The 29 best things to do in Paris

The issue guests to Paris have is there’s simply an excessive amount of to do, from its world-class museums to completely staggering artwork galleries. Right here is Telegraph vacation spot professional Hannah Meltzer’s information to the easiest experiences and sights 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 professional’s suggestions for the easiest issues to do within the metropolis, whereas for additional Paris inspiration, see our guides to town’s finest motels, eating places, bars, nightlife, free issues to do, buying, plus the way to spend a weekend in Paris. 

The gang-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 after 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’ll be able to keep away from the customarily 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: ££
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You have to to count on a spot of pointing on the street in case you take this atypical jaunt round Paris from the sidecar of a bike with Retro Excursions. A dapper ‘Gentleman Sidecarist’ shall be your information as you whizz via the important thing sights of Paris hooked up to classic bikes and decked out in Chevignon jackets. Night time excursions full with a champagne cease are additionally accessible.

Insider’s tip: If you need an thought 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: £££
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Go to the Orsay not just for its impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces, but in addition 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 selected spotlight. Do not miss Manet’s ‘Olympia’ and ‘Déjeuner sur l’herbe’, Monet’s Rouen ‘Cathedrals’, Van Gogh’s self portrait and Degas’ delicately lovely dancer sculptures.

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

Contact:  musee-orsay.fr
Nearest metro: Solférino (line 12)
Worth: ££
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Make sure you 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 among Paris’s most intimate and touching galleries. Downstairs you’ll discover non permanent exhibitions with a distinctly up to date really feel (exhibits in the previous few years embrace David Hockney and Paula Rego). Upstairs, you’ll discover the enchanting everlasting exhibition of Monet’s huge Water Lilies canvases, which have been painted to be hung on this oval-shaped house.

Insider’s tip: You’ll be able to take a guided tour of the everlasting assortment in English within the early afternoon on the very affordable worth 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: ££
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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 degree with its star-painted vaulting was for palace servants. The higher degree, meant for the royal household and clergy, is a flamboyant masterpiece gothic, with superb stained glass, the place a whole bunch 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 finest. Tickets might be purchased upfront, however you continue to must 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 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 means to soak up among the most well-known sights of town. Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches are the most important suppliers and cruise between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, taking within the Orsay and Louvre on the way in which. Passengers can go for a basic sightseeing tour, or guide particular restaurant or champagne cruises. 

Insider’s tip: For an important day, think about forking out on a extra bespoke expertise with Inexperienced River Cruises. A lot of the boats are eclectic (therefore the title) and can be found for personal rent for between 2 ans 12 folks. You’ll have your individual captain, your selection of music and also can add on foods and drinks. An incredible 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 in depth 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 be sure to take the time to see the superb 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 present. The gargantuan edifice homes a big assortment of contemporary artwork, in addition to a a café, artwork store and library. The programming is usually wonderful.

Insider’s tip: For a particular deal with, sit down for a meal at Le Georges, the top-floor restaurant that provides attractive 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: £
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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 demise, Picasso  left his ex-wives, mistresses and youngsters to struggle over his property along with his determination 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 transferring Blue Interval, to the delivery of Cubism and his eccentric sculptures. 

Insider’s tip: On the highest flooring, there are rotating non permanent displays, typically 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 a captivating immersive tour of Paris-themed artefacts; assume Emle Zola’s watch, Proust’s furnishings, unique Métro signage, in addition to relics from historical Lutecia (the Roman title for Paris). The everlasting assortment, which is free,  is complemented by an thrilling roster of ticketed exhibitions, with a give attention to images and social historical past. 

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

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

The Musée Rodin is a ravishing 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 creative 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 you 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: £
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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 best viewing level in Paris, whereas the second degree viewing platform  permits for 360-degree monument recognizing. Go to at night time to thrill 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, notice that queues are shorter in case you come late at night time, or in case you stroll up so far as the second degree – 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: ££
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Going all the way in which 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 previous metropolis on one facet 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 present it’s the point of interest of the annual Bastille Day navy parade. 

Insider’s tip: The frilly 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 enormous Thirties edifice on the banks of the Seine, homes Paris’s house for up to date artwork with probably the most experimental non permanent artwork exhibitions within the metropolis (French artist Abraham Poincheval as soon as spent three weeks sitting on and hatching hen eggs) – it might not at all times be to your style however you positively 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’- strive 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 personal 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, in fact, but in addition jewelry and homewares and youngsters’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 shall be in heaven in Paris’s official museum of trend, 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 objects 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 putting glass and steel “wings”, which have been designed by celebrity architect Frank Gehry. Opened in 2014, this thrilling fashionable artwork museum was funded by Bernard Arnault the CEO of the large conglomerate LVMH (or Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). The exhibition programming is usually wonderful. 

Insider’s tip: The humanities complicated additionally homes a state-of-the-art auditorium and there’s a preferred calendar of classical music concert events. 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 – subsequently 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 Girl and the Unicorn tapestries and reopened after in depth 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 have 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 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 remodeled 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 girl to be buried there: at present there are nonetheless solely six, together with holocaust survivor and pioneering politician Simone Veil. In 2021, legendary entertainer Josephine Baker turned the primary black girl to be added to the Pantheon.

Insider’s tip: Climb the 206 steps to the viewing platforms of the not too long ago restored dome to get pleasure from an impressive 360-degree view of town.

Contact: pantheon.monuments-nationaux.fr
Nearest metro: Saint-Michel (line 4), Place Monge (line 7)
Worth: £
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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, however it’s not all decorative. In summer time you will discover busy tennis courts; very critical pétanque video games, performed by regulars; basketball and even bee hives. On the south facet, cease within the secluded English-style gardens, replete with greenery and birdsong and dotted with neoclassical sculpture.

Insider’s tip: It is a excellent spot to go to en famille. Napoleon Bonaparte devoted this park to youngsters and well-known options embrace the “Guignol” puppet present, pony rides and eccentric 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 non permanent exhibitions are at all times thoughtfully put collectively.

Insider’s tip: Make sure you 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 supplier who labored intently with Salvador Dalí and commissioned him to make numerous large-scale bronze sculptures, that are on show right here. Lovers of Surrealism will adore the mind-bending show, which additionally contains numerous engravings and lithographs. 

Insider’s tip: There is no such thing as a reward store right here, so you’ll need to hit the memento outlets close by on your Dali-themed knick-knacks. 

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

If you happen to 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”. Right now, 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 substances and have lunch by the Grand Canal.

Contact: chateauversailles.fr
Nearest metro: RER Versailles Rive Gauche
Worth: ££
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The newly revamped and reopened Musée Albert Kahn museum, positioned simply outdoors of town in Boulogne-Billancourt, is a should for each lovers of images and, in an surprising pairing, additionally for lovers of gardens. Banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn was chargeable for financing among the world’s earliest color journey images; inside you will discover 1000’s of putting Autochrome colour-plate images captured world wide 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 fort 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 primary 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 personal night time excursions and even a sizzling air balloon journey are additionally on supply.

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

Simply 27 miles (45 km) east of Paris, you enter one other world comprised of the primary Disneyland Park, smaller film-themed Walt Disney Studios Park and Pageant Disney containing exhibits, eating places and memento outlets. Small tots are entranced by the parades and the teacup journey, Huge youngsters (together with adults) benefit from the thrills of Star Wars-themed Hyper House 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 motels. Shopping for tickets on-line is cheaper than on the door.

Contact: disneylandparis.co.uk
Nearest metro: RER A Marne-la-Vallée — Chessy
Worth: £££
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Les Puces de Saint-ouen is a should for thrifters and vintage lovers. This large sprawling flea market is open Friday to Monday inclusive each week and is among the largest of its variety on the planet. Every of the dozen or so markets (lined and out of doors) has a distinct vibe and speciality. You could find absolutely anything, from classic Chanel, to vintage lace, to large stone animals, previous door handles, vintage books, and the checklist 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 cherished 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 accessible 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 count on quite a lot of leaping round and loud French chanting, so doubtlessly one to keep away from in case you’re en famille.

Contact: stadedefrance.com
Nearest metro: St Denis – Porte de Paris (line 13)
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Rosa Bonheur was one of the crucial profitable French artists of the Nineteenth century and the primary girl to purchase a chateau together with her personal earnings, and to obtain the Legion of Honour– but till not too long ago she’d been largely forgotten by historical past. The Brault household has completely renovated Bonheur’s whimsical chateau in Thomery, on the sting of Fontainebleau forest. You’ll discover the artist’s putting animal work and a captivating tearoom. Ebook forward for a guided tour. 

Insider’s tip: There are two lovely 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  (prepare from Paris Gare de Lyon)
Worth: ££