Choose from 198 Fun Things to Do in Paris
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Champagnerie Mercier
Home to the best-selling champagne in France, the Champagnerie Mercier ranks as one of Champagne’s most popular champagne houses and the iconic family brand has been producing quality bubbly since 1858. The historic cellars in Epernay opened their doors in 1869 and tours now offer visitors the chance to not only sample the legendary champagne but to learn about the years of tradition and innovation that have shaped the champagne making process.
Descending via a panoramic lift and stepping on board a mini train, visitors explore the labyrinth of 47 tunnels that house the champagne cellars, an impressive 18-kilometers of chalk caves burrowing 30-meters beneath the ground and embellished with artwork by sculptor Gustave Navlet. Additional highlights of a visit include viewing the Mercier Cask, the world's largest wine cask, and of course, visiting the tasting room, where guests can sample various champagne blends and vintages, available to purchase at the on-site shop.
Practical Info
The Champagnerie Mercier is located in Epernay, Champagne, and is open daily from March to mid-December. Tours are available from 9.30-11am and 2-4pm and must be booked in advance.
Address: 70 Avenue de Champagne, Epernay 51200, France
From $ 172
Chateau de Maisons
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Seine and surrounded by the Saint-Germain forest, the grandiose Château de Maisons is a remarkable example of French baroque and classical architecture and is renowned as one of the most important of its era. Built in the 17th-century for René de Longueil and often used as a hunting lodge by Louis XIV, the residence was designed by royal architect François Mansart and inspired the much-celebrated chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.
Today, the chateau is preserved as a National Historic Monument and visitors can explore its opulent interiors, including the grand open staircase, the King's apartments and the Comte d'Artois' dining room. Additional highlights include the landscaped gardens and castle grounds, and a museum devoted to the history of horse racing, which began in the region.
Practical Info
The Chateau de Maisons in Ile-de-France, around 20km northwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays, mid-Sept-mid-May 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm, mid-May-mid-Sept 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is €7.50.
Address: 2 Avenue Carnot, Maisons-Laffitte, France
Admission: Adults: €7.50
From $ 61
Disneyland Paris
From riding Space Mountain to flying with Peter Pan and snapping a selfie with Mickey Mouse, few theme parks serve up as much fairy-tale magic as Disneyland. With some 14 million annual visitors, Disneyland Paris is Europe’s biggest and busiest theme park, boasting adrenaline-fueled rides, state-of-the-art movie sets, and spectacular shows and parades that make it a fantasyland for kids and adults alike.
The Basics
Two theme parks make up Disneyland Paris—the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park—and a variety of ticket options are available. Choose from single-day and multi-day passes, hopper tickets that allow full-access to both parks, and FASTPASS® tickets that offer skip-the-line entrance to the most popular rides and attractions. It’s impossible to see everything on a day tour, so if you only have a one-day pass, plan your schedule carefully to ensure you don’t miss the shows, parades, and rides that most interest you. To ensure a hassle-free vacation, pre-book a one-way or round-trip transfer to Disneyland Resort Paris from your Paris hotel or Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to do lots of walking.
- Be prepared to wait in line for up to two hours for popular rides at peak times, especially in the busiest months of July and August.
- Disneyland Paris is wheelchair accessible, priority access is offered to many rides and attractions, and full accessibility maps are available.
- Wheelchairs, strollers, and pushchairs are available for rent inside the park.
- Families with young kids can take advantage of Baby Switch, which allows one parent to wait with younger children, without having to get back in line for their turn.
- Budget travelers can save on costs by bringing a refillable water bottle (drinking water fountains are located around the park), a packed lunch, and snacks—eating out in the Disney Village can be pricey.
How to Get There
Disneyland Paris is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The RER A train from central Paris takes about 40 minutes to reach the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, and regular shuttle buses run to and from the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports. Private transfers and taxis typically take about an hour, depending on traffic.
When to Get There
Disneyland Paris is open year-round, and most attractions, shows, and parades run even in low season. The busiest and most crowded times are the summer and Christmas holidays, when lines are long but opening hours are extended. Those on a budget can find deals by visiting in the low season (November to March) or midweek rather than on weekends, but be aware that there will be fewer shows. For an extra dose of Disney magic, visit during special events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night (early November), New Year’s Eve, or Christmas.
Must-Do Experiences at Disneyland Paris
At Disneyland Park, the most popular rides include Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain: Mission 2, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The top rides at Walt Disney Studios Park are Ratatouille: The Ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and Flying Carpets Over Agrabah. Other must-do experiences include meet-and-greets with Disney characters, the Disney parades, a ride on the Disneyland Railroad, and the chance to have dinner with Mickey Mouse.
Address: Marne-la-Vallée 77777, France
Hours: Open daily, 10am - 6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Conciergerie
With its castle-like turrets and dramatic riverfront location, La Conciergerie is an imposing sight, stretching along the west side of the Île de la Cité. Once part of the Palais de la Cité, along with the neighboring Palais de Justice and Sainte Chapelle, the former medieval palace is best known for its role in the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, when it served as a prison.
An estimated 3,000 prisoners were held at the Conciergerie prior to being taken to the guillotine during the Reign of Terror, among them Charlotte Corday, Madame Élisabeth, poet André Chénier and Marie Antoinette, and it continued to serve as a prison until it was decommissioned in 1914. Today, La Conciergerie is preserved as a National Monument and visitors can discover its dark legacy on a tour of the grounds, including the Prisoners’ Gallery, Marie-Antoinette’s dungeon, the Great Hall and the 14th-century Tour de l’Horloge, the Conciergerie’s 47-meter high Clock Tower, which displays Paris’ oldest clock.
Practical Info
The Conciergerie is located on Île de la Cité in central Paris, close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and is open daily from 9:30am-6pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is €8.50.
Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais - Île de la Cité, Paris, France
Hours: Open daily from 9.30am-6pm
Admission: Adult: €8.50
From $ 10
Canal St-Martin
The streets of Paris are filled with romance and excitement, but for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city, a wander along the scenic Canal St-Marin, located near the River Seine, offers a welcome respite from the typical urban energy.
Visitors can stroll along the picturesque waterway where quaint storefronts and tiny homes nod to another era. Travelers can relax at one of the numerous café tables and sip on glasses of fine wine under a quiet city sky or float along the waterway in one of the city’s famous riverboats. Travelers agree that some of the best shopping is to be had along Canal St-Martin, making it an ideal place to spend a late afternoon in the open air.
Practical Info
The Canal is accessible using the Paris Metro. The closest stations are Stalingrad, Republique, Bastille, Jaures, Oberkampf, Goncourt, Richard-Lenoir, and Quuai de la Rapee.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 23
Carnavalet Museum (Musee Carnavalet)
Visitors shouldn’t let the somewhat enigmatic name fool them into thinking this is a peculiar museum; the Carnavalet Museum is indeed one of Paris’ finest. Initially an idea of Baron Haussmann, who carried out extensive renovation works all around Paris in the late 1800s, the museum retraces Paris’ history all the way from the Lutèce Roman village it once was to the vibrant metropolis it has now become. Located in two 16th-century lavish townhouses – formerly known as Hôtel de Carnavalet (where an icon of French literature, the famous marquise de Sévigné, lived) and Hôtel d’Orgeval – in Le Marais, the architectural setting of the museum is just as captivating at the collection it houses.
Speaking of which, the museum’s collection totalizes 580,000 artefacts and comprises a magnificent sculpture of Louis XIV, as well as about 2,600 paintings, 20,000 drawings, 300,000 engravings and 150,000 photographs, 2,000 modern sculptures and 800 pieces of furniture, thousands of ceramics and several thousand other objects, including some of Marie-Antoinette’s personal effects. In fact, the Musée Carnavalet is just as much a history museum as it is an art museum, since the 100+ rooms retrace the history of Parisian interior design and artistic trends, as well as the significant moments of the city’s long, agitated history and its artistic innovations.
The compact but lavish gardens located between the two townhouses are also well worth a detour; they are home to 1,000 plant species and are decorated in the utmost French tradition of symmetry, geometry and order.
Practical Info
Musée Carnavalet is located on rue de Sévigné in the 3rd arrondissement in central Paris, near Place de la Bastille, Pompidou and Ile Saint-Louis. It is reachable by metro at stops Chemin Vert and Saint-Paul. The permanent collection is free to visit, but temporary exhibition and conferences cost €6.
Address: 16 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Paris, France
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Admission: €6.
From $ 54
Caf e de Flore
As one of the most famous cafés in Paris, Café de Flore requires very little presentation. This establishment is indeed nothing short of legendary, thanks to the legacy left by some of its most prestigious customers – lovebirds Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, along with our contemporary intelligentsia and trendsetters. Besides its famous clientele, the café is also noted for its sunny and flowery terrace; in fact, getting coffee at Café de Flore is regarded as one of the most quintessentially Parisian things visitors can do.
Café de Flore is not only illustrious because of its patrons; it’s also one of the longest-running coffeehouses in Paris, having first opened its doors in the 1880s during the Third Republic. It was named after a sculpture of the Roman goddess of flowers, Flora.
Practical Info
Café de Flore is located on Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. It is not advised to get to the Café de Flore house by car as parking is scarce and complicated; however, Saint Germain des Prés, Mabillon, and Saint-Sulpice stations are all within a 10-minute walk. The coffeehouse is open every day from 7:30am to 1:30am non-stop.
Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, Ile-de-France 75006, France
Hours: Every day from 7:30am to 1:30am
From $ 58
Clos Montmartre
If you were just walking by Clos Montmartre on a trip to the Sacre-Couer, you might assume it was just a particularly lovely community garden dotted with peach trees and vines. Actually, the Clos is the oldest working vineyard in Paris, and on clear days, from here you can see all the way out to the Eiffel Tower.
The best time to visit Clos Montmartre is during Fête des Vendanges — the harvest festival — when the grapes from the Clos are taken over to Montmartre town hall to be fermented and turned into around 1,500 bottles of gamay and pinot noir.
Practical Info
At rue des Saules and rue Saint Vincent, you'll need to arrange a visit to Clos Montmartre with the Montmartre tourist office, which is close by at Place du Tertre. The tour is free, though you pay for the tasting, and generally it's better to be in a large group if you want to gain entry. For the harvest festival you can stroll right into the working vineyard. It's generally held in early October, but do check in advance.
Address: Rue des Saules, Paris, France
From $ 29
Espace Dali
There are plenty of galleries and museums in Paris dedicated to individual artists. But the Espace Dalí is more than just paintings on a wall. In a style befitting Salvador Dalí's surreal school of art, it is a full-immersion experience. There is music playing, usually a big no-no in the more hallowed halls of art; there are sculpture versions of his paintings, giving visitors a chance to rethink these famous pieces; and there's even a full roster of children's events that welcome a new generation to get to know Dalí better. There are also some videos and other multimedia exhibits that take you into the mind of this brilliant artist.
Your entrance fee also covers the museum's neighbor, Galerie Montmartre, which features works by today's artists.
Your entrance fee also covers the museum's neighbor, Galerie Montmartre, which features works by today's artists.
Practical Info
To reach Espace Dalí, take the M12 to Abesses and then the funicular to walk to 11, rue Poulbot. Note that it's much easier to take the elevator up and out of the Abesses stop; the stairwell is steep, long and not the best for anyone who is uncomfortable in tight spaces!
Address: 11 Rue Poulbot, Paris 75018, France
Hours: Mon - Sun: 10am – 6pm
Admission: Adult: 11 € and Child: 6 €
From $ 14
Eiffel Tower
With its famous tapering cast iron tip, the Eiffel Tower is not just the symbol of Paris but of all of France. Erected by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, the 1,050-foot (320-meter) tower once held the title of the world's tallest structure. Despite having been dwarfed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa and The Shard in London, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. View the architectural icon from afar, or stop in at the three observation levels for stellar city views.
The Basics
The Eiffel Tower's first floor features exhibits, kid-friendly experiences, and the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant; the second deck includes the Jules Verne Restaurant; and the third-floor summit, accessible via a glass lift, features Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer striking 360-degree views of the City of Light.
How to Get to the Eiffel Tower
Take metro line 6 to stop Bir Hakeim or RER line C to the Champ de Mars station. For better views, take metro line 6 or 9 to stop Trocadero across from the River Seine.
When to Get There
There's no bad time to visit the Eiffel Tower, but summer and the holiday months are especially atmospheric, and night tours afford luminescent panorama views. For a unique experience, coincide your visit with Bastille Day and see the tower illuminated by fireworks.
Unique Eiffel Tower Experiences
The Basics
The Eiffel Tower's first floor features exhibits, kid-friendly experiences, and the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant; the second deck includes the Jules Verne Restaurant; and the third-floor summit, accessible via a glass lift, features Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer striking 360-degree views of the City of Light.
Although a testament to the structure's global popularity, the crowds can be quite large, meaning that priority-access tours are highly recommended—in peak season, long lines mean waits can often exceed three hours. Save precious sightseeing time by booking a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket with or without a tour guide; this experience can combined with a Paris city tour that covers the top sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Moulin Rouge, Montparnasse, and the Louvre museum. If you'd rather view the iconic structure in all its glory than head to the top, book a Seine River cruise, or a walking, biking, or Segway tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan your visit in advance and book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long wait times.
- If you purchase an admission ticket for Eiffel Tower summit access, you'll head straight to the top before stopping at the lower levels on your downward journey.
- There are ATMs and souvenir shops on the ground floor.
- The tower's first two levels are wheelchair accessible, but the summit is not.
- You'll be required to undergo a security screening before entering the tower.
Take metro line 6 to stop Bir Hakeim or RER line C to the Champ de Mars station. For better views, take metro line 6 or 9 to stop Trocadero across from the River Seine.
When to Get There
There's no bad time to visit the Eiffel Tower, but summer and the holiday months are especially atmospheric, and night tours afford luminescent panorama views. For a unique experience, coincide your visit with Bastille Day and see the tower illuminated by fireworks.
Unique Eiffel Tower Experiences
The first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is the perfect place to see the Paris skyline and try some French cuisine. Travelers can also opt to go behind the scenes at the tower to see the exclusive engine room and the second level's rooftop terrace.
Address: 5 Avenue Anatole, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 9:30am–11pm. (Mid-June to early September: 9am–midnight)
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Chateau de Rambouillet
Equidistance from Versailles and Chartres, and set amidst 20,000 hectares of lush woodlands, the grand Chateau de Rambouillet is among the Ile-de-France’s most magnificent residences. Dating back to the 14th-century, the château boasts an esteemed cast of former royal residents, from King Francis I to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and was later used as the summer residence of the French Presidents of the Republic, receiving guests such as General Charles de Gaulle and hosting the first G6 summit.
Today, the Chateau de Rambouillet remains a key presidential residence, and is open to the public, who can enjoy guided tours of the Rococo-style state apartments and castle grounds, including a series of elegant formal gardens and canal ways. Additional highlights include the dazzling Shell Cottage, adorned with gleaming marble, Mother of Pearl and rare seashells, and the Queen Dairy, designed for Marie-Antoinette.
Practical Info
The Chateau de Rambouillet is located in the Ile-de-France region, approximately 60km southwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm (6pm from April-Sept). Adult admission at the time of writing is €5.50.
Address: Rambouillet, France
Admission: Adults: €5.50
From $ 61
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
As the biggest and busiest airport in France and one of Europe’s most important international transport hubs, Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is visited by just about every traveler to Paris.
The Basics
Passengers flying into or out of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport have a number of different transport options available, but pre-booking an arrival or departure transfer ensures a hassle-free start or end to your trip. Transfers are available by private vehicle or shared shuttle, linking the airport to central Paris hotels, Disneyland Paris, and Orly (ORY) International Airport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are three different terminals at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Regular shuttle buses run between them.
- All areas of the airport are wheelchair accessible.
- Power outlets and charging stations are located throughout the terminals, and free Wi-Fi is available to passengers.
How to Get There
Charles de Gaulle is located in Roissy, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Paris, and is connected to the capital by the RER B train and the Roissybus. The fastest way to get into Paris is the RER train, which takes about 30 minutes, while taxis or private transfers can take up to an hour in busy periods.
When to Get There
Flights run from Charles de Gaulle daily at most hours of the day and night, and passengers are recommended to arrive at least two to three hours before their flight departure, depending on their destination. Be sure to leave extra time if flying during busy times, when lines for check-in, security, and passport control can take over an hour, or if flying from Terminal 2 which, as the largest terminal, can take extra time to navigate.
Address: Roissy-en-France 95700, France
Hours: Daily
From $ 14
Centre Pompidou
In Paris’ Beaubourg district, Centre Pompidou is a multidisciplinary cultural venue that’s home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Visitors come to see famous paintings by legendary artists, such as Henri Matisse and Wassily Kandinsky, and to marvel at the building’s design.
The Basics
Designed by architects Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano, and Gianfranco Franchini, Pompidou Centre is a triumph of postmodern architecture. All of the building’s functional systems—from air conditioning to water supply—are routed across its exterior in multicolored pipes; some compare the structure to an oil refinery. It’s named after former French President Georges Pompidou, who commissioned the building in 1969.
Aside from the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Pompidou Centre is also home to a huge public reading library, a concert hall, and other cultural organizations. Along with an excellent permanent collection of contemporary European art from 1905 to the present day, including a complete reconstruction of sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s studio, the center also hosts a regular program of cinema showings and live music, theater, and dance performances. The building is a popular spot on walking tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the Pompidou Centre is by paid ticket.
- Skip the line with a Paris multi-attraction pass.
- Arrange a private tour for more in-depth information about the Pompidou and its collection.
- Entry is free every first Sunday of the month.
- Wheelchairs are available for loan from the visitor’s cloakroom.
- Two of the movie screens are fitted with audio induction loops for those using hearing aids.
How to Get There
Centre Georges Pompidou is in the Beaubourg, in the 4th arrondissement, near Les Halles shopping mall. The closest metro stops are Hotel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11) and Chatelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14). It is walkable from other attractions in the city center, including Notre Dame Cathedral. There is underground parking on-site.
When to Get There
The center is open Wednesday–Monday from 11am–9pm. On Thursday evenings, it stays open until 11pm. Ticket offices shut one hour before closing time. The Atelier Brancusi is open from 2pm–6pm, while the reading library opens from 12pm–10pm on weekdays and 11am–10pm on weekends. All sites are closed Tuesdays. The center is usually busiest from midmorning through midafternoon.
Stravinsky Fountain
Designed by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle, the Stravinsky Fountain, outside Centre Pompidou’s south side, was meant to represent composer Igor Stravinsky’s works. Its bright colors and whimsical shapes will draw a smile from children and adults alike.
Address: Place George Pompidou, Paris 75004, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Château de Malmaison
The Château de Malmaison is a country house outside Paris that was once the residence of Joséphine de Beauharais, the first wife of Napoleon I and the first Empress of the French. At one time the château was also the headquarters of the French government.
Joséphine de Beauharais purchased the Château de Malmaison in 1799 for the large sum of 30,000 francs while Napoleon I was away fighting the Egyptian Campaign. As the château had fallen into a state of disrepair, Joséphine spent an enormous sum of money renovating the manor.
While Joséphine owned the house she created a veritable menagerie with exotic animals such as kangaroos, llamas, zebras, ostriches and even a seal. She also built a heated orangery and greenhouse. After her divorce with Napoleon in 1809 Joséphine kept the home, where she remained until her death in 1814.
The château is decorated with a sense of elegance and opulence. Many of the rooms feature enormous chandeliers as well as black and white checkerboard tile floors. The library is particularly notable with a painted vaulted ceiling.
Practical Info
The Château de Malmaison is located in Rueil-Malmaison, a wealthy suburb seven miles east of Paris. To access the chateau via public transportation, take the Paris commuter train, the RER, to RER A stop “La Defense.” Then take bus 258 and disembark at the Le Château stop. It is also possible to drive by taking the RN 13 from Paris and navigating to the address, Avenue du Château de Malmaison in Rueil-Malmaison. The full price of admission is €6.50, but garden admission alone is €1.50. The château waives the admission fee to all visitors under the age of 18 and all EU-residents from 18-25. The château also offers free admission to all visitors the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Avenue du Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison 92500, France
Hours: April-Sept Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Sat-Sun until 6:15 p.m.;
Oct-March Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Sat-Sun until 5:45 p.m.;
Closed Tuesdays & Dec 25-Jan 1.
Admission: €6.50
From $ 139
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Revered by Catholics as the site of several visions of the Virgin Mary in 1830, Paris' Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is an important place of prayer and pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world. The church was consecrated as the Chapel of the Daughters of Charity on Aug. 6, 1815, and then dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In 1830, a woman named Zoe joined the convent and soon changed her name to Catherine. Shortly after joining, she claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary seated in a chair by the altar steps. A few months later, the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared near a painting of St Joseph to show Catherine the design for what would become the Miraculous Medal. The medal was eventually made and sold throughout the world and is said to have brought protection, cures and other miracles to those who have worn it.
Practical Info
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is located at 140 rue du Bac. The site is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:30 to 7 p.m. On Tuesdays, it is open continuously from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 140 Rue du Bac, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From $ 67
Brittany
Brittany is the western-most region in France, a peninsula on the coast that stretches out into the Atlantic and well past the Greenwich Mean Time line of its neighbor across the English Channel. Although Brittany is rich in history and its natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking, it remains a hidden gem away from many foreign tourists because of its distance from Paris, everyone's favorite base for France vacations.
In French, Brittany is known as Bretagne and its inhabitants are called Bretons. The region's history goes back hundreds of thousands of years, as evidenced by BC-era stone arrangements and an ancient hearth discovery, as well as the stories of the Celtic tribes that inhabited the region at the turn of the millennium and eventually lost to the Romans, as so many did. Because of its location, Brittany has been attacked several times throughout the centuries, and both battle remnants and cultural influences of invaders can still be found today.
Visitors will find a largely untouched coastline in Brittany, with small fishing villages and lots of room to roam; hiking and biking through the region is a popular pastime. Cider and beer are the most popular drinks, and Brittany's oysters are some of the finest in the world.
Rennes
Rennes may be the region's most recognized city due to its proximity to Mont St-Michel just over the border in Normandy. Due north and just along the coast from Mont St-Michel is Brittany's very own St-Malo, a walled city whose ramparts give visitors an excellent view of the almost surreal tide movements of the region. It has a thriving student community that keeps it young and daily markets from Tuesdays through Saturdays that bring out the locals.
Brest
Brest lies just inland from the westernmost edge of Brittany and is largely undiscovered by the tourist hordes. Its harbor is home to an important military base, and its involvement in World War II left the city almost in ruins. However, there is still much to see, including the walled Chateau de Brest, the Tanguy Tower and the heavily Breton Recouvrance quarter of the city, where sometimes it may seem like a separate country all its own.
Nantes
Nantes is not in Brittany; rather, it is the capital of the Loire region. But its history is largely Breton, and no visit to Brittany is complete without a stop here. Don't miss the museum at the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany to learn about the area's heritage.
Address: France
From $ 461
Delville Wood Cemetery
The World War I struggle for the strategic ground of Delville Wood lying at the heart of the Somme battlefields took place between Commonwealth and German soldiers during July and September 1916. During this time a number of fierce battles were fought and even though the Commonwealth troops ultimately won through, there was huge loss of life on both sides. Delville Wood Cemetery at Longueval commemorates the heroism of 5,523 Commonwealth dead, lying at peace in a memorial designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker just post-war, with an entrance arch topped by a bronze equestrian sculpture by Alfred Turner. A huge percentage of the graves at Delville Wood are unmarked as many of the fallen were reburied there after the Armistice in 1918.
Right across the road is the South Africa (Delville Wood) National Memorial, also built by Sir Herbert Baker and honoring the South African military personnel who were killed in World War I. With around 229,000 soldiers fighting on the Western Front, the SA dead at Delville Wood numbered around 10,000 and their names are inscribed in a memorial book in the hexagonal-shaped Delville Wood Museum, built to salute all South African troops who have died in combat across the world.
Practical Info
Both cemeteries are found in Longueval, 40 km (25 miles) south of Arras in the Pas-de-Calais. The Delville Wood Museum is open early Feb–early Apr, mid-Oct–late Nov Tue–Sun 10am–4pm; early Apr–mid-Oct Tue–Sun 10am–5.30pm.
Address: Route de Ginchy, Longueval, France
From $ 230
Chapelle Expiatoire
With its somber neoclassical façade framed by rows of white rose bushes and capped with a striking green dome, the Chapelle Expiatoire has a timeless elegance befitting its origins. The little-visited landmark is one of Paris’ most significant chapels – built in 1826 to mark the location of the former Madeleine Cemetery, where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were originally buried after their untimely executions during the French Revolution.
The iconic royals are now buried at the Saint Denis Basilica, but the chapel stands as a poignant reminder of the victims of the French Revolution, commissioned by King Louis XVIII to honor his brother and sister-in-law. The work of architect Pierre-Léonard Fontaine, the Chapelle Expiatoire is renowned for its unique architecture and elaborate interiors, which include white marble sculptures of the King and Queen, and an exquisite altar that marks the exact site of Louis XVI’s burial.
Practical Info
Chapelle Expiatoire is located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement and is open from Thurs-Sat from 11am to 6pm (7pm in July and August). Adult admission is €5.50 at the time of writing.
Address: 29 Rue Pasquier, Paris, France
Hours: Open from Thurs-Sat from 11am to 6pm (7pm in July and August)
Admission: Adults: €5.50
From $ 61
Crazy Horse Cabaret
Held in an intimate underground venue, the Crazy Horse cabaret’s provocative yet sophisticated burlesque-style show celebrates femininity and specializes in the art of seduction, with a series of elaborately choreographed routines performed by highly trained dancers wearing custom-made red-soled Louboutins, bob wigs, bright red lipstick—and often little else. Avant-garde artist Alain Bernardin established the venerated Crazy Horse de Paris in 1951.
The Basics
During the cabaret’s 90-minute Totally Crazy show, audience members witness some of the troupe’s most classic routines, including the well-known Philippe Decouflé–choreographed Crazy Horse Guards, which sees the Crazy Girls donning bearskin hats and skimpy royal guard uniforms. The venue also hosts newer acts created by the likes of Dita von Teese and Ali Mahdavi. You can book show tickets in advance or upgrade your experience to include VIP extras such as Champagne and appetizers. You can also pair a visit here with a pre- or post-show dinner at the nearby art deco brasserie, Chez Francis.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress respectably. Ties and jackets are not required, but shorts, sneakers, and sportswear are not allowed.
- Performances contain partial nudity and may not be suitable for kids.
- For the ultimate indulgence, splurge on a private VIP booth to sip Champagne and snack on caviar during the show.
- Seats are not reservable; they are assigned and allocated on the night of the show.
- The Crazy Horse is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Crazy Horse de Paris venue is on Avenue George V near the Champs-Elysees. Both the bus (lines 42, 63, 72, 80, and 92) and the Metro (line 9) connect to the nearby Alma–Marceau station. Alternatively, take the RER C line to Pont de l’Alma or the RER A line to Charles de Gaulle–Etoile.
When to Get There
Shows take place twice a night, at 8:30pm and 11pm, Sunday to Friday; on Saturdays there are three performances, at 7pm, 9:30pm, and midnight. Arrive early to catch the pre-show burlesque act, which begins 30 minutes before the main performance.
Which Paris Cabaret is Right for You?
Paris is home to several legendary cabaret venues, and choosing between the two most renowned—Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse de Paris—can be difficult. If you want Las Vegas–style acts and fanfare—and to see the world-famous cancan—Moulin Rouge is the cabaret for you. Crazy Horse, meanwhile, offers artistic and slightly racier performances in a smaller, more intimate setting.
Address: 12 Avenue George V, Paris 75008, France
Admission: Check website for show prices
From $ 98
Château de Fontainebleau
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s largest châteaux, the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau boasts a rich resume of royal inhabitants, including Henry IV, Louis XV, and Napoleon. Built in the 12th century, the palace displays a remarkable variety of architectural styles, all set within 130 hectares (321 acres) of parks and gardens.
The Basics
Visitors can discover the Château de Fontainebleau on a guided tour or take a self-guided tour of the Grands Appartements accompanied by an audio guide. Most Fontainebleau tours run from Paris. Although it’s possible to take in the highlights on a half-day tour, a full-day tour will give you free time to explore the vast parklands. In summer, popular activities include Segway tours, horse-drawn carriage rides around the palace grounds, or boat cruises around the lake. You can also soar overhead in a hot-air balloon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan at least two hours to visit the castle and gardens.
- Visitor facilities include cloakrooms, lockers, and restrooms.
- The palace is wheelchair accessible, and lifts are available for entrance to the Grand Apartments.
How to Get There
The Château de Fontainebleau is located at the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest, 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of central Paris—about an hour-long drive. From Paris, trains run from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station, from where the Ligne 1 local bus takes you right to the château entrance in about 10 minutes. Coaches also run from Paris to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, another nearby castle.
When to Get There
Fontainebleau is open daily (except Tuesdays) year round. The most popular time to visit is in summer, when you can enjoy a picnic in the park and make the most of the seasonal activities and events. The castle itself can get busy, especially in July and August, so aim for an early-morning tour to avoid the crowds, then set off to explore the park just as the tour buses roll in.
A Tour of the Royal Palace
With an incredible 1,500 rooms, there’s plenty to explore at Fontainebleau; tours typically include the the Renaissance rooms, the Papal apartment, the Francis I gallery, and Marie Antoinette’s boudoirs. Visitors can also brush on up French history at the palace museum, peek into the private apartments of Napoleon I and Josephine, his first wife, and stroll around the idyllic gardens.
Address: Fontainebleau, France
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 9:30am -6pm (closes at 5pm Oct-March)
Admission: Adults: €12
From $ 288