The French capital lives up to its hype, with world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and historical sites. Check out our local expert’s recommended favorites.
There are a few things Paris is known for, and its investment in and support of the arts is one of them. Such enthusiasm for creativity, regardless of form, has left the halls of countless museums hung, installed and overflowing with artistic work that spans centuries, not just styles. One of the larger museums is the Musée d’Orsay. It houses not only an impressive collection of paintings and sculpture, but also a permanent exhibit on decorative arts, with pieces from designers such as Antoni Gaudi and Hector Guimard.
A smaller and more charming museum to visit is Musée de la Vie Romantique, which, as its name indicates, celebrates the idea and expression of a romance in art and life.
The most famous museum in Paris is the Louvre. The Louvre is meant to be entered, but the view from the outside is worth taking in as well. A seemingly endless project of renewal and improvements, the Palais de Louvre first began its transformation in 1364 and was last added on to only 20 years ago, when the controversial glass pyramid opened. Situated in the heart of the Cour Napoléon, public opinion seems to have softened, much in the way it did toward the Eiffel Tower, and the structure even seems to have grown on locals and visitors. At dusk, it’s worth checking out the Cour Carrée, a perfectly square courtyard at the rear of the palace. It gives absolute justice to Paris’ reputation as the “city of lights,” as it glows with a golden warmth that leaves you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Next to the Louvre are the Jardins des Tuileries. Now paved in white sand and manicured to a tee, the Tuileries were first sprouted under Catherine de Médici. Since then, like the palace itself, the gardens have evolved in function and appearance, but the area is currently used for strolling, lounging and general enjoyment. [Read more about Paris Museums.]
The first visitor I had in Paris wasn’t bent on seeing all the sights, or taking in the museums or boating down the canal. She came to shop, and figured she’d catch glimpses of all that other stuff along the way. Oddly enough, it’s understandable. As artsy, romantic and beautiful as this city is known to be, it’s equally known for its shopping. Depending on what you’re looking for, vintage, haute couture or something in the middle, Paris offers an array of different boutiques, styles and options. [Read more about Paris Shopping.]
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Picnicking is one of the most exploited warm-weather activities in Paris. With days that hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a lovely way to spend an evening or afternoon near the Seine, a canal or in a park. [Read more about Picnicking in Paris.]
Another fun thing to do, rain or shine, is to take a boat down the Seine. There is no shortage of services that tour the waterways of Paris, and it’s a good way of taking in the sites without wearing holes in the soles of your shoes.
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