Explore Essentials: Things to Do in Paris

“Paris is filled with must-see attractions and iconic landmarks to explore. If you want a memorable and authentic experience, here are the top sights of the city to explore on your Paris holiday.

### Discover the masters at Musée d’Orsay

Beneath the soaring roof of the Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist masterpieces from greats like Monet, Manet, Degas and Van Gogh. The museum boasts 2 lovely cafes and a fine-dining restaurant near the train station, and you can take a guided tour with English speakers to learn more about the artwork.

### Marvel at sculptures at the Musée Rodin

Once the studio of Rodin, the Musée Rodin is now a magnificent museum that contains thousands of Rodin’s sculptures, including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell and The Burghers of Calais. Outside, you’ll find a majestic fountain, outdoor cafe and rose gardens, and the museum hosts special exhibitions of contemporary works.

_Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash_

### Unwind in the Palais-Royal Gardens

The serene formal gardens and charming boutiques of the Palais-Royal Gardens are a tranquil haven for a quiet afternoon. Once the royal residence of Louis XIV, the Palais-Royal Gardens feature arcades, fountains and manicured gardens among antiquaries, designer boutiques and perfumeries.

### Visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton

The Fondation Louis Vuitton, Frank Gehry’s contemporary art museum and cultural centre, is a beautiful addition to the Parisian skyline. It houses the private collection of the luxury-goods conglomerate Bernard Arnault, including pieces by Taryn Simon, Ellsworth Kelly and Pierre Huyghe, as well as temporary exhibitions of Chinese and African artwork.

### Relax at the Luxembourg Gardens

The lovely Luxembourg Gardens are the perfect place to relax in the sunshine or enjoy a picnic with the kids. The gardens feature a children’s playground, an old-fashioned merry-go-round, a basin, a puppet theatre and pathways for jogging and walking past orchards and an old apiary. In the fall, you can attend beekeeping workshops and buy organic honey from local producers.

### See the city by boat on the Seine

Several boat tour companies offer river cruises on the Seine to see the best of Paris landmarks from the water. You can enjoy a flute of champagne, gourmet meals, guided tours and more as you ride by landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay. With most tours, you can hop off wherever you like to enjoy the attractions.

### Explore the Musée Picasso

Home to one of the largest collections of Picasso’s work, the Musée Picasso is a sprawling museum within the regal 17th-century Hotel Sale. Inside the museum, you can explore lavish furnishings and period artefacts, or you can spend your time in the formal gardens on the grounds.

_Photo by Yeo Khee on Unsplash_

### See the masterpieces of the Louvre

Both a world-class museum and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the Louvre is a must-visit on a Paris holiday. The museum holds works from every civilisation on earth and some of the most notable pieces in history, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ and Venus de Milo. You could easily spend days exploring the wonders of the Louvre, but you can narrow your focus to the sections that interest you most to ensure you get all that you want out of the experience.

### Search for treasures at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is a 150-year-old marketplace with labyrinthine alleys and unique stalls with eclectic treasures and curiosities. You can find everything from vintage couture to gilded mirrors, and the Village Vintage has a range of mid-century modern fashions and furnishings to explore.

### Marvel at the view of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a famous Parisian landmark and civic icon. Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower is a breathtaking sight, especially with the cascade of lights that come on when the sun goes down. After seeing the tower from the outside, venture into the restaurant and take in the aerial view of the cityscape.

### See Paris from the Sacred Heart Basilica

The Sacred Heart Basilica is a white castle in the sky that was constructed to symbolise the return of self-confidence to the country after wars. The spectacular architecture combines elements of Byzantine and Romanesque styles for a distinctive appearance. From the top, you can see marvellous views of the surrounding Montmartre.

### Stroll the avenue of Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is the most famous avenue in Paris and offers something for everyone. On one end, you’ll find the restored Grand Palais, which hosts grand art exhibitions, and on the other, the Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon’s spectacular monument constructed in his honour. You could also explore the shops, cafes and restaurants found along the street.

Now you have an idea of things to do in Paris, why not take a look at our other guides for further inspiration? Hunt down the best ice cream or where to picnic to make your trip truly unforgettable.”