Art and history
|
Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower ... these are all beautiful monuments. But instead of the usual routes, what to visit in Paris? A city like this has many museums and monuments that tourists do not know, but they are still important. Discover with us the unusual and curious Paris.
The most symbolic parts of Paris are the galleries. This is where the first shopping centres were born. One of the most beautiful is Galerie Vivienne, which you can find on our website.
For those who love fashion, you should not miss the Fashion Museum, which tells every detail of the history of prêt-à-porter.
You will find all the details here.
|
1
Château de Vincennes
Besides the Palace of Versailles, there is another majestic fortress near Paris, Château de Vincennes. The castle is located in the Vincennes forest and is quite easy to reach by metro, line 1.
Show more
The construction of the Château dates back to the 13th century and was commissioned by Philip Augustus. After his death, the castle experienced a "golden period". From that moment, the residence of the kings moved to Château de Vincennes until the reign of Charles VI.
This fortress is one of the few that has survived from the Middle Ages to today. Important figures such as Diderot and the Marquis de Sade were imprisoned here. Inside, you can also visit the Gothic chapel with its large stained-glass windows, beautifully illuminated by sunlight.
Address: Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes.
Website 
Château de Vincennes. RER: Vincennes.
Bus lines: No. 325, 56.
Opening hours: From 23rd September to 20th May - 10:00 to 17:00. From 21st May to 32nd September - 10:00 to 18:00.
Prices: €8.50 full price, €5.50 reduced price, free for under 18s.
Stato: aperto.
2
Catacombs of Paris
20 meters underground lies the largest ossuary in Paris. During times of epidemics, the State Council decided to close unhealthy cemeteries, so at the end of the 18th century, the remains of 6 million Parisians were moved here.
Opened to the public in 1874, it continues to attract visitors' curiosity. Over the years, renovations have turned this place into a mausoleum.
The Catacombs look like a real underground maze. The many skulls on display make this mausoleum a truly fascinating place.
Show more
Along the dark galleries, visitors discover the scene of death. This place is unique because it offers the chance to explore Parisian history while traveling outside of time.
Address: 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
Website Denfert-Rochereau.
Bus lines: No. 38, 68.
Opening hours: Open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 except Monday and public holidays. The ticket office closes at 16:00.
Stato: aperto.
3
Fondation Cartier
In front of the 19th-century stone buildings stands a structure with a completely different, even provocative, style. The fully transparent building (made of glass and steel) was designed by Jean Nouvel in 1993. In the middle of the structure, there is a garden with unusual plant species.
The main idea behind the Cartier Foundation was to create the first private foundation entirely dedicated to contemporary art. Here you will find works of contemporary painting, video, design, and fashion. The fascinating Soirées Nomades (Nomadic Evenings) gather art lovers every week.
Show more
But the main artwork here is the Fondation Cartier itself. With its transparent structure, alternating between full and empty spaces, and its colors, it becomes an artwork among the artworks.
Some examples of works you can find inside: “In Bed” by Ron Mueck, “The Monument to Language” by James Lee Byars, and many others.
Address: 261, Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris.
Website Raspail. RER B: Denfert-Rochereau.
Opening hours: Closed on Monday. Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00.
Prices: €10.50 full price, €7 for under 25s, free for children under 13. On Wednesdays, entry is free for those under 18.
Stato: aperto.
4
Galerie Vivienne
The passages are some of the most authentic places in Paris. This is where the city's first shopping galleries were born. One of the most famous is Galerie Vivienne. It is a covered arcade with a glass dome from the 19th century, hosting various shops, residences, workshops, and cafés.
Show more
Due to its architecture, it is the most luxurious and elegant gallery in Paris. Mosaic floors, iron and glass ceilings, rare boutiques, and a tea room make this place unique and charming. Unlike the busy and noisy Parisian streets, the gallery offers a moment of calm to enjoy a coffee or explore one of its exclusive shops.
Address: 6 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France.
Website Bourse.
Opening hours: Open every day from 08:30 to 20:30.
Stato: aperto.
5
Arab World Institute
Just a few steps from the mosque, you will find one of the most beautiful modern buildings in Paris. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the structure was conceived as a center for Arab culture in Paris. The building opened to the public in 1987.
Show more
The main facade of the building is inspired by the ornamental patterns of the mashrabiya and is made entirely of aluminum and glass. Mashrabiya are traditional carved wooden screens. The light filtering through creates a unique and evocative atmosphere. On the seventh floor, you will find a museum dedicated to Islamic art and culture from the 8th century to the present day. Inside, there is also a library, a bookstore, a restaurant, a shop selling Arab handicrafts, and an audiovisual room dedicated to Arab culture.
Don't miss the breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the ninth floor!
Address: 1, Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris.
Website Jussieu. RER: Gare d'Austerlitz.
Bus Lines: 24, 63, 67, 86, 87, 89.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00, Friday until 21:30 (ticket office closes 45 minutes before).
Tickets: €8.50, free for children under 18.
Stato: aperto.
6
La Défense
It is the most modern district of the city. Stepping out of the metro station, you leave behind Haussmann-style buildings and find yourself in the Parisian "City." The district takes its name from a monument built in 1871 in memory of the defense of Paris.
Show more
The most iconic monument of La Défense is the Grande Arche, inaugurated in 1989. It is a cubic, hollow concrete structure 110 meters high, covered with glass and white Carrara marble. Inside the arch, there is an area of 87,000 square meters of office space.
The oldest building in La Défense is CNIT, a center that hosts conferences, international fairs, and exhibitions. As an important business hub, La Défense houses the offices of some of the world’s largest companies.
La Défense is built on a hill, offering a unique view of the Arc de Triomphe. It feels like looking at a different world, from the future back to the past.
Address: Entire district.
Website La Défense Grande Arche or Esplanade de La Défense. RER: Line A, stop "La Défense Grande Arche."
Bus Lines: 141 / 144 / 159 / 246 / 272 / 275 / 378 / 262 / 161 / 174 / 360 / 160 / 258 / 541 / 73
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets: €7 for adults, free for children under 4.
Stato: aperto.
7
The Grand Mosque
It was built between 1922 and 1926 in an Hispano-Moorish architectural style inspired by the Alhambra Mosque in Granada. It was created to thank and honor North African soldiers who fought during the Second World War. The mosque includes a souk, a hammam, a restaurant, and a Moorish café. It is the largest mosque in France and the second largest in Europe. The interior decorations are truly remarkable, featuring magnificent tapestries and enchanting mosaics.
Show more
Here, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation in the Turkish bath or take a gourmet break at "Le Café de La Mosquée," where mint tea is a delightful pleasure, best enjoyed with traditional almond or pistachio pastries.
Address: 2 bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris.
Website La Défense.
Bus Lines: 47.
Opening hours:
Summer: 9:00-12:00 / 14:00-19:00.
Winter: 9:00-12:00 / 14:00-18:00.
Hammam:
Women: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, and Friday from 14:00 to 21:00.
Men: Tuesday from 14:00 to 21:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00.
Tickets: €3, free for children under 7.
Stato: aperto.
8
Musée de la Mode Galliera
Just a few steps from prestigious boutiques, a Renaissance-inspired palace houses the Galliera Museum. The museum periodically hosts temporary exhibitions that illustrate the evolution of fashion from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibitions are constantly updated, thanks to donations from major fashion houses such as YSL, Dior, and others.
Show more
Opened in 1977, the Musée Galliera houses numerous clothing and accessory creations, fashion-related photographs, and highlights various important figures in the world of creative fashion.
The museum was recently renovated and reopened to the public in the autumn of 2013.
Address: 10, Avenue Pierre 1er-de-Serbie, 75116 Paris.
Website Iéna or Alma-Marceau.
Bus Lines: 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 82, 92.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, except Monday (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on public holidays).
Tickets: Full ticket €8, reduced €4 (for children under 14).
Stato: aperto.
9
Palais de Tokyo
Palais de Tokyo is for true lovers of modern art. It hosts exhibitions, performances, and ateliers. Next to the exhibition halls, you will find a bookstore, a bar, boutiques, and a restaurant.
Show more
Before becoming the Site de Création Contemporaine, the Palais was a modern art museum opened for the 1937 World's Fair.
Part of the building houses the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, which includes works from all modern art movements: Braque, Picasso, De Chirico, Picaboo, Derain, and Tandis.
In the rotating exhibitions, there is particular attention to the Orient.
Moreover, from the main square of the Palace, you can enjoy a unique view of the Eiffel Tower.
Address: 13, Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris.
Website Line 9, Iéna and Alma Marceau. RER: Line C, Pont de l'Alma Station.
Bus Lines: 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 82, 92.
Opening hours: every day except Tuesday, from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Tickets: €10 full price, €8 for minors under 26, free for children under 18.
Stato: aperto.
10
Victor Hugo's Houses
Paris has preserved two buildings where Victor Hugo spent the years of his life: the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée in Paris and Hauteville House in Guernsey. Victor Hugo lived on the second floor of Rohan-Guéménée until 1848. It was in this apartment that the most important works of the writer were created, such as: *Marie Tudor*, *Ruy Blas*, *Les Burgraves*, *Les Chants du crépuscule*, *Les Voix intérieures*, and parts of *Les Misérables*. Here, the master welcomed Lamartine, Vigny, Dumas, and Gautier.
In 1902, Paul Meurice decided to open a museum for the centenary of the birth of his friend. A visit to the museum shows the three stages of the writer's life (before, during, and after exile).
The first floor hosts several temporary exhibitions. Additionally, the Maison de Victor Hugo offers a large collection of graphic works and manuscripts dedicated to the poet.
Show more
Address: 6, Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris.
Website Bastille, Saint Paul, or Chemin Vert.
Opening hours: Open every day except Monday and public holidays, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Stato: aperto.
11
Church of Saint-Eustache
The origin of the church dates back to the time of King Philippe-Auguste, who had asked for a significant loan from Jean-Alais. Instead of repaying the amount, the king allowed the man to collect a fee from every basket of fish sold at Les Halles. Jean-Alais decided to use the money earned to build the chapel dedicated to Saint Agnes (the young Christian from Palermo martyred in the 4th century in Rome). Eustace, after whom the church is named, was also a martyr.
Show more
The church features a Gothic layout and Renaissance decorations, making it one of the most beautiful churches in the city.
St-Eustache houses a magnificent organ. Its sound fascinated Liszt, Berlioz, and Rameau, who came personally to perform their oratorios in this church.
Many historical figures are linked to St-Eustache: Molière was buried here, the Marquise de Pompadour (mistress of Louis XV) was baptized here, as was Richelieu.
Address: 2, Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris.
Les Halles. RER: Châtelet-Les Halles.
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM Mon-Fri; 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends.
Stato: aperto.
12
Church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois
Opposite the east facade of the Louvre, we can admire the Church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, dating back to the 12th century. It is a precious example of Gothic style and became a historic monument of France in 1862. Numerous court artists were buried here, including François Boucher, Antoine Coysevox, Nicolas Coustou, and Louis Le Vau.
Show more
The interior of the church has five naves divided by pillars, a transept, and a deep choir surrounded by an ambulatory. Some stained glass windows date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The church houses numerous works of art: carved furniture from 1684 by François Mercier; 18th-century choir grille; a 16th-century wooden altarpiece sculpted and gilded with the Life of the Virgin; and a 15th-century Flemish wooden reredos sculpted with Scenes from the Life of Christ. In the chapel on the right side, there is a 13th-century statue of Saint Germain of Auxerre.
Next to the church, you can observe the Town Hall of the 1st Arrondissement, where some royal weddings took place.
Address: 2, Place du Louvre, 75001 Paris.
Louvre-Rivoli, Pont Neuf.
Opening hours: Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Stato: aperto.
13
Church of St-Séverin
In the Latin Quarter, you can visit one of the most beautiful churches in Paris, St-Séverin. The style is predominantly Gothic. The church dates back to the 15th century and stands on the site of the former chapel. Currently, the only remaining part of the original chapel is the bell tower, whose bell used to signal curfew for students.
Show more
On the right, you can admire a garden featuring some Gothic structures. Notables, including Huysmans, were buried here.
During the Christmas period, you can come to listen to the divine sounds of the organ during the Midnight Mass.
Address: 3, Rue-des-Prêtre-St-Séverin, Paris.
St-Michel.
Opening hours: Every day from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Stato: aperto.
