the capital which extends over 25 hectares. Situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, you will find around the monumental fountain Medicis and the 106 statues ponds, breathtaking flowery spaces as well as an orchard. Furthermore, the garden of Luxembourg is the theater of numerous demonstrations: l’Orangerie, the Pavillon Davioud and the gates of the garden regularly welcome exhibitions; punctually you can assist concerts or discover the school of horticulture. Kids shall be happy: there are many activities and facilities for children such have puppets theater, rides and slides.
- OPERA GARNIER AREA
Do not forget you to enter in the most iconic Opera of Paris: Opera Garnier. Built by Charles Garnier, this building made of marble and gold is the Parisian architectural gem from the late 19th century, erected to the glory of the arts. Discover this fabulous monument, its rich architecture and interior decoration of an incredible luxury. On the north side, you can discover the department stores (Printemps and Galeries Lafayette with its big epicerie crossing the street). On the east side, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes.
- SAINT GERMAIN FOOD TOUR
During your stay in Paris you have to make a walk in Saint-Germain-des-Près area. Located on the left bank of Paris, the fashion district. Amongst the luxury boutiques and art galleries that may be found in this area, let you seduce by some sweet creations. This district gathers the best pastry Chef and chocolatiers shops: Pierre Hermé, Michalak, Arnaud Lalher, L’éclair de genie among others!
- LOUVRE EN NOCTURNE
Friday night, 8pm, shops are closing, most museums are closed since 2 hours – what to do in Paris? Only one museum, the world largest one stays open untill 10pm and it is the perfect moment to explore its treasure… rendez-vous in the center of Paris into the Louvre museum.
Escortes with a guide or on your own discover the greatest works: the Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory … among others. Children would also love to do a treasure hunt in one of the Louvre department such as Middle Ages, Egyptian or Greek civilizations focus on Angels + Wings or Beauty + Bestiary for example.
- CALL ULTIMATE PARIS GUIDE CONCIERGES AND TRAVEL PLANNERS
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