Paris is a city permeated with an atmosphere of romance and love emanating from the beauty of the squares, the grace of palaces, the grandeur of cathedrals and the magic of the masterpieces of Parisian museums. Here, each stone keeps a fascinating story, reviving in the imagination the events of the novels of Alexandre Dumas, Hugo, Balzac and Zola. Paris is a special world of dizzying entertainment and gastronomic delights. If you are going to visit the capital of France, find out what to see in Paris in 5 days on your own, so that the “holiday city” will forever remain in your memory.
1 day in Paris
Travelers who are hungry for experiences can overcome the 9.8 km route through the historical center. Start your journey at 9 o'clock in the morning with the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars, where you will go from the Bir Hakeim (line 6) or Trocadero (line 9) metro stations. Continuing the tour according to our guide, by 4 pm, including lunch in one of the cozy cafes on the old street, you will end the tour at Hotel de Ville square. Tourists who are not keen on Gothic shorten the route by refusing to visit the Church of St. Clotilde and St-Eustache. At the end of the tour, you can go on a boat trip along the Seine from the pier of the Hotel de Ville with dinner on the boat, then return to the Eiffel Tower to see it in the glow of illumination.
Eiffel Tower
The unique building of Paris – the Eiffel Tower, towering on the Champ de Mars at 324 meters – is the desired goal of every tourist. Its pyramidal structure on 4 pillars, connected at different levels by arches and square platforms, is striking. With a weight of 10 tons, it exerts pressure on the ground like a person sitting on a chair. At the 2nd level of the tower at a height of 116 meters there is an observation deck with a Jules Verne restaurant.
At 276 meters from the ground is the 3rd floor with a lighthouse crowned with a dome. The view of the tower fascinates with a metal openwork structure, shining in the sun in three shades of bronze. From the observation deck, where the elevator lifts until midnight, a wonderful panorama of old Paris opens up.
Eiffel Tower: Access to the second floor – €41
3-course lunch at the 58 Tour Eiffel – €47
2 in 1: tickets for the Eiffel Tower and a walk along the Seine – €43.20
Access to the second floor and the top of the tower – €58
Church of St. Clotilde
For those interested in cathedral architecture, we recommend taking the metro to the Solférino station, where on Las Cases Street stands the Basilica of Saint Clotilde, an 1846 building that stands out in the style of medieval churches of the 14th century. It is notable for its twin spiers 69 meters high, a luxurious facade decorated with lacy stone carvings, sculptures of saints, high windows and a rose window.
Inside the basilica, under lancet vaults with colorful stained-glass windows from the 19th century, amazing statues illustrating the life of St. Valerie of Limoges, paintings depicting the Way of the Cross of Jesus and the life of the Virgin Mary. The Basilica is open daily from morning to evening. After inspecting its interior on the metro, go to the Invalides station and head towards the House of Invalides.
Les Invalides
You can get to the architectural complex of the 17th century – the Les Invalides on Rue de Grenelle by metro, getting off at the Invalides or Varenne stations. Its golden-domed dome of the 107-meter Saint Louis Cathedral with an openwork lantern and spire is visible from afar. Created by the decree of King Louis XIV, the House of the Invalids for the care of war veterans, while remaining a veterans' haven, has become a complex of 4 military-themed museums, a Necropolis and a temple.
The oldest Army Museum presents unique exhibits – military armor, trophies, weapons and banners. The sarcophagus in which the remains of Emperor Napoleon are buried is kept in the Basilica of Saint Louis. Particularly striking is the black marble tombstone with the heart of Marshal Vauban, completed by his sculpture with female images of Science and War. By purchasing a full ticket for 12 €, you can see all the exhibits.
Les Invalides: entrance to the tomb of Napoleon and the Museum of the Army – 12 €
Pont Alexandre III
From Les Invalides on the other side of the Seine River to the Champs Elysees, an elegant single-arch 160-meter Pont Alexandre III, built in 1900, is thrown. Passers-by admire skillful stone angels, nymphs and Pegasus, bronze statues in the form of Science, Art, Industry and Battle, created by the skill of sculptors. On the pylons in bas-reliefs, 4 epochs of French history are embodied: the Middle Ages and the present – the plots of the right bank, the Renaissance and Louis XI are depicted on the left bank. In the center of the arched span from the side of the river, the bridge is decorated with a Seine nymph with a French coat of arms on one side and a Neva nymph with a Russian coat of arms on the reverse side. Tourists consider the bridge to be a place where wishes made by kissing lovers in the middle of it are sure to come true.
Place de la Concorde
From Pont Alexandre III, proceed to one of the most beautiful places in Paris – Place de la Concorde, founded in the 17th century between the Tuileries Garden and the Champs Elysees. It is unique in its octagonal shape with marble statues in each corner, symbolizing 8 great French cities. The center of attraction in the square is the Egyptian obelisk, carved from pink granite 3600 years ago – a gift to France from the king of Egypt.
On both sides of the monument, there are 2 Gittorf fountains, towering 9 meters high. They are decorated with sculptures of Nereid, Triton, characters of Greco-Roman mythology. Two buildings attract attention on the square, separated by Royal Street – the Ministry of the Navy and the Aumont Palace, in which the Crillon Hotel is located. The square can be reached by metro to the Concorde station on lines 1,12 or 8.
Church of the Madeleine
In the ensemble of the Place de la Concorde, there is Place Madeleine with the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, remarkable for its antique appearance, surrounded by a colonnade. On the pediment of the central facade, the sculptural composition of the Last Judgment is amazing. The entrance to the temple is opened by massive bronze gates depicting 10 Christian commandments. In the depths of the hall, attention is drawn to the sculptural composition of Mary Magdalene, surrounded by three angels on the altar.
Above the altar vault, a fresco depicts Jesus in the circle of the apostles meeting Mary Magdalene in heaven, below which a series of historical figures of France is depicted. The walls, small altars and the pulpit are decorated with statues and scenes from the life of saints. Appreciate the beauty of the interior is presented daily and free of charge.
Paris City Pass: Free entry to museums and attractions + transport – 102.90 €
Passlib card 2 to 5 days with pass and cruise – 109 €
Full access to the palace and gardens of Versailles for 1 or 2 days – 20 € 1-
hour cruise “Lights Paris Catacombs – €15 Skip-the
-line ticket to the Catacombs of Paris – €36
Bateaux Parisiens Walk: Fast Track Ticket – €15
Tickets: Montparnasse: 56th Floor Rooftop Terrace – €18
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Class., Prem. or Suite – from €32.40
Parisian museum pass: 2, 4 or 6 days – €53
Place Vendôme
After visiting the Madeleine Church, you need to get from the Madeleine metro station (lines 8, 12, 14) to the Opéra station. You will find yourself on the octagonal Place Vendome – one of the five “royal squares” of Paris. Surrounded by buildings in the classical style with columns, arcades and mansards, it impresses with its monumentality. Here, each house keeps the memory of famous historical figures who lived at different times.
One of these buildings houses the most luxurious Parisian hotel, the Ritz. The visual center of the square is the 38-meter white marble Vendôme column. She is crowned with a statue of Napoleon in a short cloak with a laurel wreath on his head, holding a sword and a globe with the figure of the goddess of Victory in his hands. From Place Vendome we will proceed to the Tuileries Park by taking the metro at the Opéra station and we will reach the Concorde station.
Tuileries garden
The magnificent Tuileries Garden is spread over 25.5 hectares between the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Rue Rivoli and the Seine. If you go to the Tuileries from Place de la Concorde, you will come to the Main Entrance, decorated with equestrian monuments of Glory and Mercury. Entrance from Place de la Concorde will lead to the Orangerie art gallery with rare paintings by Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Modigliani, Cezanne and Matisse. You can enjoy the masterpieces of painting on any day except Tuesday for 9€.
Contemporary fine art is represented by the Jeu-de-Paume gallery. It is closed on Monday. Marble statues – copies of the originals kept in the palaces and museums of Paris, are bordered by the central alley. Of the numerous sculptures that adorned the garden, pay attention to a copy of Rodin's famous composition “The Kiss” and 20 original sculptures by Aristide Maillol. Heading towards the Louvre, you will come to the Carousel arch.
Arch in Place Carruzel
The arch, erected at the beginning of the 19th century on Place Carousel in honor of the victories of Napoleon's army, shares the Tuileries Garden with the Louvre. A tall 19-meter building in the Empire style, stands out with a facade with pink marble columns with a Corinthian order. The columns depict sculptures of 8 military branches in uniform. Cuirassier, cavalryman, dragoon and carabinieri represent the side facing the Louvre, grenadier, infantryman, sapper and gunner – the side looking at the Tuileries Garden.
The main facade is decorated with coats of arms: on the left – the Italian kingdom, supported by Wisdom and Strength, and on the right – France, held by Peace and Plenty. The eastern facade of the arch is crowned with a quadriga of horses, controlled by the World in the center and statues of Victory on both sides. On small arched spans, 4 bas-reliefs reflect the events of Napoleon's military campaigns.
Skip-the-line tickets to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe – 12 €
Church of Saint Eustache
From Place Carousel, the 17th-century church of Sainte-Eustache is within easy reach, second in beauty only to Notre Dame de Paris. Its architecture embodied the grandeur of the Gothic with the Renaissance beauty of the facade, crowned with a Gothic dome with the figure of a deer. The vaults in the temple are decorated with paintings by Rubens, picturesque stained-glass windows and religious sculptures. In the center, the gaze stops at the chapel of the Virgin Mary, striking the sculpture of Our Lady with the Child and the fresco of Our Lady surrounded by angels.
The parishioners of the church were famous historical figures. Cardinal Richelieu, the Marquise de Pompadour were baptized here, Moliere was baptized and buried, King Louis XIV prayed. You can see the wonderful interior of Saint-Eustache any day for free, and on Sunday you can enjoy an organ music concert.
Church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerroy
From the Church of Sainte-Eustache (metro line Les Halles 4) we will proceed to the Gothic church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, getting off at Châtelet station. On the facade of the XV century, loggias look exquisite, 5 arches with statues, sculptures of kings and saints placed in the portals. The skillful decor of the facade is completed by a rose window with a lancet pediment. Go to the church where masses were celebrated for crowned persons and their families, from where the signal was given to start the Massacre of Bartholomew's Night.
The mysterious atmosphere of the temple is felt at the sight of church rarities: a carved wooden bench where members of the royal family sat at masses, a Flemish altar with wood carvings depicting events from the life of Jesus, statues of Saints Herman and Vincent. The lighting created by stained-glass windows and rose windows of the 16th century enhances the impression. On line 1, get off at the Rambuteau station towards the Center Georges Pompidou.
Center Georges Pompidou
After the medieval Gothic, the futuristic building of the Georges Pompidou Cultural Center looks like a contrast. A colorful building will appear before your eyes, on the facade of which there are blue ventilation and green water pipes, yellow plexuses of electrical wires and red escalators with elevators moving.
On 5 floors there are exhibition halls with 60,000 creations of contemporary painting, design, sculpture, installations and performance, as well as works by great artists of the twentieth century: Matisse, Picasso and Kandinsky. The complex has several concert halls and a modern cinema. Don't miss the opportunity to go up to the observation deck, which offers a view from Montmartre to Notre Dame Cathedral. For 14 € you can see all the exhibitions of the center.
Ticket to the Pompidou Center – 14 €
Stravinsky Fountain
Opposite the Pompidou Center, the fountain dedicated to the composer Igor Stravinsky, holder of the Order of the Legion of Honor, will not go unnoticed. The whimsical architecture of the fountain in the form of a dynamic installation enlivens the nondescript square. 16 colorful figures move along the water surface of the rectangular pool – characters of famous fairy tales, splashing water, and their movements are repeated by black aluminum mechanisms.
Fabulous images: a treble clef, a frog, an elephant, a mermaid, a clown, a hat and others symbolize the period of the composer's work based on Russian folklore. The central figure of the fountain was the Firebird, which was a reduced copy of the huge Sun God sculpture in California. From the fountain we go towards the street Saint-Martin to the church of Saint-Merry.
Church of Saint-Merry
Built between 1520 and 1612 in Flamboyant Gothic style, Sainte-Méry Catholic Church is often called the Church of the Devil because of the figure of Baphomet on the main portal, depicted as a grinning hermaphrodite with wings behind his back. Saint-Méry impresses with exquisite architecture and ancient history. Its facade is decorated with modern statues of saints, and inside it resembles a small Notre Dame. When examining the temple, one should pay attention to the wooden carvings and stained-glass windows of the 16th century on the naves and kliros depicting the lives of the saints.
Next to the chapel, 2 bas-reliefs of angels are amazing: with a bible and a bowl in their hands. The oldest bell in Paris, cast in 1331, is recognized as a rarity of Saint-Méry. It is installed in a small bell tower located on the left portal of the facade. From the church of Saint-Méry you will walk to the Place de la Hotel de Ville.
Plaza Hotel de Ville
Place Hôtel de Ville or Place Greve was founded by decree of Louis VII in 1147. Since 1310, it served as a place for the burning of heretics and the execution of criminals. In front of the eyes of the townspeople, aristocrats were beheaded, and commoners were executed by hanging. A stone cross was erected on the south side of the square in the 14th century, where those sentenced to death said their last prayer. In 1357, the building of the city hall was built here, reconstructed in 1628 in the Renaissance style.
The city hall building is decorated with sculptures of Voltaire, Molière, Eugene Xu, Charles Perrault and Cardinal Richelieu. The central tower of the facade attracts attention with an old clock framed by virtues expressed by female figures. We finish the route at the pier of the Hotel de Ville with a boat trip along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower station.
Second day in Paris
The length of the excursion on the 2nd day will be about 4.5 km, starting from Notre Dame Cathedral at 9 am to skip the line. You can get to the cathedral by metro, getting off at the Saint-Michel station. The journey then continues through the Latin Quarter, which can take up to 5 hours, depending on the time spent in the cathedral, churches and the Luxembourg Gardens.
Cathedral of Notre Dame
The neo-Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral – the heart and soul of Paris, built from 1163 to 1345, amazes with the grandeur of architecture, richness of decor and unique shrines. At the sight of the facade, the lace of white stone openwork on the stained-glass rose window and balcony doors, the gallery of statues of kings and the statue of the Virgin Mary with a baby are amazing. Entering through the main entrance, visitors freeze at the sight of the horror scene of the Last Judgment.
Further embraces the reverence emanating from the huge stained-glass windows, where the life of Christ appears from birth to the Crucifixion. Divine energy comes from frescoes with the reading of the Bible, sculptures of saints, an ancient organ and sacred relics: the Crown of Thorns, the nail that was nailed to the crucifixion of Jesus and particles of the cross itself. After seeing the cathedral, everyone can climb the 69-meter tower for 8 €, breaking 387 steps to enjoy an unforgettable view of Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral and Skip-the-Line Tower €31 Skip
-the-Line Ticket + Audioguide €19
Fountain of St. Michael
From Notre Dame Cathedral, walk to the fountain of St. Michael, who appeared before the inhabitants of the Latin Quarter in 1860. From it, paths lead to all the memorable places of the island of Cité. The fountain, made in the form of a monumental triumphal arch, adorned the square, covering the blank wall of the house. Its sculptural composition symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Four columns on the sides of the arch are crowned with bronze statues of the virtues: Prudence, Justice, Strength and Temperance.
The accent of the center is the figure of the Archangel Michael piercing the Devil with his sword. Good triumphs, washing away evil with water flowing like a wall from the pedestal and from the mouths of chimeras, flowing into a three-tiered shell. Near the fountain you feel the spirit of Paris. Meetings are scheduled here, lovers make a wish, throwing coins into the water for happiness, and musicians play in the evenings.
Holy Chapel Sainte-Chapelle
Following from Place Saint-Michel along Boulevard du Palais, it is impossible to pass by the Holy Chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, built in the 13th century according to the plan of the architect in the form of a casket for storing church relics. The chapel with a 75-meter-high spire and chimeras along the perimeter of the roof is open to the public daily. Inside the chapel amazes with the fantasy of medieval architects.
In the lower tier, multi-colored stained-glass windows illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary, decorative arches, skillful medallions with the faces of 12 apostles are admired. Attention lingers on columns with royal heraldry and vaults in the form of a night sky with golden stars. On the upper tier, the richness of the decor and the stained-glass windows flickering from the light, showing the history of mankind from the Creation of the world to the Apocalypse, are breathtaking. From Sainte-Chapelle we will approach the castle of the Concierge.
Skip-the-line ticket for Sainte-Chapelle €
10
Conciergerie
The medieval Palais des Concierges stands next to the Sainte-Chapelle, near the metro stations Saint-Michel, Cité and Châtelet (lines 1, 7, 11 and 14). From the 10th to the 14th centuries it was the residence of kings, and after the French Revolution – a prison. The medieval part of the Concierge ensemble includes 4 stone towers, an 8.5-meter-high Gothic Hall of Warriors, which served for royal banquets, a vaulted guardroom and a kitchen for feeding 3,000 royal servants.
The times when the castle was a prison are reminiscent of the Chapel of Marie Antoinette, the Women's Court for walks of imprisoned women and the Corner of the Twelve, where prisoners sentenced to the guillotine communicated through bars. With a ticket for €9, you will discover a wealth of Gothic architecture and French history.
Church of Saint-Severin
Turning off Boulevard Saint-Michel onto the pedestrian street Saint-Severin, filled with souvenir shops and small cafes, you will see the graceful facade of the Saint-Severin church, built in the 13th century. The style of “flaming” Gothic with the decor in the form of flames can be seen in the huge semi-rosette above the entrance gate. Solemnity inside the temple is given by the “palm vaults” traditional for late Gothic.
The stained-glass windows of the 14th-15th centuries depicting biblical scenes, located on the church spans, the nave and under the dome of the temple, amaze with skill. Attention is drawn to the skillful paintings of the 19th century and the organ, decorated with beautiful carvings. The oldest bell in Paris, cast in 1412, along with other bells, chimes daily to the glory of Paris. From here, the path will lead to the Sorbonne Chapel.
Chapel of the Sorbonne
Moving straight from the church of Saint-Severin, you will reach the boulevard Saint-Germain, which will lead to the Sorbonne University. Passing his buildings, you will find yourself on the square with the Sorbonne Chapel, built in 1642 in honor of Saint Ursula by order of Cardinal Richelieu, a former student and rector of the university. The baroque structure of the chapel with columns and sculptures is completed by a black dome crowned with a cross and surrounded by four belfries. The Chapel of Saint Ursula was the first domed church in Paris.
Its construction was completed after the death of the Cardinal. Here he was buried in a white marble sarcophagus with a monument depicting an exhausted Richelieu, supported by Religion and located at the feet of a girl – Science. Today, the chapel serves as an exhibition hall with an entrance from the side of the square.
luxembourg garden
From Sorbonne Square along Boulevard Saint-Michel runs the path to the Luxembourg Gardens, which appeared in 1615 after the purchase of a mansion called Luxembourg by Maria Medici. The palace and park ensemble amazes with a luxurious palace and a two-level park in the Florentine style with picturesque gardens on terraces, flower beds, copies of antique statues and 20 queens along the central alley. It is pleasant to walk here among the abundance of flowering plants in greenhouses and unique fountains.
Stop and think about the meaning of the observatory fountain surrounded by rearing horses guarding 4 girls on a pedestal holding the celestial sphere. Admire the Medici baroque fountain, illustrating ancient myth, with a huge centaur ready to jump on Galatea and Acis, from which you will exit to the Pantheon.
Pantheon
From the eastern entrance of the Luxembourg Gardens to the Pantheon no more than 100 meters. The temple was erected at the end of the 18th century as the church of St. Genevieve by order of Louis XV in gratitude to God for the cure of gout. Architecturally, it looks like a prototype of the Roman Pantheon. After the events of the French Revolution, it was turned into a tomb for famous people. Voltaire, Rousseau, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo and Emile Zola, the scientists Pierre and Marie Curie found their last shelter here.
Here you will see the original of Foucault's pendulum, which proved by its action the daily rotation of the Earth. You can enjoy the luxurious interior of the Pantheon on any day of the week. Twenty meters from the Pantheon on the hill of St. Genevieve, the building of the medieval church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont attracts attention, which you should definitely look into.
Entrance ticket to the Pantheon – 9 €
Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
The Basilica of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, under construction for 130 years, appeared before the Parisians in 1622 with a building with 3 intricate pediments of the Gothic and Renaissance styles on the facade. The main entrance is distinguished by pilasters on the pediment, antique-themed medallions and niches with statues of saints. The interior of the church is notable for its 16th-century stained-glass windows, a 300-year-old divine-sounding organ, and a baroque pulpit supported by a sculpture of Samson.
People come here to venerate the relics of Saint Genevieve, the patroness of Paris. Only here you will see a unique pulpit from which sermons are delivered. It hangs like a gallery ending on 2 sides with a white-stone spiral staircase decorated with openwork stone carvings. The church is open until 19.30 and will be the perfect end to the 2nd day in Paris.
Third day in Paris
Arriving in Paris, be sure to visit Montmartre – the bohemian district of the city where Zola lived, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso painted and Hemingway and Fitzgerald “lit up”. Montmartre, spread out on a hill, is the highest and most colorful district of Paris, permeated with an atmosphere of romance and a veil of light debauchery. A trip to the memorable places of Montmartre with a rest in one of the famous cafes will take up to 5 hours. From the Pigalle metro station, it is easy enough to climb up to the Montmartre funicular or climb the steps of the stairs to the top of the 130-meter hill to the architectural gem – Sacré-Coeur. End the day with a good promenade along the Boulevard de Clichy, visiting the Moulin Rouge cabaret, located near the Metro Blanche.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
Approaching the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the awe comes from the beauty of the temple-palace, which combines the styles of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. The 83-meter-high white-stone building, shimmering in pink, is the embodiment of elegant decor and ideal construction, completed by a large central dome. The majesty of the Sacré-Coeur is given by the bell tower towering 100 meters.
Near the entrance to the church, visitors are greeted by sculptures of King Louis IX and Joan of Arc, and on the pediment in a niche is a statue of the Sacred Heart of Christ. The divine atmosphere in the basilica is created by stained-glass windows with biblical scenes, reflecting colorful reflections on white walls and picturesque mosaics. You can admire the wonderful interior of the temple for free.
Tertre Square
Turning left from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, you will exit to the compact, crowded Tetra Square – the epicenter of bohemian life. Here, each house has its own story about the celebrities who lived in it. Among the numerous cafes, the oldest restaurant-bistro La Mère Catherine is popular, where more than 200 years ago the cuisine of Russian officers who shouted “quickly” came to taste! The creative elite of Montmartre also liked to come here.
On the square lined with portable tables, you can have a bite to eat while watching the hectic life of the bohemian public. After resting, walk between exhibitions of street artists who are ready for 20-40 € to immortalize you against the backdrop of the Sacré Coeur or the Moulin Rouge. From Tetre Square, turning onto Rue Poulbot, go to Salvador Dali's house-museum to see the most valuable collection of paintings by the artist in the world.
Salvador Dali Museum
Salvador Dali spent his creative life in Paris on Montmartre. It is not surprising that the largest collection of the artist's works – more than 300 paintings and sculptural masterpieces – is located in Montmartre. Visitors discover not only new paintings, but also sculptural works that embodied the master's futuristic fantasies when the two-dimensionality of the canvas was not enough. Dali's boundless imagination is reflected in his collection of engravings on literary themes.
Here you will see paintings by the genius of surrealism, painted with a rhinoceros horn and snails crawling on canvas, soaked in paints. The museum also presents Dali's personal collection of paintings by prominent artists of the “lost generation”. From here we continue our way to the vineyards of Montmartre, opposite which you will see the Agile Rabbit cabaret.
Cabaret Agile Rabbit
The Agile Rabbit is one of the oldest cabarets in Montmartre, which became one of the favorite places to spend time at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries among the bohemian literary and artistic audience. Its regulars were Paul Verlaine, Guillaume Apollinaire, Auguste Renoir, Amadeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and others famous in the arts.
The history of the cabaret began in 1869 with a village tavern called “Meeting of Thieves”. After a while, the Cabaret of Killers entertainment facility was opened in it, renamed after a sign with a funny rabbit was painted for the cabaret by a local artist. Today, Agile Rabbit has become a venue for humorous and musical evenings. After passing by the Agile Rabbit, you need to go down the stairs leading to the Saint-Vincent memorial cemetery.
Cemetery Saint-Vincent
To get inside the Saint-Vincent cemetery, opened in 1831, you need to go around it, focusing on the Sacré-Coeur basilica, towering on a hill. This churchyard is a real open-air museum with 900 graves, among which are the graves of brilliant creators of music, science, art and literature, who left a bright mark on world culture.
Here, each marble headstone is a unique monument. It is convenient to walk through the cemetery using the layout of the paths located on the stand located near the entrance. A detailed plan indicating the location of the famous graves is available from the cemetery caretaker. Having been alone with eternity, return to reality along the Rue de Sol, where, turning onto Rue Abrevoire, stop near the “Pink House”.
Restaurant “Pink House”
A colorful building with a pink façade and green shutters on the corner of rue Abrévoire now houses a restaurant. The pink house, depicted in many paintings by the famous landscape painter Maurice Utrillo, who lived in Montmartre, was not always such an impressive color. His artist friends repainted the house. One day, when a company of artists was returning tipsy from Montmartre at night, Maurice Utrillo seemed to this homeless house, and he exclaimed that it should be pink.
Friends, picking up this idea, did not keep them waiting long and painted the building pink. Without forgetting about the great artists, from here we will go to Place Émile Goudeau, from where we will go up the Rue d'Orchampt, passing by house number 11, where the singer Dalida lived, and we will approach the Moulin de la Galette on the Rue Lepic.
Moulin de la Galette mill
The old windmill, which became a tavern in 1830, is depicted in the paintings of Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, who often dined here with rustic bread and a glass of wine made by the owner of the mill. When the rural area turned into a city block, the owners of the tavern set up a music hall in it. The atmosphere of a dance evening in the music hall was conveyed by Renoir on one of his canvases.
Nowadays, the historical mill has acquired the status of a national architectural monument. The Moulin de la Galette restaurant was built near it, with the Moulin Rade mill above the entrance. After enjoying a cup of coffee in the famous restaurant, it is pleasant to walk slowly along the old Toloze street, the Cliche red-light district boulevard, which will lead to one of the most coveted sights of Paris – the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
Cabaret Moulin Rouge
Cabaret Moulin Rouge is the spirit of bohemian and voluptuous Paris, thanks to which he gained fame as the European capital of love. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the cabaret Le Moulin Rouge is named after the huge wooden mill built over the entrance. The institution gained unprecedented popularity after dancing with a touch of light eroticism.
Representatives of high society and bohemians gathered to watch the cancan in the evenings. It is known that the artist Toulouse-Lautrec almost settled in the Moulin Rouge, depicting it in his paintings. Today, cabaret delights with an enchanting show with a wealth of scenery and luxury costumes, contemplated at a table with a glass of champagne. In the evenings, there are 3 performances here, where the most expensive ticket with dinner costs from 190 €. Not to visit the Moulin Rouge – not to feel the spirit of Paris.
Show at the Moulin Rouge with champagne – 87 €
VIP ticket to the Moulin Rouge with champagne – 210 €
Fourth day in Paris
It is good to start the day with a river walk along the Seine, which divides the city into 2 banks, along which there is a series of sights, already familiar and new, which you will want to visit when you see them from the deck of the boat. We recommend continuing your trip around Paris by visiting museums representing the richness of world culture. Let's talk about the most popular museums in Paris, and the choice is yours.
Louvre
The most famous art museum in the world – the Louvre is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris on Rivoli Street near Tuirly Park in the old royal castle. Get to it quickly by metro, getting off at the Palais Royal – Musee du Louvre station on line 1 or 7. The main facade of the royal palace overlooking the Louvre Square is represented by a classical colonnade. The main entrance to the Louvre passes through a glass pyramid, where you can buy a ticket for 17 €. Not only the famous Mona Lisa and the statue of Venus de Milo will bring aesthetic pleasure.
Here, 35,000 paintings, statues, engravings and prints are on display. In the halls of the Louvre, you will see a unique collection of jewelry, ceramics and decor created in the world for 5 thousand years. Even spending a whole day on the museum, it is not enough to devote 1 second to each sample. Once you're at the Louvre, prioritize by learning about the main sections of the exhibits. You can see world masterpieces on any day of the week except Tuesday.
Louvre: Entrance ticket for a specific time – 17 € (+ booking fee 3 €)
Skip-the-line ticket with audio guide – 37 €
Musee d'Orsay
The Musee d'Orsay in Paris is a real treasure trove of artistic and applied arts. It is located in the center on the left bank of the Seine, and it is easy to get to it by metro: “Solférino” and “Assemblée nationale” (line 12). The museum was located in 1986 within the walls of the former railway station built at the beginning of the 20th century for the World Exhibition. More than 4,000 works of fine art for the Musee d'Orsay were selected from various galleries in France.
The museum collection is especially proud of paintings by famous impressionist artists: Claude Monet, Renoir, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Paul Cezanne and many others. A large collection of famous modernists and contemporary authors is also of interest. You can view unique paintings for 8 € on any day except Monday.
Rodin Museum
The Musée Rodin in Paris is the world's largest exposition of works created by the talent of the French sculptor. It is housed in the former Biron Palace in the first half of the 18th century on Varennes Street. You can take the metro to the museum, getting off at the Varenne or La Tour-Maubourg stations. The building is famous for living in it at the beginning of the last century Isadora Duncan, Henri Matisse and Jean Cocteau. From 1908 to 1917, there was an apartment and workshop of Auguste Rodin, where he created his brilliant sculptures, bequeathing to Paris his collection of more than 30 thousand works of art.
There are more than 6 thousand sculptures of the author in it, including the original sculptures – “The Kiss” and “The Thinker”. The unique collection is open for viewing all week except Monday. The entrance ticket to the museum costs 9 €. Sculptures by Rodin also decorated the square near the house and the entrance to the Varennes metro station.
Picasso Museum
In the old mansion of Sale in the historic Marais on rue de Thorigny, there is a museum of the famous artist Pablo Picasso. The easiest way to get to the museum is on metro line 8, getting off at the St. Paul station. The museum was founded on 2,000 works by the artist, with which the heirs paid the state for taxes on the inheritance received from the deceased artist. The museum collection contains about 5,000 exhibits: paintings, sculptures, drawings and archival documents.
You will see the work of Picasso in chronology from the period of cubism to realism, from baroque to nude. Separately exhibited a collection of paintings by other artists: Matisse, Cezanne, Rousseau, Andre Derain, Degas, Doan Miro and African art. You can see the masterpieces on any day except Tuesday by purchasing a ticket for 12.50 €.
Ticket to the Picasso Museum with priority entry – 12.50 €
Fragonard Perfume Museum
In the center of Paris on Rue Scribe, not far from the Opéra Garnier, there is a museum that interests every woman. This is the Fragonard perfume museum, where the aromas of all world brands are dizzying. In the three departments of the museum you will learn the history of the origin of perfumes, you will see elaborate bottles made for perfumes in the past centuries in different countries. In addition to perfumes, there are unique gold and silver jewelry with a “secret”, women's cosmetics, bottles, powder boxes, travel bags.
The section called “The Art of Living” opens up the world of home decorations and design objects. In the perfume gallery, open daily, you can buy your favorite fragrance at a manufacturer's price from 15 €. It is easy to get to the museum by metro to the Opera station on lines 3,7,8.
House Museum of Victor Hugo
The Victor Hugo Memorial Museum is located on the Place des Vosges (Metro Bastille) on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Rogan mansion, where his family lived in 1832-1848. Climb up the wide staircase to Hugo's apartment, leading to a suite of spacious rooms that recreate the living environment of a family. In the “Chinese drawing room” you will admire the collection of porcelain dishes collected by Victor Hugo.
The office replicates the working environment with furniture, rare editions of novels, drawings and photographs made by the writer. The “red room” breathes a special atmosphere, where Hugo met with friends: composers Liszt and Rossini, writers Balzac, Mérimée and Alexandre Dumas, who immortalized this apartment in the novel The Three Musketeers. The apartments are open to the public free of charge all week except Mondays.
Fifth day in Paris
On the last day in the capital of France, you want to do everything: plunge into the world of entertainment, feel the full taste of French delicacies and wine, enjoy the aroma of France in the famous perfume boutiques. Someone might want to make a trip to the famous castles of the Paris area. After reviewing our proposals, choose your favorite final chord of the five-day symphony of Paris.
Disneyland
Disneyland Paris is spread out in a ring with a diameter of 3 km, 32 km from the capital, where there are 2 parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, 7 hotels and the town of Disney Village with shops and cafes. To the center of the ring, where the railway station is located, every 40 minutes there are electric trains from the center of Paris. It is also convenient to get there by yellow bus from Opera and Chatelet metro stations.
1 day ticket to Disneyland Paris – 48 €
1 day ticket to Disneyland® and Walt Disney Studios – 79 €
Entrance ticket to Disneyland Paris for 2, 3 or 4 days – from 150 €
Disneyland Park is the oldest entertainment center with Sleeping Beauty's castle and 4 zones designed for children: “star wars” with attractions with 3D effects, fairy tales with scenery and characters, attractions from the world of adventure and the Wild West. Walt Disney Studios Park is interesting for the older audience with cool adrenaline-pumping rides, such as the Tower of Terror with a free fall in a hotel elevator or high-speed spiraling. Disneyland entertains without days off.
Asterix Park
The opportunity to be in the entertainment world of Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the land of the Vikings and Gaul is provided in the Asterix amusement park, located 35 km north of Paris. In each historical-geographical zone, performances, rides and cafe menus are exciting journeys through time, accompanied by the heroes of French comics Asterix and Obelix.
Breathtaking rides, stunt matches between Gauls and Romans taking place in the arena and magical miracles taking place in the Panoramix laboratory – this is not a complete list of Asterix's entertainment. Buses and shuttles go to the park from the Louvre. During the summer season, the attractions of the Asterix Park are open daily, and on weekends until 22:00. Having paid 49 € for a standard ticket, you will experience a sea of vivid emotions.
Ticket to Asterix Park for the whole day – 41 €
vincennes zoo
Opened in 2014 after restoration, the Vincennes Zoo recreates the natural habitat of the animals of Patagonia, Africa, Madagascar, the Amazon forests and Europe. In each zone, it is interesting to observe the behavior of thousands of representatives of the terrestrial and marine fauna of more than 180 species. Visitors to the zoo, having paid 22 € for admission, will be able not only to see rare animals and birds, but also to visit a veterinary clinic and learn how different animals are treated, feed animals together with employees, and practice riding a pony and a camel.
To get to the zoo, take metro line 1 to Saint-Mandé station, then take bus 86 or from Château de Vincennes station take bus 325, get off at Saint-Mandé – Demi-Lune stop. You can take bus 46 from metro line 8 at Porte Dorée to the Parc Zoologique stop.
Gastronomic tour
A gastronomic tour for 1-7 people with a guide in 4 hours will open the taste palette of French cuisine, becoming a real delight for gourmets. You will visit the popular markets of Paris with an abundance of seafood, poultry, game, sausages, vegetables and fruits. In the fish section you can taste lobsters, scallops and fragrant snails prepared according to national recipes. Passing through the galleries of the market, you will learn the taste of real foie gras, meat delicacies, Provencal tapenade sauce, original varieties of honey and marmalade, having familiarized yourself with cooking recipes.
Taste the range of exclusive French cheeses, feel the tasting of 7 varieties of cheese in one of the best cheese boutiques in Paris. In an old cafe frequented by celebrities, enjoy the masterpieces of national cuisine. To appreciate the art of French winemaking, take a tasting of 7 wines with a sommelier consultation in a cozy wine cellar. The price of the tour is 225 € for 1-3 people and 75 € per person if there are more tourists.
Perfume boutique tour
It is inexcusable to visit Paris not to please yourself and your loved ones with a bottle of fragrant perfume, the train from which will long remind you of the wonderful days spent in the perfume capital of the world. On an excursion with a professional guide, you can breathe in the magical aromas of France in 2 hours in elite niche perfume boutiques located on picturesque historical streets. On the way to the boutiques, you will learn how the ingredients are selected to create bright fragrant compositions, about fashion trends in perfumery and how to listen to the aroma correctly.
Consultants in boutiques will introduce you to rare unique fragrances and, after diagnosing, will determine the perfume group that is right for you, offering 5 exquisite fragrances. You can also buy your favorite perfumes or their samples. An individual tour for 1-4 people will cost 100€, enriching you with useful knowledge and fragrant shopping.
Auto-tour of the castles around Paris
The surroundings of Paris are surrounded by castles, notable for their beautiful architecture, rich history and picturesque landscape. Considering your interests, the guide can offer several options for an individual car tour in Russian around the surrounding castles. Tourists interested in history will be fascinated by a trip to the 18th-century mansion that belonged to the Marquise de Pompadour or to the castle of Napoleon's wife, Josephine.
Admirers of literature and art will be captivated by a visit to the Renaissance castle of the Count of Monte Cristo, where Alexandre Dumas lived, or the Impressionist Museum in the rural suburb of Auvers-sur-Oise, whose landscapes were painted by Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh, who ended his earthly journey here. Lovers of nature and unique landscapes will remember a visit to Sauvage Park with pink flamingos, deer and kangaroos. In the park of the castle of Brettey, sculptural compositions based on the fairy tales of Charles Perrault will be returned to the magical world of childhood. The tour will last 4 hours and will cost 144€ for 1-2 people or 72€ per participant if there are more than 3 people.
Photo session in perfect locations
You can capture the picturesque corners of Paris and yourself against their background with the help of a professional guide, having spent an ideal photo session in 2 hours. The guide will offer the shortest route to the sights, help determine the best angle and take photos. Wonderful shots against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower will be obtained on the Trocadero site, the Champ de Mars, on the luxurious Pont Alexandre III. On Place de la Concorde, we will take a photo at the picturesque fountains and the Luxor obelisk. The Tuileries Garden with an entrance and magnificent fountains, the Louvre with the famous pyramid, Napoleon's arch and the Palais Royal mansion fit into the framework of a photo tour.
Or maybe you choose a photo shoot at Notre Dame Cathedral, on the Ile de la Cité with views of the Hotel de Ville and the Pantheon, the Luxembourg Gardens with a luxurious palace and fountains. Let's not forget Montmartre with a view of the Sacré-Coeur and the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. On an individual tour, all your wishes will be taken into account and your sincere emotions will be captured. For 1-8 people, a photo session will cost 138 € for all.
Where to stay
There are several districts in Paris that are convenient for travelers to stay. For hiking, hotels located on the island of Cité, the Seine River embankment, Rivoli Street or in the Louvre area are suitable. From these places it is convenient to get to the most interesting and significant places of the capital of France. For fans of creativity, the Montparnasse area is recommended, and for lovers of cabaret and nightlife, Montmartre is worth choosing.
Many travelers prefer hotels near the most famous landmark – the Eiffel Tower. Among independent travelers, the Opera district is considered popular. Close to it are the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and many other attractions. This area is suitable for tourists who have planned shopping.