Paris Best Sites

The concept space and multidisciplinary artistic incubator is located in a building originally constructed for the Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville in the Marais district, where makers of fashion, design, and contemporary art are given resources for experimenting in the creative process. There's a production workshop, exhibition tower, and open passageway for artist-in-residence programs, partnerships, and productions — supported through the endowment Fondation d'entreprise Galeries Lafayette. [PARTNER PROMOTION]

9 Rue du Plâtre
75004 Paris
+33-157-406-417

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This building has seen a lot of action — as a pre-war dance hall, a post-war gambling den, and now an exhibition space devoted to documentary photography, film, and performance. It’s also home to a lovely Brit-influenced cafe. Sunday brunch is a best bet.

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2 Rue Buffon
Paris, 75005
+ 33-1-40-79-56-01

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A Frank Gehry-designed cultural center with expansive gardens and dynamic programming. A great destination for fashion aficionados, as Pallais Galliera and Fondation Yves Saint Laurent are located nearby.

8 Ave. du Mahatma Gandhi
Paris, 75116
+33-1-40-69-96-00

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At the heart of Paris, this 13th-century, Gothic chapel is tucked away next to the Palais de Justice. On the ground floor, a space dedicated to saints and martyrs. Up a narrow, winding staircase, a cavernous chapel with jaw-dropping, stained-glass windows of biblical scenes. You'll want to sit down in order to take it all in.

8 Boulevard du Palais
Paris, 75001

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See a broad collection of the works of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, including Massacre in Korea and Celestina, without even going to Spain. Get a glimpse of Picasso's personal art collection of paintings by artists such as Cezanne and Matisse. Visit the café on the roof for toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, and a few Spanish specialities.

5 Rue de Thorigny
Paris, 75003

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Adjacent to the Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Mosquée dazzles with its intricate mosaic walls, towering minaret, and lovely patio where birds find shelter. In the center, a marble fountain surrounded by a courtyard area and a café serving oriental-style tea and pastries. The mosque is both a functioning place of worship and serene spot to meditate.

2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite
Paris, 75005
+33-145-359-733

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To promote understanding between France and the Arab world, the Institut du Monde Arab was established in 1987 along the left bank of the Seine. Featuring a concert hall, multiple restaurants, a café, and terrace with a panoramic view of the city, go to the Institute to learn more through ancient art, cultural performances, and a cup of traditional thé à la menthe.

1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard
Paris, 75005
+33-140-513-838

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The former home of banker Édouard André and painter wife Nélie Jacquemart is a time capsule of how the wealthy lived in the mid 1800s. The couple traveled extensively throughout Italy, collecting the collection of art and sculpture (Donatello, Tiepolo, della Robbia, Botticelli) that fills the bijoux museum that's a masterwork of tasteful and thoughtful opulence.

158 Blvd. Haussmann
Paris, 75008

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Don't let the legions of tourists scare you from one of the world's best art collections. But be smart about your visit. Get tickets in advance, either online, at the tabac at Le Carrousel du Louvre shopping center, or at FNAC bookstore. Then use the Passage Richelieu entrance for shorter lines or buy a Museum Pass to skip them altogether. Once inside, prepare to be disappointed by the Mona Lisa (if you can see past the selfie sticks) and stunned by Rembrandt's Bathsheba at Her Bath, Poussin's Four Seasons, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the recently renovated the Napoleon III apartments in the Richelieu wing. The Louvre is closed on Tuesday and is otherwise open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday.

Paris, 75001

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The iconic all-white basilica sits at the top of Montmartre, making it the highest point of the city. Climb the 234 spiral steps of the dome for magnificent panoramic views of the city.

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
Paris, 75018

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The impressive calendar of temporary exhibitions may get more attention, but the permanent collection is a stunner. The thematic and chronological walk through centuries of fine French craftsmanship includes some 150,000 objects: an entire wall of cabinets, Jeanne Lanvin's striking 1920s apartment, and a 15th-century bedchamber. When you're finished, stop by the design-driven museum shop to pick up incredible accessories, books, and home lighting.

107 Rue de Rivoli

Paris, 75001

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A cheap, fun way to see the city from bottom up. Batobuses run every fifteen minutes at eight different spots, but our favorite route is from Tour Eiffel to Musee D'Orsay.

Paris

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An enchanting museum unlike any in the city whose name roughly translates to "Museum of Fairground Arts." Hop on a 19th-century ride (like the classic bicycle merry-go-round, manège de vélocipèdes) or play a game of racing French waiters (yes, really). Note that most tours are in French, but with old-school attractions, century-old games, and Belle Époque flair, who needs to understand every word?