We’re going to Paris in mid-April. We’re spending 5 nights there and then going on to Brussels. We’ve been to Paris several times before and have been to the major sites multiple times (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Musee d’Orsay, Orangerie, Rodin, Picasso, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur, Sainte Chappelle, Pere LaChaise, Montmartre, Marais, catacombs. We’re looking for some ideas for different places to visit or experience. We’re also thinking of going to the Moulin Rouge. Has anyone here done that and have an opinion whether it’s worth doing the dinner and show? And other ideas for places for us to visit. We’re staying near the Arc De Triomphe.
Musee de Carnavalet, Musee de Cluny (La dame et la licorne tapestries), Les Invalides, Parc Monceau, check out the restaurants on Rue Monsieur le Prince, Ile Ste. Louis (just wander around and get some ice cream at Berthillon)
Here are places on my Paris wish list:
Musee Nissim de Camondo
“The reconstruction of an 18th-century aristocratic residence built from 1911 to 1914 on the edge of Parc Monceau, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.”
Musée Nissim de Camondo
Musee du Quai Branly-Jacques Chiraq
“Located on the banks of the River Seine, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac aims to promote the Arts and Civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, at the crossroads of multiple cultural, religious and historical influences. As a space for scientific and artistic dialog, the museum offers a cultural program of exhibits, performances, lectures, workshops and screenings.”
Fondation Louis Vuitton
The building is designed by Frank Gehry and will have a Gehry exhibition while you’re there
Deyrolle
The most incredible taxidermy shop in the 6th–a sort of mini Museum of Natural History. Well worth a visit if you’ve never been, plus it’s in a great neighborhood.
Take a day trip to Giverny, Monet’s home and gardens.
The site has information on day trips from Paris and how to buy tickets in advance.
Bon voyage!
I think one of the best things to do in Paris (once you’ve seen the big sights) is to wander and discover the city as a city, not just a city of sights.
When we travel there now, we often will make getting a picnic an activity all itself (visiting boulangerie, fromagerie, cave) and then find a new place to picnic; there are so many tiny squares and secret gardens. Added bonus of great people watching.
This ^
We love finding out of the way spots and people watching in Paris (and when traveling in general). Another favorite when the weather is nice… dancing along the Seine. Even if you don’t dance, it is a wonderful experience to enjoy a glass of wine and watch.
I haven’t been to the Moulin Rouge in 30 years but recall it as over-priced, touristy with disappointing food. But I’m also not into dinner theatre type shows so maybe that is just me. I enjoyed the movie much more! Haha
Just had another thought:
Taking a chocolate workshop or other cooking class at the Cordon Bleu?
Good one! We did a cooking class in 2019 and loved it.
Another vote for the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Extremely enjoyable, spacious- wonderful contemporary art.
Have you visited The Great Mosque in The Latin Quarter?
The Counterfeit Museum is another fun find, and also the cemetery at Montmartre
No visit to the world’s most romantic city would be complete without a visit to The Museum of Romantic Life, at the base of Montmartre
The fountains at Centre Pompidou are fun. I loved walking around Parc Monceau and the neighborhood. Also Luxembourg Garden and the Sorbonne. Near the opera house are some amazing gourmet food stores that are fun to walk around (especially Lenotre).
I also just love exploring the little streets and eating my way through the city ; ).
I haven’t been to Pigalle in a long time. It was always interesting. However, make sure that you have your guard up.
Look into paradis latin. I went there for a matinee burlesque. It was a very good show, and much less expensive. I had read that moulin rouge was a tourist trap.
We will be there in early August. Also staying near the Arc de Triomphe.
I made reservations for a “3-Course Dinner Cabaret Show at Paradis Latin Theater.” Reviews I read said that locals prefer this show. I hope it’s good!
I am bookmarking this thread, thanks for all the great suggestions.
Oh, my gosh, we posted about it at the same time!
Guess you too are an obsessive researcher. I did the matinee, with a glass of champagne and 3 savory pastries. Show was good. It is near the Pantheon, luxembourg gardens, and not very far from catacombs.
I found the Musée de l’Armée interesting. It is where the tomb of Napoleon I is located. I didn’t see it on your previous visited list.
+1 to pretty much all of these suggestions, and adding:
The Institute du Monde Arabe is a collaboration between France & 18 Arab countries, in an amazing building right on the Seine (the building itself is interesting btw). Interesting exhibits and 2 excellent cafés - one informal/self serve (Le moucharabieh) and one nice/linen tablecloths (Le Zyriab)- both on the roof with one of the best and least known views of Paris!
I bought a Paris Museum Pass that looks good. https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/paris-museum-pass-t49746/
Yes we got that Paris Museum Pass too. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and keep them coming. We are still waffling about a cabaret show. After looking at YouTube videos and reading reviews, the Paradis Latin looks like it has acrobats whereas Moulin Rouge looks like it has a bigger stage and a show that’s more Vegas-y. Both of them look like you’re very crowded indoors so there’s certainly Covid risk. DH and I both got Covid for the first time in February and had mild cases, but of course we are weighing the risk of getting it again.
Second the Cluny Museum as a great and not too long stop.
We also went to a jazz club (Sunset/Sunside) just north of St. Chapelle. Nice intimate setting and good music. Plus a fun area to walk around.
We also went to a professional soccer game (PSG) which was fantastic but only if you like that.