Experience Paris like a local with our latest insider tips! Discover hidden gems, stay updated on events, find out our favorite restaurants and even more ideas to enhance your Paris Perfect stay.
Exhibits
Paris is known as the capital of fashion and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is famous for curating some of the best exhibits to showcase design history. Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses pays tribute to one of the most forward-thinking fashion designers in this 3D printed exhibit. Marvel at these works of art until April 24, 2024. The museum is located at 107 rue Rivoli, 75001.
Exhibits
The Fondation Louis Vuitton has done it again with their popular Rothko Exhibit. Enjoy the bold and colorful works of art until April 2, 2024. Frank Gehry’s architectural design for the striking building in the Bois de Boulogne is equally impressive, so be sure to leave time to explore the nooks and views of the building if you have never been. Located at 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116.
(Image credit: Thomas Loizeau)
Restaurants
Gloria, a longtime Paris Perfect favorite for excellent Italian food, has recently moved their extremely popular takeout business down the street and opened up cozy new restaurant with a few tables. The new outpost is called Sciamma and is located at 104 rue Saint Dominique in the 7th and it is already drawing crowds for their panini and lasagna.
Exhibits
While still closed for restoration, you can now experience the majesty and history of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in a new way with an immersive virtual reality experience. Until February 25, 2024 “Eternelle Notre-Dame” will delight the entire family with a 45-minute show that brights to life 850 years of history of the great cathedral. The show is located at the Parvis de la Défense in Puteaux or the Parvis de Notre Dame square in front of the cathedral. Book your experience online here.
Restaurants
Beefbar is located at 5 rue Marbeuf, 75008 in the previous space of the prestigious restaurant La Fermette Marbeuf. This Belle Époque Art Nouveau room has been a historical monument since 1983. Gaze at the stunning atrium while enjoying some of the best beef in Paris. For a less formal meal, you can experience the same excellent beef at their baby bistro, Le Petit Beefbar (of course!), located at 16 avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also in the 8th arrondissement.
Events
Take advantage of the festive season in Paris to see a concert by candlelight. Enjoy a full range of options such as classical takes from modern bands such as The Beatles or Coldplay to more traditional concerts such as Mozart’s Requiem or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Imagine the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass as you enjoy a Christmas concert at this beautiful venue. Other locations and dates are available if you’d like to experience a concert in one of the famous churches of Paris.
Culture
The holiday season is just around the corner! It wouldn’t be Christmas in Paris without the famous holiday windows at the big department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, Bon Marché, BHV Marais and La Samaritaine). This year, don’t miss joining adults and children alike as they marvel at the latest holiday scenes!
For a more adult experience, sip a vin chaud (hot mulled wine) at one of many Christmas Markets around Paris. The Eiffel Tower Christmas Village will operate on Quai Branly from November 29th, 2023 to January 1st, 2024. The Tuileries Garden Christmas Markets is a combination carnival and holiday market, sure to delight both young and old.
For a more nature themed nocturnal experience, check out the Jardin des Plantes’ Festival of Lights. Running from November 22nd, 2023 to January 21st, 2024, this is a great family activity.
Don’t miss our curated list of the best holiday season experiences in Paris this year!
Culture
An American might automatically think of Thanksgiving when you mention a Thursday in November, but to the French it means one thing: wine! Held annually on the third Thursday of November, this year on November 16th join the French in celebrating the arrival of the new Beaujolais Nouveau. That’s the date the new wine will be released for sale and when it will be possible to taste the latest vintage everywhere in the city. It’s a fun night to pop into a local café and partake in this annual tradition.
Read more about Beaujolais wine here and check out our beautiful Beaujolais vacation rental in Paris. Here are some of our favorite cozy restaurants in Paris to enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau in Paris!
Exhibits
It’s always big news when a Van Gogh exhibition comes to town, and from October 3rd to February 4, 2024 you can learn about the last months of Vincent Van Gogh’s life as the Musée D’Orsay will exhibit his final works from his last days in Auvers-sur-Oise. Get the most out of your visit to the exhibition by combining it with a Musée d’Orsay Private Tour. Plus, if the exhibition inspires you to explore more, you can also enjoy a charming day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise, located about an hour northwest of Paris. Why not book a nice lunch and stroll the village, retracing Van Gogh’s final days?
Local Tip: Due to the popularity of the “Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise: The Final Months” exhibit, it’s highly recommended to book your visit in advance. That will give you a guaranteed entrance time slot to ensure you see the exhibit during your visit. Book online here.