Paris, the City of Lights, has a thousand and one points of interest for lovers of fine arts and architecture, heritage and culture, for the makings of an unforgettable stay. Here is our list of absolute essentials (we show website addresses so you can check address, hours and entrance fees).
Centre des Monuments Nationaux (
www.monuments-nationaux.fr)
Le Centre Pompidou, for its thirtieth anniversary, there will be an unveiling of a new presentation of its modern and contemporary art collections, the leader of its kind in Europe.
www.centrepompidou.fr
La Cinematheque Francaise - where you will find the most beautiful collection in the whole world dedicated to the history of the cinema, costumes, scenery.
www.cinematheque.frCulturespaces
www.culturespaces.comLe Musee Jacquemart-Andre, a luxurious townhouse from the Second Empire, displaying a rare collection of art
www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com
L'Espace Dali - in the heart of picturesque Montmartre, is entirely devoted to the master of Surrealism
www.daliparis.comHotel des Invalides, Le Musee de L'Armee: the Eglise du Dome safeguards Napoleon's tomb
www.invalides.org
Institut du Monde Arabe - contemporary architecture and collections promoting knowledge and understanding of Arab culture.
www.imarabe.orgMaxim's, Le Musee D'Art Nouveau and la collection 1900 de Pierre Cardin - the Belle Epoque at Maxim's, the heart of the legend.
www.maxims-musee-artnouveau.comLe Musee D'art et d'histoire du Judaisme: from the middle ages up to 1939, the history of European and North African Jews, and their artistic and culture heritage.
www.mahj.org
Le Musee des Arts Asiatiques Guimet - the largest Asian art museum in Europe, keeper of priceless treasures.
www.guimet.fr
Le Musee Grevin - more than three hundred wax figures in dazzling settings, and the fantastic 'sound and light' show in the Palais des Mirages (Hall of Mirrors).
www.grevin.comLe Musee du Louvre. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace - you can find all of these masterpieces in the most famous museum in the world.
www.louvre.fr
Le Musee du Luxembourg - the first contemporary art museum in the history of France and the antechamber of the Louvre.
www.museeduluxembourg.fr
Le Musee de la Monnaie - the history of French coinage brought to life in the workshops that produced them.
www.monnaiedeparis.frLe Musee D'Orsay (if you have limited time in Paris, try not to miss this exception place) Displays, in a former train station, art from 1848 to 1914, one of the most extensive Impressionist collections in the world.
www.musee-orsay.fr
Le Musee du Quai Branly - dedicated to the arts and civiliztions of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, a unique place for dialogue and exchange amont cultures.
www.quaibranly.fr
Le Musee Rodin - presents the most significant work by 19th century sculptors in the Hotel Biron and its gardens.
www.musee-rodin.fr
Le Musee Scribe - the perfume museum located in a charming Napoleon III style townhouse.
www.fragonard.comLe Musee de Vin - showcasing the diverse and rich heritage of wine and winemaking.
www.museeduvinparis.com
Le Museum National d'histoire naturelle - the natural sciences on view at the Great Gallery of Evolution, and in its botanical gardens and zoos.
www.mnhn.frL'Opera National de Paris - temple in marble and gold, devoted to lyrical and choreographical arts, built by Charles Garnier at the end end of the nineteenth century.
www.operadeparis.fr
"Paris Story" - an enjoyable show where you'll (re)discover Paris through interactive models and 3d Screens.
www.paris-story.comTour Montparnasse - the most beautiful view of Paris. From the 56th floor, discover a 360 degree view of Paris.
www.tourmontparnasse56.com