One barely has to introduce Paris. The city is famous for its unparalleled historical and architectural heritage. Paris is visited by millions of visitors each year, and expatriates privileged enough to call this city their own will have the opportunity to better appreciate the city's laid-back lifestyle.
Cultural and artistic treasure
With over 136 museums, countless shows and a multitude of theaters, Paris' cultural scene is bustling, and it's very unlikely to be boring. Whether you're a history buff or an art lover, rain or shine, Paris has everything you need to be entertained and inspired.
Don't know what to do on those rainy days? Go to the museums! The Louvre, the Orangerie (home to Monet's cult water lilies) and the Musée d'Orsay are all around the Seine. Avoid long lines by buying tickets in advance and don't waste any more time in queues. Avoid rush hour by going to the major museums early in the morning or late in the evening. Don't forget that admission to museums is free on the first Sunday of each month. Museums will often have late opening hours, so consider checking official websites to make sure you find the times that work best for you.
If you're looking for a typical Parisian activity on a rainy day, try one of the small cinemas in Paris, many of which will show classic films in the beautiful Latin Quarter. There's also the illustrious Grand Rex cinema where many previews are held and which houses some of the largest screens in Europe and the delightful Cinéma Louxor, spectacularly decorated in 1920s Egyptian style with a rooftop bar!
Parisian architecture
The lesser known museums in Paris not only have the advantage of being less popular with tourists, but they are also rich in incredible collections and exhibits often missed on short visits, which contributes to shorter lines and a more relaxed experience. Consider visiting the Musée du Quai Branly for its fascinating collection celebrating non-European indigenous cultures; the Palais de Tokyo for cutting-edge contemporary art just minutes from the Eiffel Tower; the grandiose Petit-Palais for free admission and splendid belle époque architecture; the sculptural collection and gardens of the magnificent Musée Rodin; the fairy-tale Musée de la Vie Romantique; or the Maison Victor Hugo, the famous writer's former home on the elegant Place des Vosges. Also consider seeing the Pantheon, the huge domed building in the Latin Quarter that marks the resting place of the greatest figures in French history that tourists often overlook despite its impressive beauty. Admire the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, where you'll find glittering stained glass windows and amazing Gothic architecture. Be warned, however, the interior is closed until further notice following a fire on April 15, 2019 that destroyed part of the building.
Paris' elegant covered passages were historically built to shield from the rain and they remain as useful today as they were then! Enjoy the perfect escape from the rain by walking along the stores of the Galerie Vivienne, the Passage des Panoramas and the Passage Joffrin, among the most beautiful options.
Shopping in Paris
Shopping in Paris is not limited to Galeries Lafayette and the high-end Bon Marché, although these are fantastic options! If you're looking for a department store frequented by Parisians, try the BHV Marais on the busy Rue de Rivoli, before exploring the many boutiques scattered around the Marais, from vintage finds and boutiques by the kilo, to the biggest French and international labels. The largest shopping centers in Paris include Les Halles, an underground mall where you can find the biggest brands, and Beaugrenelle, a charming shopping mall located on the banks of the Seine.
Paris in the sun
Paris in the rain is itself something so extraordinary, but when the weather is nice, the city takes on a whole new look. The city itself is pretty walkable, so unless you're taking a long trip, you can explore large swaths of the city without ever having to disappear into the Paris metro. Some of the most beautiful neighborhoods to explore on foot include Montmartre, with its village-like feel and picturesque views; the lively Marais district, which features trendy brands, charming streets, bars and restaurants; and the gorgeous 7th arrondissement around Saint Dominique and the classic Rue Cler. And then there's the Canal Saint Martin, perfect for sunny Sundays when the roads are closed to traffic most of the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere with people strolling along the waterfront.
Nature in Paris
Discover the green spaces of Paris in the multiple municipal parks from the Jardins des Tuileries and the Jardins du Luxembourg to the sumptuous Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Strolling along the famous bridges of Paris is a great way to spend an afternoon. From there, you can stroll to the banks of the Seine in complete serenity which are now closed to traffic, contributing to the feverish atmosphere of the city from above. To feel instantly Parisian, all you have to do is pack a picnic and sit down on the banks of the river. In the summer, this kind of urban party goes on until late at night.
The Parisian landscape
For an unparalleled view, look no further than the Trocadero, a large square and park on the right bank of the Seine with a memorable view of the Eiffel Tower. Tourists flock there but the view is no less impressive! The rooftop bars, a very popular phenomenon in the city, are wonderful places to spend the evening. Check out the rooftop bar at the BHV department store near the Perch, or at the original address in Menilmontant, as well as other popular spots like the terrace at Printemps Haussmann, or The Shed a trendy option perched on the roof of the Grands Boulevards Hotel.
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