Paris Pass Including Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour And Entry To Over 60 Attractions

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: The Paris Pass, Big Bus, 11 Avenue de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris, France

Save time as you skip the long queues, and save money with free entry to over 60 Paris sights and attractions. With your Paris Pass, there is no need to use cash, simply show your pass for fast entry. Choose from a two, three, four or six day pass.
• Skip the queues with fast-track entry at many of the major sights, including the Louvre, Pantheon, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou and many more!

Please note that the 3, 4 and 6 day Paris Pass comes with a 2 day museum Pass.

Duration: 12 hours

Stop At: Big Bus Paris, 11 avenue de l Opera, 75001 Paris France

PLEASE NOTE: Hop-on Hop-off Tour is currently unavailable until further notice (Covid-19 update)

A 1 Day Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is one of the best ways to see the sights of Paris all in one go. With an extensive hop-on, hop-off route made up of 9 stops at must-see destinations and landmarks around the capital, it’s often one of the most popular things to do when visiting the city – and with 8 languages available it’s perfect for the international tourist!

Board the bus with your Paris Pass at any of the stops included on the route.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Louvre Museum, 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris France

Fast Track Entry!

The Louvre Museum is unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world. Home to hundreds of thousands of classic and modern masterpieces, the Louvre is the icing on the cake of French culture and a testament to European art history – it’s not surprising that it’s also the most visited art gallery in the world!

Tours depart every 30 minutes between April-September, and every hour October- March and tours last for 60 minutes.

Please note: Due to flooding the low level of the Department of Islamic Arts is temporarily closed to the public

Highlights:

Classic works of art from Mona Lisa to Venus de Milo

Around 380,000 objects from pre-history to the 21st century with 35,000 works of art over 8 departments.

Fronts onto the gorgeous landscaped Tuileries Gardens.


Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris France

Viewing Platform

The observation deck at 50m up the Arc de Triomphe has some of the best views in Paris. At the summit of 234 steps you can see for miles and take in the spectacular panoramas of La Défense, the Champs Elysées and up to the Sacré Coeur. At sun set, you can see Paris fall under the cloak of night and illuminate under the street lamps at dusk; a truly romantic experience… And you can’t beat the symbolism and importance of the monument on which you are standing either.

Design

The Arc de Triomphe is a masterpiece by a group of French sculptors; Jean-Pierre Cortot; François Rude; Antoine Étex; James Pradier and Philippe Joseph Henri Lemaire. They each created the sculptures we see on the arch pillars today; La Maraise by Rude, is perhaps the most famous as it is a depiction and inspiration of the national anthem. Visitors can admire the intricate detail of the external facade of the arch pillars, as well as on the inside where there are engraved names of the leaders of the First French Empire.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Underneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, interred on Armistice Day 1920 to commemorate the fallen French soldiers of WWI. Flying an eternal flame to commemorate those who lost their lives this crypt is an important symbol of the sacrifice men of the First World War made for their country.

Special closures: closed in the morning 14th July - Bastille Day

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Musee d'Orsay, 1 Rue De La Legion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris France

Fast Track Entry!

Painting Collection

The Paintings Collection dates back to 1818, when Louis XVIII founded the Musée du Luxembourg. Furnishing most of the collection at the Orsay, you can see works of art by the masters Cézanne, Manet, Monet, Matisse, Renoir and Gaugin – to name a few – highlighting masterpieces from Realism to Impressionism. The Orsay also received generous private donations which have enriched the collections with unique pieces over the years. More recent inclusions, such as The Childhood of Sixtus V by Gustave Moreau and Triple Portrait of Yvonne Lerolle by Maurice Denis, can be admired in this collection.

Sculpture

Thanks to the popularity of sculpture in the 19th century commissioned by the middle-class and politicians to appropriate their wealth and power, there was an abundance of stone and bronze sculptures up until 1945 when it was perceived too formal and serious. Thanks to the Orsay Museum which provided the perfect area to display these works of art, from Rodin’s Age of Bronze to Degas’ Small Dancer, sculptures were ‘re-born’ and moved from the smaller museums such as the Musée du Luxembourg and the Jeu de Paume to complete the Orsay’s growing collection and to celebrate the sculptures in true form.

Photography

As one of the first photography galleries in a fine arts museum in France in the 1970s, the Orsay Museum’s permanent exhibition was as much ground breaking as completely unheard of. Having to curate their collection from scratch, the Orsay Museum wanted to celebrate the growth of photography as an art form through all its stages of technical ‘upheaval’. Its first collection was from the “primitive” period, from 1839 to 1863, the golden age of French and English photography, which made up the 12,000 photos when the Museum opened. Now, visitors can see over 45,000 photographs on display; among those by Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Denis, Henri le Secq and Edgar Degas.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Les Caves du Louvre, 52 Rue de l'Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris, France

The French are some of the best wine connoisseurs in the world (we even use their term for it!). Les Caves du Louvre is a superb historic wine cellar offering a memorable wine-tasting tour experience. Wine Tasting is an excellent way to help you learn the basics: colors, flavors and smells of three wines in Les Caves du Louvre’s historic cellar.

From Sauvignon Blanc to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you will be guided through a world of learning, exploring and tasting. The experience combines historical insights with wine-tasting education and you will also get to taste 3 French wines - saving you €32!

Your English tour will guide you through an unforgettable moveable wine-tasting experience through the iconic cellars at Les Caves du Louvre. This fun and surprising tour is designed to boost your wine knowledge, please your palate and titillate your senses.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Grevin Museum, 10 boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris France

Meet your role model, favorite pop star or sporting hero at The Musée Grévin. Be amazed by the dramatic and lifelike scenes of historical and modern Paris, depicted by over 300 wax figures of the world’s most famous faces. Learn about major events in French for an entertaining educational experience.

Hall of Mirrors

Created in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition at the Trocadéro, you will be stunned by the opulence of this marble staircase and ‘hall of mirrors’ that bounces light off every angle. Catch it when the lights are dimmed for a spectacular optical illusion of a Hindu temple, exotic jungle and a gold palace.

Spirit of Paris

Celebrate the best of Paris through a history of art and culture from Opera singers to fashion designers. Learn about the famous names that have book-ended each century, from Jean-Paul Gaultier to Luciano Pavarotti.

The Champions

Are you a sporting fanatic? Meet your sporting champion, whether it’s football, basketball or rugby. From King Pelé to Tony Parker, Sébastien Chabal to Philippe Candeloro, support your side and have a once-in-a-life time encounter with your (wax) hero.

The Discovery Tour

Find out how the wax figures are made, from the minute details of their makeup, to the models who sit in for their body molds. Learn about the step-by-step creation of these impressive wax figures and go behind-the-scenes; you can even touch the resin and hair used to make the final product!

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris France

Get a unique perspective on Paris and take a majestic trip along the Seine River on the Bateaux Parisiens to discover the City of Lights from the water. Glide past the Notre Dame Cathedral and under the famous Pont Neuf, to name a few, starting your trip at the Eiffel Tower, or Notre Dame itself.

Tours depart every 30 minutes between April-September, and every hour October- March and tours last for 60 minutes.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000, Versailles France

The Palace of Versailles, is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. A fine example of 18th century French architecture and art, it is one of the most visited attractions – and castles – in France, as well as being a UNESCO’s World Heritage site and must-see French landmark.

Hall of Mirrors

As one of the most eye-catching features of the Palace Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors measures 73m in length and is comprised of 17 arched windows with each window embellished with 21 individual mirrors… So totally this reflective hallways beams light off 357 mirrors! The Hall of Mirrors isn’t only popular for its effects, it’s also lined with statues and busts as well. Deemed one of Louis XIV’s best contributions to the Palace, historically it was also where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 to end WWI.

Chapel of Versailles

As one of five chapels at the Palace, you may wonder why this one is so special. Completed in the early 1700s, you can see a ‘tribune’ on the same level as the apartments which looks down onto the nave where the kings used to sit. Much like the building, the architecture of this chapel is to be appreciated for its quality in Gothic and Baroque influences. Nodding towards medieval styles as well as early Renaissance trends, you can admire gargoyles, marble floors and impressive pillars.

Grand Apartment

The Grand Apartment of King Louis XIV, otherwise known as the Apartment of the Planets, was so called because a painting of a planet decorated each of the seven salons within the apartment. Don’t forget to look up though, one of the most notable things about the room is the ceiling… Go see for yourself!

Versailles Garden

Take a walk around the impressive gardens (you might be pushed to cover all 250 acres though) and meander through the landscaped geometric paths and manicured lawns. As Europe’s largest palace garden it’s nothing short of breath-taking and spans down into basins with regal fountains for the complete picturesque setting. Make sure you stop off at the Apollo and Latona fountains to admire the marble statues.

Free entry to the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s apartment at Versailles is also included.

Skip the ticket queue at the cash desk and head straight to the main entrance - Entrance A with your Paris Museum Pass. However you will still have to queue for the security checks. Please note that priority access is not guaranteed at peak times. It is advised to arrive in the morning between 09.00 and 10.00. Access may be interrupted due to renovation works.

The Paris Pass gives you access to the Château de Versailles and Chateaux de Trianon et Domaine de Marie-Antoinette when open and an audio guide. Not included are shows or musical water shows. When the musical water shows are taking place, you will be unable to visit the gardens unless you have already purchased a separate ticket. It is advisable to check show times prior to travel if you wish to visit the gardens.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse, 33 avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris France

Named after Mont Parnassus, the Greek mountain, Montparnasse Tower is Paris’ only skyscraper and at 689ft high, the viewpoint from the 56th floor terrace offers undoubtedly one of the best panoramas in the city. Second to the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower is a must-visit on a clear day to get spanning views across the capital – and if you’re lucky, you can even see up to 40km away! Look out for the main sights of Paris including Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Coeur for a vista to remember.

Please note: Closed from 16.00 on 14 July

Panorama

The viewing gallery on the 56th floor is one of the most impressive perspectives in Paris. With interactive screens and telescopes get a truly magical experience. On a clear day you can see for miles; look out for some of the famous buildings such as the Eiffel Tower (which you can’t miss as Montparnasse is directly opposite!), Notre Dame, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and much more. Follow the Seine as it snakes through Paris and when the sun drops, watch the city illuminate under darkness. Perfect for a romantic evening…

360˚ Café and Le Ciel de Paris

As Europe’s highest panoramic café and restaurant, Montparnasse Tower is the perfect place to replenish your energy and take in the views. From hot meals and fresh sandwiches in the cafe, to a romantic candle lit dinner for two, a visit to Montparnasse is great to take in the sights as well as a meal to remember!

Exhibition

Learn about the history of the building from its conception in 1959 (by winning architects Urbain Cassan, Eugène Beaudouin, Louis de Hoÿm de Marien and Jean Saubot) to the initial build in 1970. Through a series of old archived photos, learn about the importance of the building in the past and present Paris and marvel at the transformation the Montparnasse Tower has undergone over time.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Centre Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris France

Fast Track Entry!

As the largest and most important museum of modern art in Europe, and one of the most renowned in the world, Centre Pompidou is a must-see attraction when you’re visiting Paris. Featuring the late 19th-20th century art, explore its collections and galleries featuring over 50,000 works, including movements from Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.

The building itself is also a feat of architectural masterpiece as it features all of its internal facilities – air conditioning, elevators and pipework – on its facade!

Exhibitions

There are many rooms that sprawl over the six floors in the Centre Pompidou where you can explore all the modern art movements from Dadaism, Fauvism, Cubism and Expressionism. Perfect for art lovers with more unconventional tastes, the collections are made up of interactive videos and visuals, to prints and murals.

Stravinsky Fountain

Between Centre Pompidou and the Church of Saint-Merri sits the Stravinsky Fountain, a whimsical brightly coloured fountain depicting sixteen works of sculpture, incorporating free running water that represents The Rite of Spring by the composer Igor Stravinsky. Created by sculptors Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle in 1983 it’s one of Paris’ most iconic fountains (if not slightly bizarre) but true to its modern art influences fits perfectly in its location.

Library

The library in Centre Pompidou actually has two libraries; first the Public Information Library, accessible to the public, and free of charge; and second, the Kandinsky library, which focuses on the research and documentation relating to modern art. They’re both a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to indulge in a bit of research or just to have a look around the vast collections of information.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Aquarium de Paris - CineAqua, 5 avenue Albert de Mun, 75116 Paris France

The much-loved Paris Aquarium, Cinéaqua, is one of the cities top attractions for the family. Did you know it boasts the title of the largest tank in France? With over 500 species living in over 3,500 m2 of water, visit Europe’s finest aquarium to discover an exciting and abundant natural world, all below the sea. You'll see sharks, sea urchins, clown fish and more, as you learn about their underwater life through the help of divers throughout the day.

You can also enjoy shows and a wide program of activities such as films, feedings, environmental talks and fascinating documentaries - so you'll never be bored!

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Place du Pantheon, 75005 Paris France

The Panthéon is an impressive and imposing neoclassical edifice in which the remains of the most illustrious Frenchmen and women are kept and their deeds remembered.

When King Louis XV recovered from an illness in 1744 he vowed that he would rebuild the ruined church of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris’s Latin quarter. Work got underway but by the time the building was completed the revolution had transformed the political landscape of France.

The new government ordered that the Pantheon be rededicated as a ‘Temple to Reason’ and that henceforth it would be used not for religious purposes but as a mausoleum for the greatest French intellectuals.

Paris Pass holders can visit this historic monument for free. A great saving which allows you enjoy this impressive building, in both it’s size and history, without having to worry about the cost.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dali Paris, 11, rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris France

In the heart of Montmartre, the famous artists' village, the Espace Dalí presents the largest collection of works by Salvador Dalí in France. This collection is the result of extravagant inspiration of this iconic artist of Surrealism: theatrical sculptures, erotic drawings, dreamlike or irresistibly funny, poetic objects and furniture, populate the fantasy world of the inventor of soft watches.

The Surreal 3D

With Dalí, everything is subject to change by magic: Elephant Space paws of wader seems flee weightlessness, a watch runs a branch, a snail spreads its wings and Venus dons drawers.

Tales and Wonders

On an encyclopedic culture, Dalí was fascinated by the great themes of literature, mythological or religious. He illustrated by multiple techniques for universal texts: Alice in Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, The Bible ... but also more personal works, such as Moses and Monotheism or Alchemy of the Philosophers. Each of these works is an art object.

Sculpture, drawing, watercolor, etching, lithography, the Espace Dalí invites us to explore themes of his work: the dream, mythology, sensuality

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Stade de France, Saint Denis Zac du Cornillon NORD, 93216 Saint-Denis France

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to France's national Stade de France and explore the home of the French football and rugby teams with a guided tour

The sixth-largest stadium in Europe and 10th-largest stadium in the world, the Stade de France was opened in 1998 and has hosted matches from the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals in 2000 and 2006 as well as the 1999 and 2007 Rugby World Cup, making it the only stadium in the world to play host to both the Football World Cup and Ruby World Cup finals.

Home to French football and rugby, host of international track and field events as well as a venue for cultural and music concerts for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen. Relive some of the greatest moments from the Stade de France's history and create your own memories!

Visit the Stade de France museum and explore the permanent exhibition of the Stade de France's history from 1995 to present day. Retrace the iconic venue's construction and historic events that have taken place in the stadium. From archives and videos to replica sets, signed guitars, sports jerseys and more, there's plenty to discover!

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Paris Story Le film, 11 B rue Scribe, 75009 Paris France

Paris Story is a theater of 140 seats, located near the Opera Garnier and presents a new film about the history of Paris. This film mixes air footage shots by Yann Arthus Bertrand with narration by Jean Réno and shows the secrets and unusual places related to the city's history.

Offering the audience a visual treat, the film allows you to time travel back to the development of the city while learning about its 2000 year history.

From the beginning of its history to the foundation of the contemporary city, you'll discover the many stories about Paris' monuments and hidden gems.

Languages available : English, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Chinese.

Shows daily at 10.00

Duration: 50 minutes

Stop At: Montmartre, 75018 Paris France

Explore one of Paris' most popular neighborhoods, Montmartre, with a can't-miss Montmartre Walking Tour

On a hill in Paris' 18th arrondissement over looking the city is Montmartre, an historic Parisian district synonymous with artists and cultural icons. During the Belle Époque, many artists worked and lived in Montmartre, including Modigliani, Monet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, van Gogh and more. Iconic for the white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica and home to the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre should be on every Parisian visitor's list.

Join your expert guide, learn about the history, admire the architecture and discover local secrets around this beloved neighborhood. Along the way, your guide will point out local food specialists and let you in on the local secrets to shopping for and enjoying Paris’ finest cheese, charcuterie, bread, wine and more.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rex Studios Paris, 1 boulevard Poissonniere, 75002 Paris France

Thanks to an interactive itinerary, Rex Studio tour will allow you to discover the backstage of Europe’s largest movie theater. Begin your tour inside of a transparent and panoramic elevator that will take you behind the gigantic screen of the Grand Rex. Step by step discover this sanctuary dedicated to the seventh art: a recreated old projection room, Director’s office – and do a voice over for a film clip

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee Picasso-Paris, 5 rue de Thorigny Hôtel Salé, Marais, 75003 Paris France

The Picasso Museum in the stunning Hotel Salé is the most impressive and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s artworks in the world. With over 5,000 pieces, including tens of thousands of archived pieces, the Picasso Museum isn’t short on a masterpiece or two.

The museum boasts art, sculptures, photographs and sketches depicting all manner of themes. A visitor to this fascinating museum will learn about his multifaceted approach to his artistic expression and can appreciate the true skill of this world-class artist.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Musee du Parfum - Fragonard, 3 Square de l Opera Louis Jouvet, 75009 Paris France

Discover the world of perfumes with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Fragonard Parfumeur Museum

Fragonard have been creating perfumes using traditional techniques and modern methods since 1926. The first of Fragonard's museums, Le Musée du Parfum, is in a beautiful 19th-century town house, housing a collection of perfumery objects from throughout the ages. The second museum, the théâtre musée des Capucines, first opened in 1900 and charts 3000 years of perfume-making through a selection of Fragonard perfume bottles. Visit their miniature factory and explore a range of 19th-century copper distilling apparatus and learn the different methods for extracting raw materials.

Enjoy a culturally enriching experience while you learn the secrets of this historic perfumery, challenge your nose to an olfactive test, join a behind-the-scenes tour and enjoy a toiletry bag to take home!

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Le musee gourmand du chocolat - Choco-Story, 28 boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, 75010 Paris France

Choco-Story, the gourmet chocolate museum, covers 4,000 years of the history of cocoa and chocolate in words, pictures and flavors. The museum immerses you in the amazing world of chocolate and leads you through a fascinating voyage through time.

You will learn the story of the origin and the evolution of chocolate through its unique collection of over a thousand objects. Discover the history of making chocolate, the ingredients that are used and how the process has evolved over the centuries.

Finally the demonstration center reveals the secret of making delicious, shiny chocolates and also gives you a chance to try a sample!

Live demonstrations are between 10.40 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00

The museum also has a delectable gift shop filled with treats to take home.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sainte-Chapelle, 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris France

Sainte-Chapelle was an architectural and aesthetic marvel of its day and at one time the most important and holy place in the whole world.

Built during the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX, Saint Chapelle is a place of extraordinary religious symbolism. Residing within the Palais de la Cité itself, this chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture; the roof appears to be supported by stained-glass so that this magical space feels like the inside of a jewel.

The building itself is a giant reliquary, built both to house the great relics of the king, including Christ’s crown of thorns and a piece of the true cross, and to prove worthy of owning these relics. At its heart rests a magnificent gold and silver shrine.

Get free entry to Saint Chapelle with a Paris Pass - a terrific saving of 10 Euros.

Sainte-Chapelle is a popular historic building in Paris full, once a private riyal sanctum it remains an unmissable and unmistakable wonder of France and the medieval world.

Visitors must queue to go through security. Sharp metal objects such as knives and scissors are forbidden. The best time to visit is in the morning.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Musee de l'Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries - Cote Seine, 75001 Paris France

Situated on the bank of the Seine, in the picturesque Tuileries Gardens with the Louvre on one side and the Place de la Concorde on the other, the Orangerie Museum is filled with an inspiring collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces.

The Orangerie was originally built in 1852 by Firmin Bourgeouis, but completed by Ludovico Visconti. Before it was an art gallery of some of the most famous pieces in history, the Orangerie was used as a store house, an examination room and a home for mobilized soldiers. Later, the museum became an annex to the Musee de Luxembourg, to which Claude Monet donated paintings as a monument to the end of WWII.

Now the Orangerie showcases works by Cezanne, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani making this a must-see museum for any art lover.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: The Little Train of Montmartre (Le Petit Train de Montmartre), Place Blanche Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris France

Enjoy a picturesque mini train ride through the atmospheric streets of Montmartre and look over the romantic views and sights of this vibrant neighborhood.

Let the train take you up and down the windy streets of the hill-topped district, and sit back and enjoy the sites. Stop off at the Sacre Coeur for some views over the city and to discover the famous church, or stretch your legs at the Moulin Rouge, on the way down.

A great way to see the sites, without all the effort!

The Petit Train de Montmatre leaves every 30 minutes in the summer, and every 45 in the winter. The train runs later (10.00 - 21.00) in June, July & August.

Departs from Place Blanche (opposite the Moulin Rouge) or at the top of the hill, Place de Tetre.

Enjoy and guided commentary in French or English and even a bit of music, too!

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Conciergerie, 2 boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris France

La Conciergerie has been the central seat of authority and justice in Paris for almost 1000 years. It has a rich history and its ancient halls have seen countless games of power played out within them over the centuries.

The original La Conciergerie was a Roman fortress that, due to its enduring political significance, has been repeatedly enlarged throughout the years. It evolved into the oldest royal palace in Paris – the Palais de la Cité.

It was said at the time to be the most impressive palace of the Middle Ages and continues to amaze any Paris visitor who walks within its walls. In the late 14th Century the kings relocated and La Conciergerie became the central administration offices of the Parliament of Paris.

The atmospheric corridors and grand halls of this ancient civic building are a grand monument to the bureaucratic powers that once stretched across half the world. You can experience the history and grandeur of this building for free with a Paris Pass.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cite des Sciences et de L'lndustrie, 30 avenue Corentin Cariou La Villette, 75019 Paris France

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is the biggest science museum in Europe. This impressive glass and steel building was designed by Adrien Fainsilber and opened in 1986. The Paris Science Museum has a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and special departments for children and teenagers, "the cite des enfants", making it an exciting attraction for any trip to Paris.

The Explora exhibitions are the heart of the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie. There is an impressive array of hands-on, interactive exhibits of science and technology which focus on teaching visitors about the principles and history of scientific discovery.

Within the Explora exhibitions you will find the 'The story of the Universe', which considers space and light. It also houses the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie planetarium and is dedicated to our understanding of the systems and galaxies of the universe.

All visitors and particularly younger ones will find Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie to be an engaging attraction that will enhance any Paris Pass sightseeing agenda.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris France

Currently closed due to April 15, 2019 fire.

See the world-famous gargoyles and stained glass windows at Notre Dame, the 13th century French Gothic Cathedral

The impressive Notre Dame Cathedral sits on the Île de la Cité and is considered one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture in the world – not to mention its huge scale means it’s also one of the largest, too. Built in the mid-14th century, with its gargoyles and stained glass windows added over time, it’s now one of the most recognized churches in the world – and thanks to Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it’s a favorite of both adults and kids alike.

Please note:

Due to the high season, you must now book your entry time for Notre-Dame. Simply follow these instructions to secure your reservation:

1. Download the free app "Jefile"

2. Choose your entry time for the same day

If you do not have 4G or a smartphone, you will need to go to the front desk and pre-book your entry time. They will then send you an SMS or print a ticket with your visit time.

Please note: due to high demand, reservations are often full by 14.00, so please be sure to make reservations early in the day. Reservations open at 07.30 for the same day

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Abbaye de Chaalis, Domaine de Chaalis, 60300 Fontaine-Chaalis, Senlis France

Surrounded by lush woodland the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis is a magnificent château to the north of Paris. This former abbey was converted into a château in the 18th century when it became the home of the fabulously wealthy art collector Nélie Jacquemart-André.

Mrs. Jacquemart-André was the widow of a rich banker and upon his death she devoted the fortune he had left and the remaining years of her life to purchasing great art.

When Mrs. Jacquemart-André herself died in 1912 the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis was given to the Institut de France. The art collection and wonderful interiors remain and the castle is now a museum - known as Musée Jacquemart André - containing over 6000 pieces of art, furniture, manuscripts and paintings including work by Giotto, Houdon and Boucher.

There is tremendous variety within the interior of the Musée Jacquemart André with styles ranging from the Renaissance to the 18th century.

The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis has particularly fine gardens and surrounding countryside. A stroll through the grounds reveals a rose garden, an Orangery and a beautiful old stable.

The great philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau died nearby and subsequently many of his personal belongings are on display alongside the collection of André.

A visit to the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis - Musée Jacquemart André is a rare chance to see this old-style dream house.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee Rodin, 79 rue de Varenne close to Bois de Boulogne, 75007 Paris France

Auguste Rodin was one of the world’s greatest sculptors. His neoclassical style revitalized the sculptural and wider artistic scene.

In 1916, Rodin handed his collection over to the Government, both sculptures and drawings, along with the reproduction rights. The Musée Rodin opened its doors to the public on 4th August 1919.

The Rodin Museum now contains a staggering number of marble, bronze, plaster, wax, and Terra Cotta sculptures, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and works by other artists (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh) from his personal collection.

The museum, situated in Hôtel Biron, is a lovely museum, beautiful and constantly surprising. The sculpture is spread pleasantly through the museum and garden so that visitors can explore the hotel whilst discovering great works such as The Kiss and The Thinker.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Musee Gustave Moreau, 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris France

The Musée Gustave Moreau was designed by the painter himself and includes his private apartment and the large gallery he built to display his work.

The lower floor of Gustave Moreau Museum is dedicated to Moreau portraiture and souvenirs from his travels including a room devoted to the lady who did not return his love.

Upstairs the Museum features his famous paintings and includes several acknowledged masterpieces alongside the sketches and drafts that preceded them. In total there are 4,800 drawings and 450 watercolors on display, a staggering amount. This is a fascinating insight into the life and work of this great, mad painter.

Musée Gustave Moreau contains an apartment which the painter lived and this has been preserved exactly as it was 100 years ago, complete with the painter’s personal effects. The studio and study have also been painstakingly preserved.

Paris Pass holders can come and explore this museum and gallery for free – a great sightseeing bargain.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, 1 rue de la Legion D Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis France

The Basilique Royal de Saint-Denis is the burial place of French royalty in Paris. It is a necropolis, a stunning edifice to the dead, full of hauntingly beautiful funeral sculptures, mausoleums, and tombs. In the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, perhaps more than anywhere in Paris, the bloody power struggles of France resonate.

It is here that Paris tourists can view the encased, dried-up heart of Louis XVIII. In total 42 kings, 32 queens, 63 princes and princesses lie here. With more than 70 Renaissance tombs, the royal necropolis of the Basilique Royal de Saint-Denis asserts itself today as the most important group of funerary sculptures from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

The cathedral is built on the site of a Roman cemetery and the burial site of the martyr Denis, who was said to have walked through Paris carrying his own head. Many books have been written about the architecture of the building itself. This great historic building is something of a mecca for stained glass aficionados containing, as it does, some of the finest examples of medieval stained-glass in the world.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Propriete Caillebotte, 8 rue de Concy, 91330 Yerres France

Discover the beautifully-restored historic Caillebotte House museum and its gardens - one of France's best-known Impressionist sites

Located in Yerres, South of Paris, the Maison Caillebotte estate was the home, workshop and inspiration for impressionist Gustave Caillebotte during the 1800s. Painting hundreds of paintings between 1873 and 1878, Caillebotte organized his own exhibits and would display works by his peers such as Renoir and Monet. A lover of the arts, he also became a patron of many Impressionists of this time.

Trace Gustave Caillebotte's life and works while exploring the artist's beautifully-restored former home, wander the extensive gardens and admire the beautiful architecture of the estate with an expert guide.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Villa Savoye, Villa Savoie 82 rue de Villiers, 78300 Poissy France

The Villa Savoye is a masterpiece of 20th century design and one of the greatest works by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Situated at Poissy, outside of Paris, the Villa Savoye is very distinctive and quite stunning.

Built in accordance with Le Corbusier’s stylistic rules, which are still hugely influential today, the house stands elevated in the middle of a field, boasting a roof terrace and horizontal windows. These features and others were to become central to modern architecture.

The Villa Savoye was what Le Courbusier’s referred to as his ‘machine for living’. Even today the Villa Savoye is a house of the future.

Le Corbusier was a genius and a man whose influence has profoundly affected the modern world. He pioneered an aesthetic revolution and showed the world that the future of housing could be not only beautiful, but functional and made using modern materials.

The house was ruined during the Second World War but was successfully restored to its former glory.

Villa Savoye stands today as a small building of enormous importance; it is well worth investigating.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Palais de Compiègne, Place du Général de Gaulle, 60200 Compiègne, France

The Château de Compiègne was a royal residence built for Louis XV and restored by Napoleon. It was one of three seats of royal government, the others being Versailles and Fontainebleau.

Château de Compiègne was the preferred summer residence for the monarchs of France who would come to hunt in the nearby forest. Louis XIV stayed in the château some 75 times. Louis XV was even more enamored.

The Comte de Chevergny described his infatuation: "Hunting was his main passion... and Compiègne, with its immense forest, with its endless avenues among the trees, with its stretches down which you could ride all day and never come to the end, was the ideal place to indulge that passion."

In 1750, the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel proposed a thorough revision of the château. Work began in 1751 and was finished in 1788 by Gabriel's student Le Dreux de La Châtre. It is neo-classic in style and notable for its beautiful elegance and simplicity of design.

During the French Revolution, the Château de Compiègne passed into the jurisdiction of the Minister for the Interior. In 1795 all furniture was sold and its works of art were sent to the Muséum Central. Napoleon visited in 1799 and again in 1803. In 1804 the château became a domaine impérial and in 1807 Napoleon ordered that it be made habitable again.

The greatest architects and decorators of the day oversaw its remodeling. Its layout was altered, a ballroom added, and the garden was replanted and linked directly to the forest.

The result is a striking example of First Empire style (1808-1810), although some traces of the earlier decor survive. Auguste Luchet remarked that "Compiègne speaks of Napoleon as Versailles does of Louis XIV.”

Today's visitors can find three distinct museums within the chateau: the apartments themselves; the Museum of the Second Empire; and the National Car Museum, which contains a fine collection of carriages, bicycles, and automobiles.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Chateau de Malmaison, Avenue du chateau, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison France

The Châteaux de Malmaison, also known as the Palace of Malmaison, takes its name from the Normans who once invaded France.

Built in the 18th century the Palace of Malmaison had been owned by rich families for centuries, but during the French Revolution, they were forced to sell it to Joséphine Bonaparte, wife of Napoleon.

She purchased this exquisite home for the equivalent of about 45,000 euros, which was considered to be a small fortune at that time. When Napoleon returned from Egypt, he took ownership of the palace and decorated it with the new imperial style.

It was later purchased by the Queen of Spain and then eventually sold back to Napoléan III, who restored the home to its original splendor. In 1906, the castle was turned into a museum dedicated to the lives of Napoléon and Joséphine.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Priory Museum (Musee Maurice Denis - Le Prieure), 2 B rue Maurice Denis, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye France

The Musée Départemental Maurice Denis is dedicated to the life and work of Maurice Denis, the French symbolism painter and theoretician of the Nabi School.

The Nabi school was a very interesting French-led art movement. The Nabis (from the old testament word for true prophet) were concerned with God and mysticism, but chiefly with artistic methodology.

Heavily influenced by Gaugin, the Nabis believed that when an artist strove merely for resemblance, he necessarily used tricks to deceive the eye and most often, left mere description—not art—as his product.

The Nabis were very much an intellectual movement and though they were not truly successful in their aims, theirs was an influential school with a distinct legacy.

Maurice Denis rented the building and the grounds and began to work there in 1910. He lived here until his death in 1943. The works from the Nabis school present in the Musée Départemental Maurice Denis include those of Paul Sérusier, Paul Ranson, Pierre Bonnard, Édouard Vuillard and Félix Vallotton, as well as sculptures by Paul Gauguin.

One can also visit the adjacent chapel, restored and decorated by Maurice Denis from 1915 and 1928, as well as his workshop, built in 1912. The building and its grounds were placed on the register of monuments historiques in 1976.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Palais de la Decouverte, Av Franklin D Roosevelt, 75008 Paris France

Set within the stunning Grand Palais, the Palais de la Decouverte is one of Paris' most esteemed science museums. Explore the multi-disciplinary exhibitions of mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology.

The museum also features a Zeiss planetarium with a 15 meter dome, as well as a circular 'pi' room, inscribed with 707 digits of the number π.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Archeological Crypt of the Parvis of Notre-Dame, Place de Parvis, Ile de la Cite parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris France

Beneath the streets of central Paris, the Crypte Archéologique is a huge and haunting space extending 80m under the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral and an intriguing attraction for any visit to Paris.

The Crypte Archéologique de Notre-Dame is an atmospheric time capsule which explores the lives and artifacts of the tribes and civilizations that dwelt in Paris long ago. Here are located the telling remains of a house from Lutèce, the precursor to Paris. There are numerous Gallo-Roman artifacts, which provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the mighty Roman Empire and how they lived in Paris.

This fascinating attraction includes a splendidly recreated settlement of the Parisii, the Celtic tribe that first settled on the site of Paris 2000 years ago and from whom the city takes its name. It is a powerful reminder that the city of Paris has stood for thousands of years in the center of a great cultural storm, and that countless people have fought and died to make Paris their home.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee des Arts Decoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, 75058 Paris France

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs houses over 150,000 objects of French craftsmanship and decorative art. Each object here has been chosen according to strict criteria, which ensures that the display represents the French ‘Art of Living’.

The museum proudly boasts that; “There is not a single technique, material, or type of object that cannot be found in the Arts Décoratifs.”

The size of the collection is mind-boggling. It includes the following: scenic wallpaper, stained glass, wood, enamel, plastic, shark’s skin, dolls houses, and every other method and medium of craftsmanship ever employed in France.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs has been cleverly laid out so that the visitor may explore the collection chronologically thereby viewing this vast collection of decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present day and gaining an understanding of developments in techniques and changing ideas of beauty.

Alternatively the visitor may explore one of the ten period rooms of which each is given over to the styles of a specific age.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a stunning and somehow very French museum. It demonstrates, with great pride, the history of the craftsmen who strived to perfect some esoteric aspect of the arts and to make a perfect thing.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Chateau of Maisons-Laffitte, 2 avenue Carnot, 78600 Maisons-Laffitte France

The Château de Maisons-Laffitte was designed by François Mansart and built between 1630 and 1651. It is a fantastic example of the French baroque style and an important building in the history of European architecture.

The family of Longueil had been in possession of part of the seigneurie (or noble stronghold) of Houses since 1460 and possessed a full share since 1602. Beginning in 1630, and for the following decades, René de Longueil, first president of the Cour des aides, devoted the fortune inherited by his wife to the construction of this magnificent French château.

Charles Perrault said of the château, "The Château de Maisons, of which Mansart made all the buildings and the gardens, is of such a singular beauty that there is no foreigner who does not go there to see it, as one of the finest things that we have in France." Any trip with the Paris Pass would not be complete without touring this marvelous castle.

At the death of René de Longueil in 1677, the Château de Maisons- Laffitte passed to his heirs until 1732, when it was succeeded to the marquise de Belleforière and the marquis de Soyécourt. In 1777 it became the property of Louis XVI's brother, the Comte d'Artois. Confiscated during the Revolution as national goods, the château was sold in 1798 to an army provisionor, Monsieur Lauchère.

It was again sold in 1804 to maréchal Jean Lannes, and finally in 1818, to the Parisian banker Jacques Lafitte. After his daughter, the princess de la Moskowa, sold the château in 1850 it passed to Monsieur Thomas de Colmar, and then to the painter Tilman Grommé. In 1905 the French State purchased the Château de Maisons-Laffitte to save it from demolition and in 1914 it was classified as a monument historique.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Chateau de Pierrefonds, rue Viollet-Le-Duc, 60350 Pierrefonds France

The Château de Pierrefonds is a majestic and beautiful palace which has weathered the whims of kings for hundreds of years and is certain to be a favorite of any Paris visitor.

Original built by Philippe d' Orléans in the 15th century and demolished on the order of Louis XIII in the 17th century. 200 years later Napoleon III ordered that Château de Pierrefonds be rebuilt as an imperial residence. This work was undertaken by one of the greatest designers of the day-Viollet-le-Duc, and it is often cited as his greatest work.

The Château de Pierrefonds features a permanent exhibition of the masterpieces of 19th century ornamentation produced by the Monduit workshops. These expert craftsmen restored a wealth of historical monuments, worked extensively for the Great Exhibitions of 1889 and 1900, and helped to create the Statue of Liberty.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Chateau of Vincennes, Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes France

The Château de Vincennes is an imposing 13th century fortress which has stood at the heart of French history since its construction. Over the years this Paris sight has served as a prison, a fortress, and the site of numerous royal births, marriages, and executions.

It was built around 1150 as a hunting lodge for Louis VII, allowing him access to the nearby forest of Vincennes. The Château was considerably expanded by Louis IX who would soon depart from Vincennes on the crusade where he would meet his death.

The Château de Vincennes’s famous donjon tower, at 52m high, is the tallest fortified medieval structure in Europe. It was added by Philip VI of France around 1337. The grand rectangular circuit of walls, measuring more than a kilometer in length with six towers and three gates, each 42m high, was completed over the next hundred years. This done, the Château de Vincennes became one of the most formidable fortresses in all of France and the scene of numerous bloody battles.

There is also much royal history at Château de Vincennes. Philippe III and Philippe IV were both married here and three 14th-century kings were born at Vincennes: Louis X, Philippe V and Charles IV. Henri IV was imprisoned at Vincennes during the Wars of Religion.

The Château de Vincennes temporarily housed the Crown of Thorns and other holy relics while Sainte-Chapelle was being prepared. A fragment remained here and was housed in the chapel which still stands today.

The Château de Vincennes was all but abandoned in the 18th century, briefly becoming the site of the Vincennes porcelain factory. It then served as a state prison, which housed the marquis de Sade, Diderot, and Mirabeau, and in 1796 it became an arms factory.

In 1860, Napoleon III, having restored the keep and the chapel, gave the château to Paris as a public park. Today it stands as a reminder of the many dark and bloody battles France has had to endure and the grandeur in which they unfolded.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: La Cinematheque Francaise, 51 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris France

The Cinémathèque Française is very serious about carrying out its agenda, which is to preserve and enrich film heritage documents and to ensure the broadcast and appreciation of French film by all.

The cinema has played a massively important part in French cultural life ever since it was invented. The Musée du Cinema celebrates the French love of film; it strives to remember the former glories and to educate and inspire a new generation of cinophiles.

The building in which the museum resides is itself a celebrated and beautiful work of architecture. Designed by Frank Gehry, who also designed the Bilbao Guggenheim museum, the museum is a maze of light and dark intended to evoke a projection booth.

The Cinémathèque Française contains: 18,000 posters, 10,500 costume and set drawings, 17,500 press reviews, 450,000 photos of shootings of more than 20,000 films and 6,000 directors, 18,700 books about movies, 467 periodic collections, 2,600 videos and 1,350 DVD's.

The Cinémathèque Française is located in the district of Bercy. Bercy is an important cultural area and home to a number of architecturally interesting buildings including the sports palace and the funfair museum.

The museum has a large program of teaching and educational events with an emphasis on themes, periods, actors, and directors.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Chateau de Fontainebleau, Pl. du General-de-Gaulle, 77300, Fontainebleau France

The magnificent Château du Fontainebleau has been the main summer residence for French Monarchs for hundreds of years. Starting life as a hunting lodge in the 12th century, it was replaced by a Renaissance-style château in 1538 and subsequently enlarged by a succession of kings.

Napoleon famously described the Château de Fontainebleau as, "the work of centuries, the home of kings". He signed his first abdication here in 1814 and took leave of his army in the courtyard.

The interior of this stunning château is truly remarkable. Successive kings have left their marks on the furnishing, décor, paintings, tapestries and beautiful objects over the years, resulting in an overall feel of seemingly endless galleries, halls and boudoirs, each more sumptuous than the last.


Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Musee National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet, 6 Place D Iena, 75116 Paris France

The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques is an unrivaled collection and major center for the appreciation and knowledge of Asian civilizations.

The Asian Arts Museum began from the merging of a number of other collections. The first contribution arrived from the personal collection of the great industrialist Emile Guimet. Guimet was a wealthy man and in 1876 he set off to travel the world.

On the course of his travels he acquired a large collection of objects, which he displayed in a museum in Lyon. This museum was transferred to Paris where it was united with the fruit of explorer Louis Delaporte’s journeys in Siam and Cambodia. Together the collections amassed to form the fabulous collection of Khmer art now known as Musée National des Arts Asiatiques.

The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques later underwent major refurbishment and during the 1920s and 1930s the collection steadily grew. By 1938 the Musée Guimet had acquired a worldwide reputation for its collections of art from the Indianized civilizations of Asia.

In 1945 the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques started transferring its Egyptian pieces to the Louvre and, in return, received the entire collection of objects from their Department of Asian Arts.

Departments at the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques include: Afghanistan-Pakistan, Arts of Himalaya, The Himalayan collection, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, China, Korea, India, and Japan.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Chateau of Champs-sur-Marne, 31 rue de Paris, 77420 Champs-sur-Marne, Marne-la-Vallee France

Built on the river Marne in the early 18th century, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne is the archetypal leisure mansion.

Once owned by the Princess of Conti, the Duke of La Vallière and the Marquise de Pompadour, the Château de Champs has played host to a number of famous guests.

Its remarkable setting has inspired film directors for years and it has featured in well known films such as Dangerous Liaisons, Marie Antoinette and Vatel.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee des Arts et Metiers, 60 rue Reaumur, 75003 Paris France

The Musée des Arts et Métiers houses the collection of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, which was founded in 1794 as a depository for the preservation of scientific instruments and inventions.

The museum is located on the site of the deserted priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs on Rue Réaumur, which in an earlier incarnation was an abbey.

This is a treasure trove of weird and wonderful scientific objects. There are over 3000 inventions, scientific discoveries and technological innovations on display including Pascal's calculator and Foucault's pendulum.

The most impressive display in the Musée des Arts et Métiers is in the part which was formerly a chapel which now houses a collection of vintage cars and flying machines, all of which are suspended from the roof. There is also a scaled down version of the Statue of Liberty, which is imaginatively displayed.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Chateau de Chantilly, 60500 Chantilly City, Chantilly France

The Château de Chantilly and Conde Museum stand in the centre of a vast estate covering 7,800 hectares; the château and estate have been built up by the owners of Chantilly since the Middle Ages.

The Musée Condé is home to a collection which is rivaled in terms of size only by that of the Louvre; it contains: over 1,000 paintings, 2,500 drawings, and 2,500 engravings. The library contains 30,000 books, including 12,000 old prints and upward of 1500 manuscripts. Works in the museum include those of Raphael and many other old masters.

The Château de Chantilly is surrounded by some fantastic gardens perfectly preserved remnant of extraordinary decadence and beauty. There are canals and waterfalls, fountains and water jets, lush flower borders, English and Chinese style gardens, dozens of statues and sculptures.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: National Museum of History of Immigration, 293 Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France

The museum takes a fresh look at history by showing the part played by immigrants in the economic, social, and cultural development of France. Explore images, documents and artifacts and understand the stories and challenges faced by those who have come to make France the multicultural country it is today.

Learn from a range of interactive exhibitions and multimedia installations which bring this poignant part of history to life.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 rue des Fosses Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris France

Five hundred works explore the history of the Arab civilization and illustrate a number of sophisticated techniques: bronzes, ceramics, paneling, textiles, scientific objects, illuminations, etc.

The collections are endowed with a number of important loans from several Arabic countries.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee National Eugene Delacroix, 6 rue de Furstemberg 6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris France

Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863) was a fascinating man, a great painter, and a typically intellectual French hero. Baudelaire called him "a volcanic crater artistically concealed beneath bouquets of flowers." He came to epitomize the French aesthetic of romanticism and to embody this important artistic movement.

Dedicated to his life and work, the Musée National Delacroix is situated in a lovely square on The Left Bank. Delacroix moved here in 1857 to be close to Eglise St-Sulpice in which he was painting at the time.

Much of his early work is housed here including a number of small oil paintings, pastels, sketches, and lithographs.

The Musée National Delacroix also houses much of Delacroix’s personal belongings including memorabilia from his trips abroad and letters to and from his contemporaries. It is quite fascinating to wander among his work and living quarters and to get more of an idea of how he lived.

The Musée National Delacroix is a lovely exploration of this great painter’s life and death, of his brilliant work, and workspace.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee Nissim de Camondo, 63 rue de Monceau, 75008 Paris France

The extraordinarily sumptuous Musée Nissim de Camondo is located in a private home that was commissioned and lived in by the fantastically rich Parisian, Moïse de Camondo.

Moïse de Camondo was a banker and a passionate collector of French furniture and objects d’art from 18th century France. In 1911, he hired architect René Sergent to build him a private mansion which would be worthy of his art collection and suitable for his family.

The design was modeled after the elegant decadence of Versailles, but behind the traditional panels are a range of high-tech, modern living spaces and gadgetry including kitchens, offices, and bathrooms.

The Musée Nissim de Camondo is fully preserved in its original condition and gives a unique insight into a modern aristocratic home.

There is an impressive collection of art on display including the following: gilt bronze clocks and wall clocks, barometers, chandeliers, mounted vases adorning cabinets, boiseries, tableware, porcelain and silver dinner services, sculptures and paintings which reflect the collector's sensibilities, and many works by eminent artists.

Moïse de Camondo intended to pass the mansion and art collection down in his family, but his son was killed in an air battle during world war I. Moïse de Camondo then decided to bequeath his property to the "Arts Décoratifs", in memory of his son.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee des Plans-Reliefs, 129 rue de Grenelle Hôtel national des Invalides, 75007 Paris France

The Musée des Plans-Reliefs is a brilliantly eccentric museum devoted to an intricate and largely forgotten craft.

Created in 1943, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs houses around 100 models of French and foreign towns of strategic importance.

In 1668, under the instruction of Louis XIV, a minister created a relief-map, that is, a three dimensional map of a French fortress, in order to give military commanders a better idea of the particular castle. This saw the start of a great collection of these models, which was to become richer each year for more than two centuries.

The king’s engineers built relief-maps of all the fortresses the military was, or might be concerned with both inside and outside France. The purpose of this was not only strategic but as proof of the power of the monarchy and as commemorative works of great battles and sieges.

The Musée des Plans-Reliefs collection was first kept in the Tuileries, and then moved to the Louvre in 1700. A preservation order was placed on it in 1927. The production of these relief-maps only ceased in 1870 as fortifications with bastions began to disappear and it became less militarily important to know their precise dimensions.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee de l'Air et de l'Espace - National Air and Space Museum of France, 3, Esplanade de l_Air et de l_Espace Aeroport de Paris – Le Bourget, 93352 Dugny France

The Museum of Air and Space is located in the south-eastern edge of the Le Bourget Airport, 10 km north of Paris. Occupying over 150,000 square meters of land and hangars, the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace is one of the oldest aviation museums in the world.

Their collection includes more than 150 air crafts and a wide range of aviation paraphernalia from as far back as the 16th century. The Ballooning Era room is fascinating, as are all the modern air and spacecrafts, including the prototype for the Concorde and a number of Swiss and Russian rockets.

The Museum of Air and Space occupies a vast space. It is fascinating simply to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.

This museum is a must for anyone interested in aircraft and the evolution of human flight. There is a utilitarian beauty and a fascinating history to every object on display; each is the work of sweat and struggle. Each aircraft has a story to tell and it is this that makes the Museum of Air and Space so diverting.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Musee du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris France

Dedicated to the African, Asian, Oceania and American arts and civilizations, this museum opened to the public in June 2006.

The outstanding collections are a unique showcase for the dialogue and interaction between different cultures.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee des Monuments Francais, 1 Square du Trocadero, 75116 Paris France

The museum of French monuments and architecture houses three galleries, offering an overview of architecture and heritage from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Galerie des Moulages displays civil and religious architecture from the 12th to the 18th century.

Galerie des Peintures Murales et des Vitraux, the gallery of frescoes and stained-glass windows, exhibits pieces dating from the 11th to the 16th century.

Galerie Moderne et Contemporaine brings the gallery back into the future, with works of French and International modern and contemporary architecture from the industrial revolution to the present day.

This museum is a must-see for an avid architects or those wishing to learn a little more about the structural heritage of France, spanning over 700 years.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaisme, 71 rue du Temple Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, 75003 Paris France

The Museum of Jewish Art and History is situated in one of the finest private mansions in Paris, the Hôtel de Saint-Aignan. Here, discover the development of Jewish communities throughout France, Europe and North America through their art, history and cultural heritage and traditions.

Marvel at precious religious objets d’art, textiles and manuscripts dating from the Middle Ages, and discover unique documents about intellectual, artistic and historic movements – including the archives of the Dreyfus affair.

The building was built in 1644 so has a rich history in itself. Admire the stunning architecture of the 17th century France and even a collection of medieval tombstones at the Carnavalet Museum.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee de la Musique, In the Cite de la Musique 221 av. Jean-Jaures, 19e, 75019 Paris France

The Museum of Music, housed within the Cité de la Musique, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. Over an area of more than 2,000 m2, visitors can see 1,000 instruments and art objects including such rare and extraordinary pieces as a tortoise guitar, an octobass and a crystal flute. Some of the items on display formerly belonged to musical celebrities such as Django Reinhardt, Frédéric Chopin and Frank Zappa.

The Museum of Music takes visitors on a chronological journey through Western musical forms from the 17th century to the present day, and on a geographical journey through different aspects of non- European music.

Visits to the museum have their own musical dimension an audio guide includes many recordings of instruments in the collections and there are daily free concerts.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee des Egouts, Face Au 93 Quai d'Orsay, 75007 Paris France

The Sewers of Paris Museum is a fascinating, and unusual museum which explores the famous sewer system of Paris. Home of Gothic arches and tunnels and to a thousand stories, the Musée des Égouts de Paris is a fantastic journey into history, engineering and adventure.

Sometime around 1200 the city streets were paved and a central drain was placed down the middle. In 1370 the first stone walled sewer was built in rue Montmartre. This sewer collected the wastewater and took it to a brook.

Under Napoleon things began to get interesting beneath Paris with a network of vaulted tunnels that stretched to 30km. It was only in 1850 though that baron Haussmann, the prefect for the Seine, and the engineer Eugéne Belgrand, designed the present Parisian sewer and water supply networks.

The Musée des Égouts de Paris provides a fascinating insight into the unique sewer system of Paris, which has almost 2,100 km of tunnels and really is a Paris beneath Paris.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Musee d'Archeologie Nationale et Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Place Charles de Gaulle, 78105 Saint-Germain-en-Laye France

A delightful museum housed in the stunning Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale is the French national archaeology museum. As well as being a center of excellence the museum contains a finely displayed collection of artifacts and is a pleasure to explore.

Situated about fifteen kilometers west of Paris, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was originally a royal residence, built in 1124. In 1862, Napoleon III decided to restore the castle and to use it for the national archaeological collections

The museum details archaeological expeditions, discoveries and methodology. It houses an array of antiquities form the early settlements of France up until 1000 AD. The museum is divided into sections covering the Bronze Age and the Neolithic and Paleolithic ages.

The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale boasts an unrivaled collection of carved and engraved prehistoric art. Among these artifacts the female head from Brassempouy is acknowledged as the most significant. There are also great collections of jewellery, coins, combs, armor weapons and art, as well as some more curious objects.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Musee national de Port-Royal des Champs, Chemin des Granges de Port Royal, 78114 Magny-les-Hameaux France

The Musée de Port-Royal des Champs was at one time a famous school. The ruined abbey, which the museum overlooks, was once the center of Jansenism (a Catholic reform movement largely directed against the Jesuits).

It is quite easy to underestimate the influence that the type of groups and schools had on French life; this is where the intellectuals and power-mongers came to learn the arts of reason and debate.

The endless wars of the Middle Ages often revolved around the nuances of Catholic doctrine and schools such as this played a crucial role in politics. Important intellectuals such as Pascal and Racine studied here and refined their beliefs and rhetoric which would go on to be so influential.

The Musée National de Port-Royal de Champs is dedicated to the history of this political and religious movement and contains a large number of engravings, books and paintings.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: National Museum of the Renaissance, Rue Jean Bullant Château d'Ecouen, 95440 Ecouen France

The Renaissance was one of the most exciting movements in history. It was a time when the world of art and ideas was to exert its control over all other spheres of influence, when new ideas would change everything, when the heroes and geniuses of enlightenment emerged to claim their places in history.

One of the major artistic accomplishments of the French Renaissance, the Château d’Écouen was built on a headland dominating the Plain of France, surrounded by a forest and a garden based on geometrical drawings carefully drawn and maintained.

A delight of Renaissance architecture and interior design, the Ecouen Castle today houses the Musée National de la Renaissance - the National Museum of the Renaissance - making it a fantastic combination of interior and exterior arts.

The Renaissance museum contains examples of decorative painting from the French Renaissance, of Germanic goldsmiths and of sculptures, in particular by Jacques Goujon and German Rammer. The Musée National de la Renaissance owes most of its fame to the tapestries entitled “David and Bethsabée”, widely considered as masterpieces.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Musee National de Ceramique de Sevres, 2 Place de la Manufacture, 92310 Sevres France

Sèvres ceramics are the most famous and illustrious makers of ceramics in France and considered by many to be the finest in the world. The history of their work is a story of French craftsmanship and pride.

Initially set up at the beginning of the 19th century by Alexandre Brongniard, then Director of the Sèvres Porcelain Manufacture, the Musée National de Ceramique de Sèvres houses one of the world’s largest collection of ceramics from all countries, periods and techniques.

Located in a large building specially built in 1876 on the banks of the river Seine, the Sèvres Ceramics Museum contains over 50,000 ceramics of which 10,000 are permanently on public display.

Spread over 18 rooms on two floors the collection includes ceramics from antiquity to modern times, from China to Sèvres, including pottery, tin glazed earthenware, stoneware, siliceous pottery and porcelain. The third floor is devoted to temporary exhibitions which are usually presented thematically, with each exploring a difference aspect or period.

The Sèvres Ceramics Museum is a challenge from one of the great ceramic manufacturers. They have gathered examples of the finest ceramics from across the world to prove that theirs is finer.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Musee de l’Armee des Invalides, 129 rue de Grenelle Hotel National des Invalides, 75007 Paris France

The Army Museum at Les Invalides was originally built by Louis XIV as a hospital and home for disabled soldiers. It now houses the Tomb of Napoleon and the museum of the Army of France. The museum has a huge collection of military paraphernalia dating from antiquity to the present day.

The Musée de L'Armée was established in 1905 by merging the Artillery Museum and the Historical Army Museum. It contains 500,000 objects, including weapons, armor, artillery, uniforms, emblems and paintings.

The other big attraction is the magnificent Tomb of Napoleon; Napoleon passed away in 1821, on the island of St Helena, where he had been in exile since 1815. He was buried in a valley beneath the shade of weeping willows. His remains rested there until October 15th 1840 when King Louis-Philippe ordered the emperor’s body be returned to France.

The Tomb of Napoleon was designed by the architect Visconti (1791-1853). It is made from red porphyry with a green granite base and circled by a crown of laurels and inscriptions of the great victories of the Empire. The body of the Emperor was laid in the tomb on April 2nd 1861.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: La Grande Arche de La Defense, 1 place du parvis de La Defense, Puteaux, La Defense France

Designed by Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen and Danish engineer Erik Reitzel, La Grande Arche pays homage to Arc de Triomphe through shape and form. It stands today as one of the world’s most impressive high-rises.

Duration: 2 hours