This was worth the visit for some quirky and amazing folk art. There is an exhibit in a dark room…read morethat had so many fabulous pieces of art, that I thought we had seen the whole museum. But wait! Up some windy stairs is a sunlit room with about the same amount of art. Some things were creepy, some were a level of obsessive detail that required long minutes of marveling, and some were inspiring. 2 hours is a sufficient visit, and you will want to reserve time to peruse the bookstore and get a snack, lunch, or beverage at the café. The museum is in the garment district, and the art may inspire you to pick up some fabric to make a collage.

A stunning cyclorama with two feature exhibits, a bright and airy bookstore, and a crazy busy cafe…read morefor an accessible 9€. We popped in for the Jeunet/Caro exhibit, because when in Paris, you Amélie. The design of the exhibit space is in a wagon wheel, with fixtures from the duos filmography segmented by "pie piece." An intriguing blend of movie props, original script notes, stills and videography paint a brilliant behind-the-scenes for The City of Lost Children, Delicatessen, MicMacs, Alien: Resurrection and more. A floor up, sunlight floods a year-long showcase residency called Turbulence in the Balkans, featuring Eastern European works but unfortunately, no brass bands. Sad dance party loss. Anyhoodle, the space open, well-designed and easy to get through in an hour or so. If the exhibits catch your fancy, pop in for an afternoon delight.

The major thing we wanted to do in Paris was visit the catacombs, an underground ossuary containing…read morethe bones of more than six million people. The catacombs are part of Paris' abandoned mine and quarry network, and bones were moved to the catacombs because the cemeteries were running out of space. The first bones were transferred from the Cimetière des Saints-Innocents after the cemetery was closed in 1780 due to overuse. The catacombs are an extremely popular attraction, and purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended as a limited number of people are admitted each hour, and with good reason -- the experience would be extremely unpleasant if overly crowded. However, you can only purchase tickets one week in advance, and the catacombs are not open on Mondays. The two full days we were in Paris were Sunday and Monday, so I had to ensure that we were able to get tickets for Sunday April 7. Fortunately I was successful! Tickets were €29 each, although per the website, they are now €31. Unfortunately, the catacombs are not accessible for people in wheelchairs or who have mobility issues -- the 1.5km long route has 243 stairs -- 131 to descend and 112 to ascend. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and if you want to see bones and skulls (no full skeletons, though), the Paris catacombs won't disappoint! [Yelp collections: Europe 2024; Paris, France; Beware of stairs!]

Absolutely one of the best experiences ever. It is a must to get the Audio Guide Tour - so…read moreinformative on th History of Paris and The Catacombes. We unfortunately had 105 degree weather in Paris and literally this tour was a "cool" experience for the history and the temperature - literally. Also the little gift shop after is a must - I smile every morning using my spoon and have a pair of gloves that I will be wearing as well. This and Jim Morrison's Grave was my two favorite things.

Well, it's amazing to see all the pearl clutching over the Moulin Rouge being in the red light…read moredistrict! You mean there's gambling in this casino? And yes.. there are pickpocketers all over Paris, especially in areas where tourists lose their situational awareness. So bring your brain. That being said, my husband greatly appreciated the thorough security pat down which gave him the FULL experience.. 5/5 would recommend. The food is shockingly great. The sounds of champagne bottle popping everywhere really adds to the ambiance. The place was completely packed to see a tried and true review complete with feathers, sparkles and full body makeup. Wouldn't say it's entirely family friendly... but it has a children's menu and my 9 year old son said the dancing was amazing. Put this on your must do list.

I thought it was okay overall. I went to the 11:30 PM show on a Wednesday and was surprised by how…read morepacked it was. I arrived early and waited in line since I had heard it was first come, first served. If you want a good seat, I definitely recommend getting there early. I've been to a handful of Vegas style shows, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Moulin Rouge. Would I go back again? Probably not. Would I recommend it? If you enjoy Vegas style shows with lots of spectacle and entertainment, then yes. I'm glad I experienced it, and I think it was worth seeing once, but for me, it was definitely a one-and-done experience. The positives: I'm glad I went early. The doors open around 10:15 PM, but you can get in line before then. They don't start seating until around 10:45 PM. If you want a chance at front-row seats, I'd definitely recommend getting there as early as possible. I'm also glad I didn't get the champagne package. Personally, I'd recommend getting the basic ticket and enjoying food and drinks somewhere else before or after the show. There are plenty of places nearby where you can get a better meal or drinks for less. The show started and finished on time, which I really appreciated, especially since it was the late night 11:30 PM show. The staff was organized and seemed to know what they were doing. Everyone had their own job, and despite how busy and crowded it was, things moved along pretty smoothly. The cons: It was pricey, especially when you factor in the extra cost of food and drinks. I was also surprised by how casually dressed a lot of people were. I honestly expected guests to dress up more because of the reputation and glamorous image of Moulin Rouge. Of course, everyone can wear whatever they want, but I was expecting more of a dressed up, special occasion atmosphere. Another thing I wasn't expecting was being seated at a communal table with three other couples. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did take away from the more intimate and upscale experience I had pictured. Overall, I'm glad I went and can now say I experienced Moulin Rouge in Paris. It was fun to see once, but based on my experience, I don't feel the need to go back. If you love Vegas style shows, big performances, and a lively atmosphere, you may really enjoy it. For me, it was a fun experience to check off the list, but ultimately a one-time visit.

The Pantheon is a marvelous neoclassical structure that was originally planned to be a church,…read morehowever the circumstances of history changed its course, and instead pays homage to the heroes of France and those who helped shaped its culture and history in the world. We visited on a rainy day in Feb 2026 and there was quite a line. We waited about 30 mins and paid 13 euros each, plus an extra 4 euros for an audio guide. I would recommend purchasing tickets ahead and the extra 4 euros for the audio guide is well worth it. Give yourself at least 1 hour, but you could be in here all day. The crypt houses many including philosophers and authors: Voltaire,Rousseau Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas, as well as scientists like Marie Curie, and activists. Right next door is a beautiful church Eglise St Etienne du Mont which should not be missed!

A church turned mausoleum for greats like Victor Hugo (interestingly enough, when we were in…read moreBrussels we actually stayed next door to a home he had there). Neoclassical architecture that's stood the test of time for centuries. Deeply rooted in French history it's a must-see for any architecture and/or history buffs. The tour is educational and informative.

Musee du Louvre in Paris is the world's largest art museum and is considered a historic landmark…read morethat housed the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci and a whole lot more. Been here 2 times and for recent times, purchasing a ticket on their official website is preferred. It is timed entry but no limit for you to explore the museum. On our 1st visit back in 2019, we did it for 3 hours focusing on the important and famous paintings. They do have brochures/maps detailing suggestions as to what to explore best. Definitely recommend to take the 1st entry, upon opening time and head straight to the Mona Lisa, to get a very good view to beat the crowd. The Mona lisa is the most famous art piece in the Louvre so everybody just wants to be there. On our 2nd visit in 2023, we did the 2nd timed entry but stayed longer. Yes, we still went to the Mona Lisa first. It was an unforgettable (in our bucket - list) experience and will never get tired of visiting it. Hubby ended up staying the whole day on our 2nd visit. There was just so much to see and a feeling that there's not enough time. I can just get lost and be happy to where I end up. Must see when in Paris! August 2026

The Louvre needs no introduction, and my own knowledge of art is nowhere near sophisticated enough…read moreto pretend I can properly assess what hangs on its walls. What I can say with confidence is that I find the place extraordinary: the palace, monumental galleries, and almost preposterous scale make simply moving through it an experience. You can arrive knowing very little and still spend hours feeling your sense of history quietly expanding. Part of the pleasure is accepting that you are not going to conquer the Louvre in a day. On my last visit, we rented the Nintendo guide, an unexpectedly clever companion for navigating a museum this enormous, and I generally love audio tours because a few minutes of context can transform something merely impressive into something you actually understand. One space I especially love is the Cour Puget in the Richelieu Wing, a soaring glass covered courtyard where monumental French sculpture sits beneath cascades of natural light. It is the kind of room that interrupts your itinerary completely, which is probably exactly what a great museum should do. Somewhere amid several thousand years of civilization, I strongly recommend stopping for a coffee, a Perrier, and/or a bite to eat. There is something deliciously Parisian about sitting inside the Louvre, taking in the surroundings, and allowing yourself to feel exceptionally chic and cultured for a few glorious minutes. Give the museum at least a few hours, wear comfortable shoes, and let a guide provide some structure while still leaving room to wander wherever your curiosity takes you. You will leave stimulated, caffeinated, and already aware that another visit could be an entirely different adventure. Très bien!

I've been to Musée d'Orsay twice over the years and have left both times feeling awed by what I saw…read moreand rueful of all I'd so obviously missed. You can't even speed run the place in two or three hours, and you probably need days or a lifetime to appreciate it in full. My more recent visit was earlier this month, with my husband and kids and other sundry family members, who spread out and explored the museum on their own. The d'Orsay opens at 9:30 in the morning and we booked tickets in advance for 10:00 entry. Getting in was quick and easy, and the crowd was pretty reasonable for the first hour or so, which we spent on the fifth floor. By the time we got to the special exhibit on the ground level, around noon, every room was thronged. We didn't make it to the second floor at all. The museum is a global treasure, a beautiful place with a staggering collection of French art, including the world's largest trove of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. The d'Orsay was once the Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. It would be worth visiting for the architecture and use of space and light alone. The art, of course, is genuinely amazing. If you have even a passing familiarity with paintings as a genre, you will walk around the d'Orsay going, "Oh, THAT's here?" I saw multiple paintings I'd encountered in jigsaw puzzles, or on the covers of Debussy piano books. Manet, Cezánne, Gauguin, Degas; a whole room of Van Gogh, including one of his most recognizable self-portraits and his "Bedroom in Arles" (a very enjoyable 2,000-piece puzzle). Monet everywhere--I guess the d'Orsay owns 86 of his paintings. I loved the mini-exhibit of five paintings of the Rouen Cathedral, and even my six-year-old appreciated, if purely for subject matter, "The Saint-Lazare Station." Our kids, it turns out, do not yet appreciate art, and were in ragged form for much of our visit. Our three-year-old demanded to be carried at all times and kept insisting he didn't like "these pictures." (He also objected to his first nude, "The Bathers" by Renoir: "Why aren't they wearing any clothes, even? They can wear pants. They can cover themselves.") We had to take a breather in the underground cafe, with water and snacks, and this gave us enough steam to make it back out to the main floor. We managed to zip through a few of the many rooms lining the main corridor on our way up to the Renoir exhibit at the front of the museum. This part of our visit could not have been more cursory, and yet we stumbled upon Courbet's self-portrait, "The Desperate Man"--a cool painting I'd never seen before--and Millet's "The Angelus," a painting I'd learned about at the d'Orsay many years earlier. The Renoir exhibit (Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity, apparently just ended) was spectacular, an expansive collection of iconic paintings displayed for maximum impact. It was also jam packed and slightly unpleasant to navigate with two children on the verge of meltdown. I'd love to go back to Paris and explore the d'Orsay at my leisure. I'm sure it'd also be worthwhile to go with a guide, and perhaps two older, well-behaved children who might get something out of the experience. In the meantime, I'm grateful I've been able to see the place at all. It's a marvelous museum, one of the greatest in the world.

One visit is not enough…read more When you learn to swim. One lesson is never enough. The more you dive into the depths and emerge for a breath of air, the more you enjoy. The more rapturous moments are grasped. Ah, so is the Musee d'Orsay. It is not a museum to plunge to once. One must visit multiple times. Otherwise, it is impossible to swim between exhibits, paddle through the intentions of artists. Be sure, you don't need to swim to enjoy the galleries. Even dog paddling between famous works is enjoyable. However, to truly move through exhibits with ease takes practice. You will thank yourself.

What an unexpected and delightful surprise! 59 Rivoli is an artist paradise where artwork is…read moredisplayed ceiling to floor up the spiraling staircase. Each staircase to the next floor has a different theme and artist. Each floor features the studio of an aspiring French artist at work which you can stop, discuss, and see their work. It is a cool place and should be added to your list of places to visit when in Paris. Located a few blocks from Notre Dame, admission is free!

Very unique experience consisting of multiple stories of floor to ceiling artwork. I don't believe…read morethere is an elevator/lift for those who need it, but the spiraling staircase is incredible and fully painted with different themes on each floor. There are many different resident artists there that have small sections of each floor where they work and sell their art. There is such a wide ranging variety of mediums, styles, and art around every corner, there is sure to be something you'll like! Also, its free to enter and walk around! You can buy art from artists if you'd like but there is no pressure to buy anything. Overall great experience!

This museum has all of the modern mischief makers and envelope pushers that you learn about in art…read morehistory classes--Miro, Duchamp, Kadinsky, Klein, Klee, etc--plus their lesser known peers and contemporary artists. It's exciting to be around so much creativity and spark. The building itself is a draw, and you can enjoy the nearby fountain filled with moving statues and take the famous elevator all the way to the top for free--the view is the best, and I prefer it more than the view from the Eiffel Tower! There is also a notable bookstore filled with art folios and a wall of postcards, accessible without tickets. If you enter the paid floors, expect to be wowed for at least 2-3 hours.

Centre Pompidou was due to close its doors for a years-long renovation when I went. Thought not…read morecompletely shut down (Wolfgang Tillmans was showing his photographs), the lack of exhibits make this arts center a shell of its former self; even the long escalator, a prominent feature, wasn't in operation. Also, there was no access to the rooftop viewing platform. The building is very cool with its "inside out" design as giant pipes decorate the exterior. I remember Centre Pompidou as full of life, I hope when it returns to be able to experience its full art programming once again. Two stars because it's depressing to see the building half done & half alive.

Very swanky jazz bar that I had the pleasure of spending an evening at with my fiancée. We split a…read morebottle of champagne and enjoyed live piano and singing for a couple of hours. Absolutely loved this place.

I've been to Café Laurent the last 3 times in Paris and looking forward to my next time this…read moresummer. There are several reasons that I love this place. A quiet oasis of understated elegance with live jazz. Monsieur Flavian has been there every time and seems to manage the venue with panache. Classic, elegant, jazz. My favorite place in Paris to unwind. Wonderful bar with excellent, knowledgeable service. Très gentil hommes. Merci!

Absolutely stunning theater in the center of Paris. This is the kind of theater that is in the…read moremovies. It is very classic and Baroque in setting and is it's fun for the intermission as it is for the show! At intermission grab a glass of champagne and head out to the beautiful glass walls to see a view of the hotel de ville or Notre Dame Cathedral and tour St Jaques. Pretend you're in dangerous liaisons as you slip in and out of the multi-tiered theater with arched balcony areas

Broadway came to Paris with "Bob Fosse, the Show" at the Théâtre du Châtelet (built 1862),…read moreshowcasing stage work of the dance icon-choreographer with a cast led by Ben Vereen. showstoppers Bye-bye, Mein Herr from 'Cabaret'; Mr. Bojangles from 'Dancin'; and Sweet Charity, Big Spender from 'Chicago' wowed the capacity audience of kids, parents, uni students to grandparents. much the same mix of theatergoers in NY. except in Paris, the crowd seemed mainly local(broadway mostly tourists).