The Center of Paris

The Louvre is one of the world's greatest museums. Its prestigious history as a royal palace began under the Capetian kings. Today it is home to several different collections comprising over 445,000 works of art, of which 35,000 are on exhibit. Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities, Islamic art, paintings from the Middle Ages to 1848, sculptures, and graphic arts: more than 14.5 kilometres of exhibition rooms await visitors, in addition to temporary exhibitions, renowned for their quality. From the Mona Lisa to the Raft of the Medusa, from Liberty Leading the People to the Lacemaker, you'll experience not only an immersion in art, but also in the intense magic of the place, because this museum lets you feel the intimacy of Paris.

Other than the essential visit to the Louvre, you will find many evocative places in central Paris that deserve a stop. The Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV), the National Museum of Modern Art at the Georges Pompidou Centre, with its post-modern architecture designed by Piano and Rogers and the les Halles shopping complex, continuously under construction, are emblematic. A bit further, you'll stumble upon some legendary jazz clubs (Baiser Salé, Duc des Lombards, Sunset). The Palais-Royal and its gardens, as well as Buren's columns in the inner courtyard are worth a visit, as is Place Vendôme and its renowned jewellers. The Tuileries Gardens and its art exhibitions, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées will also plunge you into the pomp and splendour of Paris. For shopping, don't forget that Ladurée, or, in a different vein, Cartier, Chopard, Chaumet or Piaget, are all sure favourites. And if you're looking for clothing, a visit to the nearby Sentier district is a must.