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!]

Yes. Come do the touristy things like shopping, eating, and sightseeing. But also consider this…read moreplace with a spin to the sightseeing portion with a historical twist. The admissions price you pay is worth it. You just don't see this type of local flair anywhere else. Soak in the history about Paris and also its darker side. Your perspective about things will change, for most people anyway. The takeaway the hubs took from this experience is that nothing really matters at the end. It's a real eye opening experience TBH. As you wander the dark corridors, you will see piles of real human bones piled in neat stacks. It was saddening to realize that these were once human beings. Now they are part of a collection of unknown souls. It was just a down to earth experience. The audio tour will allow you to wander at your pleasure so there's no real rush or live tour. Book early because spots are limited!

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.

We didn't do the meal but there was still plenty of room when we got there. They accomadated my…read moreneed for an elevator because I use a rollator no problem. Very much appreciated! We did email them and let them know ahead of time to be sure they could I'll say it was a pretty good show ‍. The variety acts were incredible!!!! I'll also say though the dancers for the show / story part need done choreography refresh. The timing was off, no smiles, looking at others to see what they're doing and making the moves look flawless was off for SEVERAL dancers (more than 3) since scene 1. It was distracting our group and took away from the show. SMILING should be step one. Please freshen up!

So, this is one of the many vanity projects that you will find around Paris, and this place was…read morebuilt by Louis VX. Okay, sadly the road looks directly at the Eifel Tower, but other than that it is pretty impressive. In fact there are quite a number of famous people buried here. It's actually quite cool finding a tomb and thinking, gee, I've heard of that person.

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.

Make a reservation ahead of time. (Preferably first thing in…read morethe morning, or the last entrance time for the day). The pyramid is the busiest entrance, there are other gates to enter from but the pyramid is the most famous. You will go thru security and bag check, and then you're down the escalators to the main "lobby" area. If you walk every corridor you would be walking 9miles, I think. The museum is massive and you will spend more time trying to figure out how to get OUT once you're entangled in the maze of galleries. Always have a vague idea of what you want to see, and more importantly, an exit plan! I've seen some people recommend the D'orsay if you only have time to go to one museum. But if you only have one chance to go to Paris, how can you pass up the Louvre? Even if you're not an art afficianado you've heard of the Louvre.

The Louvre has a ticketing system that even its own staff apparently don't understand…read more We arrived early and waited in a long line. I had already booked a valid digital ticket for free admission as an architect/designer, but a female staff member came over and aggressively told me that I could not queue without a physical ticket. Ironically, once inside the queue area, there was a dedicated ticket counter for digital tickets. So even if I had genuinely arrived without a ticket, there was a clear way to get one. The problem wasn't the long wait -- it was the unnecessarily rude attitude and incorrect information from the staff. For a museum of this reputation, this was an extremely disappointing experience.

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!

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.

The best museum in Paris for the views and vibes! Even on a winter weekend at sunset, it wasn't…read moreovercrowded--a refreshing change from the city's more packed museums. The main collection is on the 5th floor, with special exhibits on the 6th, and the panoramic views from the balcony are stunning--you can see both the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Entry is affordable at €15 per person, and the museum has several shops, dining options, and restrooms inside. It's also easily accessible by public transportation, with plenty of great spots to eat and drink nearby. A must-visit for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike!

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).