-
The Louvre, largest museum in the world, has a long and complex history that begins much earlier than the buildings of the 16th century would suggest. The tour proposes to reconsider the different stages of construction of the Kings of France's main castle in Paris by presenting the most fundamental pieces, famous or less known, which are exhibited in different parts of the museum. The visit will also go through the grand historical rooms, such as the Henri II salons, the private apartments of Napoleon III or Louis XIV's bedroom. -
Belleville and Ménilmontant, traditional working class and Parisian areas, have seen a long evolution to now welcome some of the most vibrant and trendy districts of Paris. On top of the most beautiful panorama over Paris, discover artists workshops as well countless street art works. Hidden villas and back alleys lead to pretty squares and architectural beauties hidden behind modern buildings. From the birth place of Edith Piaf to a very colorful food and clothes market, stroll the winding streets of Belleville and encounter a new and true face of Paris. -
Magnificent Hôtel de Lauzun is one of the very few hotels particuliers (private mansions) that retain their rich carved, painted, mirrored and gilded interiors from the time of Louis XIV. The mansion is a 17th century interior and exterior architectural jewel. It is the only private mansion on Ile St Louis that can be visited. It has been recently restored while being preserved as its last private owner left it at the end of the 19th century, with the gold detailing and ceilings of the 17th century, combined with the exuberance of the 19th century.
Hotel de Lauzun can only be visited every day but during private events only -
Stroll a few small streets and alleyways around Montsouris park and experience the charm of a neighborhood where one really feel away and far from Paris. Some of the beautiful houses were built for famous artists. Some villas were also used as experimenting new art déco techniques and materials. In a close-by passage, we'll visit the grand house atelier of a sculptor, now turned into a museum after her death (10€ pp). -
The Opera Garnier is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling monuments in Paris. The tour will go through the history and context of the construction with a first outdoor description. The visit of the building will start with a vast space formerly used as a waiting room, before ascending the Great Staircase which leads to the auditorium as well as the various reception rooms and the famous grand foyer. It opens onto a balcony offering a stunning panorama stretching over to the Louvre. Some areas also exhibit costumes from famous plays, an archive gallery and temporary exhibitions. -
Visit this authentic palace hidden in the heart of Paris where a enthusiast has spent all his life gathering the biggest private collection of Napoleon's objects in the world! Access the beautiful and gilded rooms where portraits, sculptures and pieces of furniture are exposed at an arm's reach in an apartment manner, without anyone around! The end of the tour will see the secret cabinet of curiosities open, where the visitor can marvel at some unique pieces of the collection belonging to the Emperor Napoleon and his family. Treat yourself: stroll the collection with a glass of premium champagne! -
This tour is meant for architecture and interior decoration lovers. A first stretch in Western Paris will recall Art Déco's origins and diffusion, highlighted with several houses built in the same street by key architects. One of these houses will be exceptionally open for a visit of the vast workshop on the ground floor. Just a block away, another amazing place, built by leading 1930's architect Le Corbusier, gives another orientation to modernist style. After a short metro trip, a stop has been arranged in one of the most beautiful and typical restaurants in Paris, rich with anecdotes. Across the street, is another example of Art Deco buildings, directly inspired by American high rise. The end of the tour will take place in a fantastic hotel built as a tribute to the great 1925 Art Déco exhibition, filled with the most refined furniture, frescoes, and decors. -
Père Lachaise cemetery is the most prestigious and visited in Paris. Located in the 20th arrondissement, it extends over 44 acres of outstanding scenery and contains about 70,000 graves. In the largest green space in Paris are the graves of many celebrities: Balzac, Chopin, Colette, Champollion, Molière, Yves Montand and Simone Signoret, Jim Morrison, Alfred de Musset, Edith Piaf, Pissarro, Oscar Wilde, Modigliani and many others. The cemetery is also well known because the Commune of Paris, a socialist Revolution ended right there in 1871 in horrid fightings. -
In 1670, there was nowhere to house disabled or destitute soldiers who fought for France. Louis the XIVth, sensitive to the plight of soldiers who served during his many campaigns, decided to build the Hotel Royal des Invalides. Now assigned to the Ministry of Defence but also housing many organizations from other departments, the Invalides still retains its first hospital-hospice function for the severely disabled veterans of war. Aside the visit of the museum of war and its many secrets, we will go over the political design of the king behind the institution and its influence in the urban landscape in Paris. -
The name of this neighborhood comes from the ancient abbey of Saint Germain, one of the richest and most prestigious in Europe. Only the church remains today, and it is the most ancient in Paris with its oldest part dating from the 11th century. This area was also the meeting place of the intelligentsia and international artists before World War II, as well as for postwar philosophers. It is celebrated as the birthplace of jazz in Paris, and is famous for it nightly revelry and crazy parties. This walk will explore all of these fascinating aspects, as well as the superb Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. You will see why Saint Germain guards the literary soul of the left bank and boasts ‘chic Paris’, typical of the 6th arrondissement. -
An unforgettable experience is guaranteed as you wander through la Butte aux Cailles, anti-establishment Parisian party district, with it’s restaurants and detached houses that provide an unrivaled Left Bank atmosphere. One of Paris's favorite playgrounds for street artists, the area also boasts of hidden gems and many other peculiarities. -
Stroll the 17th arrondissement of Paris and discover the unsung Batignolles quarter, with its flowery and discreet streets and designer shops. Beyond the traditional park lies the recently built eco-neighborhood around the Park Martin Luther King, as well as the brand new courthouse designed by the architect of the famous Centre Pompidou museum, Renzo Piano.
