No-one needs an excuse to put Paris on their itinerary. But if you do, fabulous things to do are easy to find – whether you’re a sports fan, culture vulture, fashionista or foodie.
Rugby in Paris? Game on!
Rugby fans can start getting excited about the Rugby World Cup taking place in 2023 with both the opening match and final held at Stade de France, the country’s largest sports arena. Dates for the diary are September 8 (the All Blacks) and September 9 (the Wallabies). Sports and architecture fans may tour the massive stadium, built to host the 1998 World Cup. The legendary stadium has been the site of many major sporting events and concerts since, playing host to big name acts such as the Rolling Stones, Depeche Mode, Coldplay and Beyoncé.
Stade de France © CRT IDF
Geared up for adventure
Each summer, the Tour de France (External link) finishes on the emblematic Champs-Élysées. While that’s a good time to visit and cheer on cyclists during the final stage, you can get into the spirit of the race at any time. And speaking of bikes, two wheels is one of the best ways to get around Paris and now more than ever Paris over 650 kilometres of bike paths have opened up. Cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly way to move around the capital and pedal off all those buttery, flaky croissants!
Tour de France copyright A.S.O./Alex BROADWAY
Luxury golf is a real hit
Golfers may wish to indulge in a game at the serene Golf de Fontainebleau, just 30 minutes south of Paris in the middle of the Fontainebleu Forest. Tee off amid ancient oaks, just five minutes from Fontainebleau Palace, where you can meet up after a game with any non-golfer members of your travel party, for a garden stroll or casual meal in the nearby Place Napoleon.
Carnavalet Museum
After four years of modernisation, the remarkable Carnavalet Museum has reopened.
Discover the history of Paris through beautifully curated artworks, furniture, manuscripts and objects housed in two mansions: the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. Carnavalet originally opened as a museum in 1880 and is in the heart of the historic and trendy Marais area, so after your visit, take time for a stroll and discover seventeenth century mansions, high-end boutiques and art institutions, including the inspiring Picasso Museum and the Pompidou Centre. You’ll also find relics of a 12th century wall built by Philippe Auguste (Philippe II, King of France from 1180 to 1223).
Follow In The Footsteps Of Napoleon
May 5 marked the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I, Emperor of France. Discover aspects of his life at inspiring sites in and around the capital. Visit Château de Malmaison, Empress Josephine’s spot of paradise where she had her famous rose garden and greenhouse, restored by architect Pierre Humbert in the early 20th century. Venture into the Louvre to gaze at The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David (1807) depicting the coronation of Napoleon and Josephine at Notre Dame Cathedral. Then walk around central Paris to sit under the neo-classical Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (1806-1808), gaze up at the mesmerising Fontaine du Palmier (1808), climb the iconic Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile (1806 -1836) and enter the spectacular French Baroque Dôme des Invalides (1671) that houses Napoleon’s tomb.
Musée de l'Armée Hôtel national des Invalides Copyright CRT IDF/ATF/Ooshot/Capelle-Tourn
The New Look - Pinault Collection
Contemporary art lover? The new Pinault collection has opened in an extraordinary, re-thought space - an 18th century corn exchange, and later, stock exchange, in the centre of Paris. Redesigned by Japanese architecture Tadao Ando, Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection opened in May. Discover thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and experience screenings, performances, workshops and conferences.
The Interiors of the Bourse de Commerce (photo © M Tetard).
Dine and Discover Paris
After your art excursion to the Bourse de Commerce, head to level three’s La Halle aux Grains. Here, you can indulge in the gourmet delights of the acclaimed Michel and Sébastien Bras as well as experience exclusive views of the gallery’s interior on one side, and Paris on the other!
Dine on a high at Madame Brasserie (External link) By Thierry Marx for a meal you’ll never forget, for both the contemporary French fare of chef Thierry Marx and the outlook. The brasserie is level one of the tower!
Restaurant at the Tour Eiffel, Paris Copyright PhotoPointCom
Another dining experience (External link) you’ll remember forever? At the Restaurant Ore or La Petite Venise at the Château of Versailles. With the delicate flavours of high-end French cuisine combined with sweet floral aromas wafting from the royal gardens, you’re sure to have a magical, sensory experience. Arrive early to discover the palace in all its glory and develop an appetite while wandering through the hall of mirrors, along the galleries, into the pavilions and around the gardens.
La Petite Venise at Chateau de Versailles © Merci Bien
For a local, vibrant food experience, walk down rue de Montorgueil in the city centre to discover local produce stores (cheese, wine, cured meats, seafood, chocolate) and settle into a terraced café/restaurant. Au Rocher de Cancale at no.78 serves a particularly delicious escargot dish!
Become a wine connoisseur
Improve your wine knowledge, sip tasty drops with notes from an expert, or even create your own wine in a workshop at the Caves du Louvre in central Paris. Santé!
shopping, food, art & stay under one flash roof
The iconic La Samaritaine department store in central Paris has undergone a facelift, combining art nouveau and art deco styles with swish and comfortable contemporary touches.
© Droits réservés La Samaritaine
Since its 2021 reopening (by President Macron no less) you can enjoy a spot of luxury shopping, try all types of intriguing food (from caviar baguettes to popcorn macarons and coffee mocktails), view elegant art installations and, if you’re feeling really fancy, stay at the 5-star Cheval Blanc hotel.
Bon appétit et beaux rêves!
Further Information
Paris Region Tourist Board
www.visitparisregion.com (External link)