What to See & Do in Paris - For Returning Visitors
A guide geared towards those who have already ticked off all the Paris staples for visitors, who are looking for something a little different or slightly less touristy, and/or who are looking for more things to do in Paris.
What to See & Do in Paris - A Guide for Returning Visitors:
Parc Monceau
While first timers to Paris might rush to the famed Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin des Tuileries – admittedly even locals and those familiar with the city flock there – tucked away in the 8th arr. is the breathtaking Parc Monceau. A stunning park in Paris that does not get nearly enough attention, it’s an absolute pleasure to walk through this park of follies.
Enter by the rotunda, and explore the greenery and plants throughout the park before you stop to marvel at the Naumachie – a Corinthian styled colonade. Built with ancient columns belonging to the house of Valois, they were meant to be used for a structure housing the tomb of Henry II in the basilica Saint-Denis. While never completed, the columns now surround a lovely lily pond, making for a beautiful picture if nothing else.
As you roam around, enjoy the oddities of this park that have been added throughout its history. For instance, it is a mix of an English style park with French-style Gardens; the plants buried here including both local and exotic species brought in from around the world. An obviously fake Egyptian pyramid was constructed to amaze and remains in situ, unlike the Dutch windmill and farmhouse, which have since disappeared. Other designs and additions that were inspired by other cultures and times include a little bridge reminiscent of the Rialto bridge in Venice, a Chinese garden, an enchanted grotto, and a randomly placed Renaissance arch.
Interestingly, this park was the landing site of the world’s first silk parachute jump, achieved in 1797.
How to Get There: If taking the metro straight to the park and going through the main entrance, get off at station Monceau, métro line 2 (M2). If looking to explore the neighbourhood or enter the park through one of the other entrances, nearby stations include: Villiers (M2 or M3), Courcelles (M2) or Malesherbes (M3). Slightly father afoot, stations Ternes (M2), Miromesnil (M9 or M13), Rome (M2) or Europe (M3) can still get you to this park in under 10 minutes.
Musée Nissim de Camondo
Once the home of a prominent Jewish family, this house-turned-museum now showcases an extensive collection of decorative, making it an enriching visit for anyone looking for further illumination on the lifestyle of the Parisian aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
See how families – specifically the Camondo family – lived as you walk around this perfectly presersved mansion, exploring bedrooms and parlours, the kitchens and dining rooms. Take in the ornate antique furniture, the impressive art lining the walls, and the textiles that exude wealth.
While exploring the mansion is enjoyable within itself, take the opportunity to learn more about the history of the family and the significance of the decorative items housed here, available through audioguides (which are included with admission). It makes an already interesting visit and unforgettable and educational one, rich with Parisian history with a cultural one sprinkled in as well.
Practical Information: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-5:30pm; the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as some holidays. General admission is €9 and include the audioguide tour. Hours and admission are subject to change, please check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: Located near Parc Monceau, this museum is a short walk from station Monceau (M2) or Villiers (M2 or M3).
Musée Jacquemart-Andre
A former mansion, musée Jacquemart-Andre is now a cherished art museum that is often – like musée Nissim de Camondo – overlooked. While it can be busy, it is more often filled with locals than tourists, especially at the café on site.
The mansion, which belonged to Edouard Andre and his artist wife Nélie Jacquemart, is furnished with items and art collected from the couple’s travels, including trips to Asia, which allowed for an eclectic yet intentional decorative style. As a childless widow in possession of the mansion, Nélie bequeathed her home and the entirety of her collection the Institut de France, with the intention it should be accessible to the public upon her passing. It was not to be taken by the Andre family, who tried to fight for the mansion and the treasures inside.
Adorning the walls, find works by famous artists such as Boucher, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Jacques-Louis David, Elisabeth Vigée Le-Brun, Botticelli, Tiepolo, Canaletto, and Bellini, among countless more, while statues and elaborate furniture decorate the various rooms of this house.
Practical Information: Open daily from 10am-6pm, and open later on Mondays during special exhibitions. General admission is €12 for the permanent collection, while a ticket for the permanent collection and exhibition costs €14.50. Hours and admission are subject to change, please check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: South of Parc Monceau and north of Blvd. Haussmann, this museum is accessible by multiple metro stations that allow for a pleasant walk to the museum. However, the closest stations are Miromesnil (M9 or M13) or Saint-Philippe-du-Roule (M9).
Musée de Cluny
Located in the Latin Quarter, near the Sorbonne and fountain St. Michel, this museum often gets skipped in lieu of the more famous art museums in Paris. Known for its collection of medieval art and relics, you’ll find a range of items on display in this former cloister, from religious art to the renowned Unicorn tapestries.
The museums is made up of of two buildings merged as one; the first being the Hôtel de Cluny, which was built in the 15th century, and the other being the old Gallo-Roman thermal baths of Lutetia from the 1st century. While no longer any water there now, you can see where these thermal baths once were. Inside the collection, you’ll find lots of medieval crosses, coffers, gothic doors, and stone statues on display, as well as tapestries – most notably being the Unicorn tapestries. There is a whole room dedicated to the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry, perhaps one of the most famous in this series.
While a tapestry may not sound exciting, the amount of work involved is astounding and clearly visible with each stitch. What is exceptionally interesting about the Unicorn series is that unlike much else in this museum, they are not religious in content, but rather depict the five senses, with a sixth tapestry portraying love and understanding. Each of the six feature the same woman, a unicorn, and other animals or nature that are rich in symbolism; the scene evoking the sense it represents.
Practical Information: Open daily, except Tuesday, from 9:15am-5:45pm. The museum is closed on some holidays. General admission is €5, but if visiting the museum and the temporary special exhibition, admission is €9. Hours and admission are subject to change, please check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: Located in the Latin Quarter, near the fountain St. Michel, it’s easy to reach this museum by foot from anywhere in the city. However, the closest metro station is Cluny-La Sorbonne (M10). Also very close is Maubert-Mutualité (M10), Odéon (M10 or M4) or Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame (RER B, RER C or M4).
See a Film While Jumping Back in Time
Paris is home to European cinema culture, with France being the birthplace of the moving picture (think Lumiere brothers). In the Latin Quarter, you can find art-house cinemas that have been operating since they opened in the early 20th century. While the Champs-Élysées, along with Forum Les Halles and other bustling neighbourhoods, feature lots of cinemas that will play films in VO (version originale), seeing a film in one of the old cinemas in the Odeon neighbourhood of the Latin Quarter is a unique experience. Don’t worry, there are some modern cinemas peppered in, which play new releases and often in English, unlike their historical counterparts.
Visit Le Champo – perhaps the most famous – which has been in operation since 1938. Practically ancient in comparison to Cinéma du Panthéon, which was opened in 1907. This cinema was the first to show films in their native language – regardless of where they were made, and was one of the first theatres to focus on French new-wave cinema. You can also try Reflet Medicis, which has been operating since the 60s. If you want the art-house experience but in another neighbourhood, try Cinema Studio 28 in Montmartre, which has been playing films since the 1920s and has a bar-garden on site.
Catacombs
While to some this may seem like one of the most obvious things to do in Paris, for many frequent visitors and locals alike, they’ve never made their way underground to the famed tunnel full of skeletons. Think millions of skeletons. This is a great visit for those who are tired of countless art museums, feel full from one too many croissants, or enjoy the eerie and sinister.
If it feels even remotely tactless to walk among the skeletons of those long deceased, just know that you’d be following in the steps of many prominent figures in history by visiting, including Austrian emperors and Napoleon III. During World War 2, even the French resistance and the Nazi’s used these tunnels; the former to escape Nazi the detection, while the latter created bunkers.
Practical Information: Open daily, except Monday, from 10am-8:30pm. General admission is €13, but it costs extra for an audioguide. Tickets can be reserved online which grant you quick access. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: Located in the Montparnasse neighbourhood, south of the Luxembourg gardens, you can subway straight to the Catacombs, getting off at the station Denfert-Rocherau (RER B, M4 or M6). Other stations, slightly farther away, include Saint-Jacques (M6), Mouton-Duvernet (M4), and Raspail (M4 or M6).
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Perhaps the most famous cemetery in Paris, it houses the burial spots of multiple renowned French (and some non-French) celebrities and artists. Famous people buried here include: French singing legend Edith Piaf, Irish writer Oscar Wilde, American musician Jim Morrison, French writer Colette, Polish classical composer Frédéric Chopin, French author Honoré de Balzac, local playwright Molière, the artist Camille Pissaro, amongst many more.
Warning: Be prepared for crowds at the tomb of Jim Morrison, making it potentially hard to snap a photo.
Practical Information: Open weekdays from 8:0am-6pm, from 8:30am-6pm on Saturdays, and from 9am-6pm on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free.
How to Get There: There are multiple metro stations you can get off at when visiting Père Lachaise, the most obvious station being Père Lachaise (M2 or M3). Other stations include Philippe Auguste (M2), Alexander Dumas (M2), and slightly further afoot station Voltaire (M9) and Porte de Bagnolet (M3).
Musée Marmottan Monet
An interesting museum with a large collection of impressionist art that tends to be overlooked given its location. While predominately featuring Monet, the collection is reflective of the movement and full of household names. It also has a unique collection of works from other art movements and periods, including medieval art which was the foundation of the museum’s collection.
When looking for a more peaceful way to see the greats, which allows for avoiding lines and crowds, this museum is the perfect option. Find works by Monet, Degas, Caillebotte, Manet, Renoir, Pissaro, Rodin and Canova beside pieces from Chagall, Gauguin and Delacroix. Even better, this museum has been known to host some amazing exhibitions that allow you to see some masterpieces that have been gathered for display from across Europe for a limited time.
Twice a year there are temporary exhibitions dedicated to at least one specific artist, including Goya, Pissaro, Toulouse-Lautrec and most recently Cezanne, with Swedish painter Peter Severin Krøyer to be featured in 2021.
Practical Information: Open daily, except Monday, from 10am-6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays. General admission is €12, with an extra €3 surcharge if you want an audioguide. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: Admittedly, this may not be a museum you walk to from your hotel/accommodation, but there is a metro station nearby – from station La Muette (M9), it is only a six-minute walk, straight through the park Jardin du Ranelagh.
Erin’s Personal Tip: While located outside the city core, it’s well worth the visit if you’re interested in the impressionists. If starting your day here, take the subway straight there, and perhaps consider walking from the museum back to the city centre. It is a pleasant walk along Rue de Passy, which is full of restaurants, cafes, and shops, to Rue Benjamin Franklin, which takes you to the Trocadero neighbourhood – specifically, to the Jardins du Trocadero, where you an then cross over to the Eiffel Tower for an afternoon picnic.
Musée de l’Armée
For those looking for a different type of museum, this military museum has one of the greatest collections on display, featuring weaponry, uniforms, maps, artifacts, paintings depicting battles, and much more – the collection ranging from prehistoric times to present. Highlights of the collection include: an enigma machine, pistols belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, armour belonging to Henri II while still the dauphin (heir apparent), as well as armour belonging to his father, decorated with lions – the formidable Francis I.
Other treasures of this museum include rooms dedicated to jousting and its’ accompanying accoutrements, hunting, the artistry of being a luxury gunsmith, and the Vauban Room, which features a procession of 14 cavaliers over a period of time. There is also a small collection on display of political gifts given to the monarchy or generals throughout the centuries, along with military artifacts belonging to other cultures and countries.
The museum itself is housed the Hôtel National des Invalides, which encompasses multiple museums and the tomb of Napoleon I. To this day, it is used for a variety of ceremonies honouring the Republic of France. It is fitting that the Invalides became the home of this military museum, as the original building was intended by Louis XIV (who commissioned the project) to be a hospital and convalescent home for soldiers.
Practical Information: Open daily from 10am-6pm, with extended hours on Tuesdays – until 9pm – during special exhibitions. General admission is €14, and includes entry to the permanent collections, Napoleon I’s tomb, the temporary exhibition (if there is one), as well as entry to the the Museum of the Order of the Liberation and the Museum of Relief Maps. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: The closest métro stations are La Tour-Maubourg (M8) and Varenne (M13). Also nearby, and providing a great view as you rise from the underground, include stations Invalides (M8, M13 or RER C) and Assemblée Nationale (M12).
Musée des Arts et Métiers
Direct translation: Musée des Arts et Métiers means the Museums of Arts and Crafts. But it’s far more than that. It’s a museum dedicated to technological inventions, created with the intention of showcasing highlights from the field of sciences and technology, able to educate the ignorant or those incapable of educating themselves.
Each room provides a different focus, featuring key items and artefacts related to the specific area of study, such as the Communication Room or Mechanical Room. There is a hall dedicated to the creation of airplanes and automobiles, with some of the most significant inventions featured here.
Take a guided tour, which is lead by one of the museums ‘scientific interpreters’, as it provides fun facts and detailed information that add to your visit and illuminate on the history and context of what you’re seeing. Highlights of the collection include – but definitely are not limited to - phonographs by Edison, an original 1908 Ford Model T, a few Pascaline calculators (a mechanical calculator invented in the 17th century), instruments belonging to the chemist Lavoisier along with his preserved laboratory (he is responsible for naming Oxygen and Hydrogen, along with creating the first list of elements prior to the creation of the Periodic table), and camera prototypes from the Lumière brothers (the fathers of cinematography).
Practical Information: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am-6pm, with extended hours on Fridays until 9:30pm; closed Mondays and some holidays. General admission is €8. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: Located in the northern part of the Marais, this museum is easily accessible by walking. However, depending where you’re starting from, you may want to subway here; the closest métro stations are Arts et Métiers (M3 or M11), Réaumur-Sébastopol (M3 or M4), Étienne Marcel (M4), or Temple (M3). Slightly father away – but only slightly – and very accessibly by multiple lines, try stations Republique (M3, M5, M8, M9, M11) and Strasbourg-Saint Denis (M4, M8, M9).
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
This museum is an ode to French decorative arts, showcasing the labour and love poured into creating the resplendence we’ve come to know as ‘The Art of French Living’. From couture fashion to ornate furniture, and everything in between, this collection features thousands of items showcasing the design, techniques, and artistry of French craftsmanship at its greatest.
See recreations or reassembled rooms from various periods, with all their finery, as if stepping back in time. Admire the woodwork and intricate details of furniture through time while taking in countless artworks and styles, including glassware, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
Practical Information: Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 11am-6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays – until 9pm – for special exhibitions only; closed Mondays. General admission is €14, which includes an audioguide. A combination ticket with the Musée Nissim de Camondo – both including audioguides and valid for 4 days – costs €20. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: Located in a wing of the Louvre, there are multiple subway stations to get you here, including Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (M1 or M7), Pyramides (M7 or M14), Louvre-Rivoli (M1), and Tuileries (M1).
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a modern respite in this historical city that has remained relatively untouched by modern architecture. Opened in 2014 by LVMH, who are responsible for the creation of this space, the foundation seeks to promote and nurture art, from historical to modern. While French art is prominently featured, there are works and collections focusing on art from around the world, highlighting just how diverse and international our modern world has become.
In addition to acting as a museum, the Fondation Louis Vuitton hosts talks, debates, conferences, etc. for artists, leaders, and intellectuals, while also providing workshops and classes for anyone to attend. With an auditorium on site, there are countless performances held here.
If the Foundation Louis Vuitton isn’t enough to lure you to the outskirts of the city, where it is located, consider visiting the Jardin d’Acclimation in the neighbouring park, Bois de Boulogne. It was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and his wife, and has become more than just a lovely garden outside the city, now the Jardin d’Acclimation acts as an amusement park with rides, concerts and events, and horseback riding – it is beside the Longchamp Racecourse after all.
Practical Information: Open daily, except Tuesday, from 11am-8pm, with late openings on Fridays (until 9pm) and extended hours during certain seasons and exhibitions. General admission is €14 and includes access to the Jardin d’Acclimation. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: The closest métro station is Les Sablong (M1), with a designated ‘Fondation Louis Vuitton’ exit to help direct you as you leave the station. From the station, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk.
Musée de la Vie Romantique
This museum dedicated to the Romanticists (think movement, not emotion), is housed in a mansion that once operated as a 19th century salon, welcoming great artists and thinkers of the time, with Chopin, Franz Liszt, George Sand, and Delacroix, included as just some of the guests of interest who walked through the door.
The museum allows visitors to explore the mansion and its gardens, taking in the decorations of the home, while also showcasing treasures of the Romantic period. On display, you’ll find a large collection of personal items belong to George Sand, including love letters and jewellery.
Perhaps more popular than the museum itself is the garden tearoom attached, which makes for a wonderful destination to take a little afternoon break. Providing shade under the surrounding trees and with roses to offer a fresh scent, you can sit and relax with pastries and a cup of coffee.
Practical Information: Open daily, except Mondays, from 10am-6pm. Free admission. Please note that hours can/may change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: The closest métro stations are Pigalle (M2 or M12), Blanche (M2), and Saint-George (M12).
La Cinémathèque Francaise Film Center
A destination for movie lovers and true cinephiles, this center is dedicated to the art of cinematography. While movies are screened on the premises – think retrospectives and art house – the main attraction is the small museum on site dedicated to film, which features hundreds of items from film history. Costumes, scripts, set designs, technological innovations, old marketing campaigns… it’s all on display for those who are anxious to get lost in the history of this medium.
The collection includes old film equipment used to make the earliest pictures, over 10,000 film costumes, over 18,000 movie posters, and thousands of photos showcasing film shoots, actors, writers, and directions, as well as a large collection of books on film – both displayed and on sale in the shop. While modern cinema may feel under represented here, you’ll clearly see how movies became what they are today.
Practical Information: The museum is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 12pm-7pm, and on Sundays from 10am-8pm; it is closed on Tuesdays and some bank holidays. Admission to the museum’s permanent collections is free, though if going for a special exhibition, there is often a small fee. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change.
How to Get There: Located in the Bercy neighbourhood, it’s easiest to someway here. The closest métro stations are Bercy (M6 or M14) and Saint-Émilion (M14).
Get lost in the Hidden and Covered Passageways
The old streets of Paris may prove picturesque and match what you’ve come to see and know from pictures, but the hidden and covered passageways of the city are equally charming, transporting you to another time. Full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and little nooks – they aren’t to be missed. While there are many in the city, below are a few that you’d be loath to miss.
Passage des Panoramas & Passage Jouffroy
Built in 1799, the Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest in the city, if not the oldest. Squished together, you’ll find craftsman in little shops and restaurants offering local delicacies. A continuation of the Passage des Panoramas, the Passage Jouffroy – built in 1836 – is equally delightful, with unique and original shops sandwiched between delightful tearooms and cafes.
Passage Grand-Cerf
Built in 1825, this passageway is one of the tallest in the city, with ceilings 12 metres high. The stores within tend to skew craftier and more artisan, with little boutiques selling handmade pottery and jewellery, custom furniture, and one of kind fashion pieces. If looking for an affordable gift (for yourself or friends), you’ll find some distinct pieces and goods here. Try Eric et Lydie for some vintage-inspired jewellery that will stand out in your collection.
Passage Galerie Véro-Dodat
A little passageway in the city center, near the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries, it houses upmarket shops and boutiques offering fineries worthy of a museum. While lovely to stroll through, be warned that the shops and stores within are quite pricey; the Christian Louboutin store at the entrance serving as a warning for the elegance that lies within.
Passage des Princes
Not nearly as old as some of the other passageways in the city – it was rebuilt in the 90s – this is for those young at heart. Toy stores, arcades, and video games seem to be the theme of the shops here.
Passage Brady
Visit this passageway when looking to find another culture combined with the French aesthetic. Commonly referred to as ‘Little India’, this passageway features lots of restaurants and shops focused on Indian and Pakistani food. Half open-air, half covered by a glassed roof, this passage is separated by Blvd. de Strasbourg.
Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier – home to the Paris opera – is a gilded masterpiece both inside and out that is well worth the ball gown and tuxedo. Thankfully, to take a tour you won’t need to dress up – the public areas open for daytime tours. Take a self-guided tour with the provided multimedia audioguide, which will introduce you to the history of the building and elaborate on the art that is the building itself. Take it up a notch with a guided tour, which will elaborate on the history and architecture of the building, while also discussing the works and operas that have been performed here. The guided tour often provides unique insights lost through the audioguide, allows for questions, and sometimes can take you to parts not open to the standard tour. Even better, on occasion there are themed guided tours, making the experience unforgettable.
Practical Information: Open daily from 10am-6pm, with guided tours in English at 3pm (can change depending on schedule). It is advised to book tickets in advance online. General admission is €14. Please note, hours and admission are subject to change, check HERE for the most up-to-date information.
How to Get There: The closest stations are Opéra (M3, M7, or M8), Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette (M7 or M9) or Gare Auber (RER A).
Flaneur around local neighbourhoods
Every bit of research will guide you to certain neighbourhoods of the city, whether intentional or not. It’s inevitable as some of the most central areas feature the most prominent museums and tourist spots. However, there are some neighbourhoods that often get overlooked or considered an afterthought that really deserve your time and attention – especially when looking to follow in the footsteps of locals or on the hunt for good food and shops.
While the Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre are well worth repeated visits, not to mention the whole 1st arr., you shouldn’t forget to explore the Oberkampf, Haut Marais and Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhoods, along with Pigalle, Batignolles, and Passy.
The Oberkampf neighbourhood offers a younger and newer vibe, with lots of emerging restaurants and bakeries that will look great on your Instagram and that your pants will hate you for. Check out the boutique We Are Paris for fun souvenirs before treating yourself to a babka at The French Bastards. Join the crowds at Ober Mamma or go all out at Les Fondus de la Raclette.
You can be forgiven for thinking the Haut Marais is simply just a quieter part of the Marais neighbourhood – it technically is. But within the Marais, the little section that makes up the ‘Haut Marais’ offers a very distinct vibe. A little more local and definitely more trendy, you’ll find tiny bars and restaurants tucked away, with concept stores and high end boutiques calling your name. Candelaria is perhaps the most known bar is the neighbourhood, as is its sister restaurant Le Mary Celeste. Famous bakery Poilâne has a location here, as does perfume store Buly 1803. Enjoy dinner at BigLove, or grab a choux pastry to go from Popelini.
The Canal Saint-Martin is where the young flock, tourists typically only venturing over to try the famous bakery Du Pain et des Idées. Deemed a “Bobo” district – think bohemian bourgeoisie – it’s a nice escape from the more tourist-centric areas of the city. It’s easy to walk the streets, with lots of little boulangeries and épiceries to pick up items for a picnic along the canal – or perhaps you’d rather find everything in one place, grocery shopping in Marché Couvert Saint-Martin. If picnics aren’t your thing, dine at the Hôtel du Nord, made famous from a 1930s French film, or try the trendy Chez Prune.
If you appreciate quiet streets, a break from museums, and gastronomy, the Batignolles neighbourhood is for you. It’s odd that it is not a bigger tourist destination as many impressionist artists frequented this neighbourhood, some living there. Nowadays, you’ll find lots of unique bars to enjoy a good cocktail or glass of wine, some hipster coffee shops, and modern bakeries that tend to all diets. On Saturday mornings, you can enjoy the organic market, picking up some fresh fruit to take with you before you roam through the Square des Batigonolles park. This neighbourhood has also become “bobo” but not so much so that the hordes descend upon it.
Pigalle has a history of being a seedy neighbourhood, full of sex shops and grit that has yet to be gentrified. Tourists typically flock here strictly for the Moulin Rouge and as the base for their walk up to Montmartre. However, the neighbourhood South Pigalle, which will lead you to that less than favourable area, is not to be skipped, especially if you’re interested in trying the local flavour. Walk along Rue des Martyrs and hop from one store to the next, trying everything in sight.
The Passy neighbourhood is so often forgotten, overshadowed by its neighbouring Eiffel Tower, however it’s well worth the exploration. Aside from the Trocadéro gardens, people tend to forget about the rest of the sights and attractions in this neighbourhood, nor does the quiet charm get the credit its due. Just outside the outskirts of this neighbourhood you’ll find Palais de Tokyo, but within this little corner of the city, you’ll find the Musée Marmottan Monet, Maison de Balzac, and the Musée de Vin. Along Rue de Passy, you’ll find high street stores like Zara, COS, and Sephora paired with French contemporary brands like BA&SH and Comptoir des Cotonniers. You can also enjoy various grocery stores like the decadent Le Grand Epicerie de Paris, the British export M&S, and the indoor market Marché Couvert de Passy.
Musée Carnavalet
This former Renaissance building is now a museum dedicated to the history of the city, shown through various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, furniture, personal objects, signs, graphic arts, and coins. Find artifacts from excavations throughout Paris, with items predominantly from the Gallo-Roman period on display. The archaeology collection here also has a mammoth’s tooth and tools dating back to the Neolithic period.
The numismatic collection alone could function as its own museum, with over 50,000 items, from antiquity coins, rare mints, and medallions, to tokens for various occasions, seals, and signets. The graphic arts department also carries an obscene collection, with over 150,000 documents. Find old maps, prints, portraits, sketchings, and more in this section.
Located in the Marais district, this museum is well worth the visit. Especially as it will be just reopening to the public after four years of renovations to modernise and strengthen the experience. Scheduled to re-open in 2020, though the date has yet to be announced.
Practical Information: This museum is closed for renovations, scheduled to open in 2020.
How to Get There: The closest métro stations are Saint-Paul (M1), Chemin Vert (M8).