THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PARIS

LOUVRE & TUILERIES GARDEN
A 13th century castle that has evolved with the centuries. Once the residence of the Kings of France under the Ancien Régime, today the Louvre is one of the world’s most prestigious museums. Rubbing shoulders with the Cour Carrée, its famous glass pyramid has reigned over the Cour Napoléon since 1989. Contrasting with the surrounding classical buildings, this futuristic monument encloses the main entrance. ...

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PARIS

LOUVRE & TUILERIES GARDEN
A 13th century castle that has evolved with the centuries. Once the residence of the Kings of France under the Ancien Régime, today the Louvre is one of the world’s most prestigious museums. Rubbing shoulders with the Cour Carrée, its famous glass pyramid has reigned over the Cour Napoléon since 1989. Contrasting with the surrounding classical buildings, this futuristic monument encloses the main entrance. Inside, medieval relics are spread over three wings: Sully, Richelieu and Denon. A 60,600 m² journey through the ages in eight permanent collections: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Paintings, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Islamic Art and Prints and Drawings from the Middle Ages to 1848. The majestic Tuileries gardens and fountains greet visitors upon leaving, providing an airy space for joggers and strollers that stretches from the Palais to the Obelisk on Place de la Concorde. A haven of greenery in the heart of the city.

LE PALAIS ROYAL
An architectural gem built by the Cardinal Richelieu in 1642, the Palais Royal sits next to the Louvre. Enclosed in a rectangle formed by cut stone buildings, its honorary courtyard has been home to the 3,000 m2 Colonnes de Buren contemporary sculpture since 1986. A smattering of luxury boutiques await under its arcades, inviting visitors to flit from art works to literary cafés, from fashion to design. In the centre, a garden dotted with lime blossom trees and restaurants hosts pétanque games and little fountains. A well-kept secret.

COMÉDIE FRANÇAISE
This theatre was christened the ‘Maison de Molière’ and is based on a Latin motto: Simul et Singulis, which translates as ‘Together and Individually’. The stage was thus set for the only French troupe of permanent actors. Founded under Louis XIV in 1680, this elegant theatre is home to a truly singular atmosphere exuded by its mouldings and dyed pieces. The Salle Richelieu seats 860 spectators, who flock to the theatre to attend the classical concerts, ballets and plays that are performed here every night. A contemporary repertoire of over 3,000 works. Collectors and visitors are spoilt for choice in the boutiques thanks to a range of quirky gift items, from dining arts and stationery to jewellery, home décor, textiles and specialist books. Each of the boutiques is a cabinet of curiosities that sparks dialogue and brings browsers together. A high seat of art and timeless opulence.

OPÉRA GARNIER
Rubbing shoulders with glossy department stores and Haussmann apartment buildings, this listed historic monument towers up over its square. The architect Charles Garnier lent it its neoclassical Baroque style in 1875, thus creating one of the city’s two existing opera houses. Every year, 2,200 art lovers venture behind the marble columns of its façade and under its copper statue-topped dome to attend one of its 350 annual operas and ballets. The majestic, sweeping staircase sets the tone for things to come: drawing rooms and a main foyer decked out in mosaics and Louis XIV mirrors. A ballroom that dazzles under a monumental chandelier and a dome painted by Chagall. Unforgettable dinners under the rotunda. A feast for the senses, from overtures to intervals, from day to night. Infused with the spirit of illustrious artists, from the dulcet tones of Maria Callas to Rudolf Noureev’s pirouettes or the craftsmanship of Stravinsky – simply enthralling.

RUE SAINT HONORÉ
Right Bank. Stretching along 1,800 metres from Les Halles to the Concorde, this famous street skims past the Palais Royal, the Madeleine, the Tuileries garden, the Place Vendôme, and beyond… An Aladdin’s cave of shopping delights. High fashion boutiques, cutting-edge designers, and renowned perfumers are on-hand to satisfy all your flights of fancy, from gifts to souvenirs. A stone’s throw away from the Elysée Palace.