Things to Do in Île-de-France - page 4

Located on the edge of the eighth and 19th arrondissements, Pigalle has long had a reputation for debauchery. Paris’ former red-light district and a haven for turn-of-the-20th-century bohemians, Pigalle is today renowned for its (sometimes sordid) nightlife and festive spirit—as well as world-famous venues like the Moulin Rouge.

Affectionately known as “the belly of Paris,” Les Halles was once the sight of Paris’s bustling central food market, where vendors sold fresh meats, fish, and vegetables. A focal point of Paris since the 11th century, the food stalls were dismantled in 1971 to make room for the newForum des Halles shopping center and metro station.

A highlight of the sixth arrondissement, the Palais du Luxembourg was built as a residence for former Queen of France Marie de’ Medici in 1625. Though the palace has lost none of its luster in the ensuing centuries, its purpose has changed: the once-regal address now houses the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament.

With its diverse mix of ethnicities and burgeoning art scene, Belleville has made a name for itself as one of Paris’ most fashionably eclectic districts, drawing a hip crowd of young locals, students and creative types. Integrated into Paris in 1860, Belleville started life as a hilltop village, famed for its lively guingettes and surrounding vineyards, and the vibrant neighborhood still retains much of its original character.

Today, Belleville is renowned for its sprawling Chinatown and abundance of international restaurants, quirky bars, independent art galleries and small music venues, while the hillside Belleville Park offers spectacular views over Paris. Additional landmarks include the churches of Saint Jean Baptiste de Belleville and Notre Dame de la Croix, the old aqueduct, the site of the old Belleville funicular and the birthplace of iconic French singer Edith Piaf.

France’s splendid Château de Chantilly castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Paris. Rebuilt after the French Revolution, the palace that stands today dates to the 19th century and is renowned for its opulence. It is also home to the Musée Condé: considered one of the country's most important art collections.

A key element of Paris’ skyline, the Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse) stands in monolithic, modern contrast to the Hausmannian boulevards below. Debuted in 1973, the tower was France’s tallest building for decades; its stark look has caused controversy since its unveiling. Even still, there’s no arguing with the panoramic views visitors can glean from its observation deck.

The original Château de Pierrefonds dates to the 14th century, but the version that stands today is a more modern construction. Commissioned by Napoleon III and designed by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, the Château de Pierrefonds is an impressive, medieval-inspired landmark, featuring crenellated towers and myriad turrets.

In a style befitting Salvador Dalí's surrealist works and mindset, Espace Dalí in Paris’s Montmartre neighborhood is a delightfully immersive experience. As music plays throughout the gallery, the artist’s paintings come to life in sculpture versions, multimedia exhibits illustrate his philosophy, and a roster of children's events welcome a new generation to his brilliance.

One of Paris’ highlight cultural attractions, the Picasso Museum boasts a collection of over 5,000 works by the world-renowned artist, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and sketches. Following a recent renovation, the museum’s expanded gallery spaces house both a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

Across the River Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Architecture and Heritage City (Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine) is a museum dedicated to monumental sculpture and architecture. The permanent collection here features a mix of scaled-down models of important structures, along with casts of sculptures and architectural features from famous monuments.

The streets of Paris are filled with romance and excitement, but for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a wander along the scenic 2.8-mile-long (4.6-kilometer-long) Canal Saint-Martin, the canal connecting the Canal de l'Ourcq to the river Seine, offers a welcome respite from the city’s urban energy.

Fashioned from the blueprint of London’s world-renowned Madame Tussauds, the Grevin Museum (Musée Grevin), Paris’s own waxwork museum, has been sculpting famous faces since it was founded back in 1882. Today over 500 waxwork figures—including politicians, movie stars, and historic icons—are on display.

The grandiose Château de Vaux-de-Vicomte is one of France’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Designed by the same architects behind the Palace of Versailles, the palace is a Baroque masterpiece surrounded by manicured French gardens, decorative moats, and traditional drawbridges.

Located on the picturesque Place des Vosges in the Marais district of Paris, the Maison de Victor Hugo pays tribute to the French poet and novelist famous for such classics asLes Miserables andThe Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Today, the Hugo family apartment is a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works.