Get ready to travel to Paris in January with the ultimate Paris city guide!
With the arrival of the new year, new and exciting events in the design world are coming for us. Maison & Objet is one of them, an unmissable design trade show in Paris that will be the design event of the year. Today, we’re taking you on a journey through the capital of France in the ultimate Paris city guide that will be your saving grace on your trip to the city of lights!
SEE ALSO: The Exhibitors At Maison Et Objet 2019 You Will Want To Look Out For!
Attractions
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
Paris’ most visited unticketed site, with upwards of 14 million visitors per year, is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. If you love design and architecture, then Paris is the right city to visit, especially during January, when design events flood the streets. Visiting the Notre Dame should definitely be on your bucket list as it is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Musée d’Orsay
The home of France’s national collection from the impressionist, postimpressionist and art nouveau movements spanning from 1848 to 1914 is the glorious former Gare d’Orsay railway station – itself an art nouveau showpiece – where a roll-call of masters and their world-famous works are on display.
Jardin du Luxembourg
This inner-city oasis of formal terraces, chestnut groves and lush lawns has a special place in Parisians’ hearts. Napoléon dedicated the 23 gracefully laid-out hectares of the Luxembourg Gardens to the children of Paris, and many residents spent their childhood right here. Such beautiful gardens can’t be missed during your visit to Paris.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Begun in 1875 in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War and the chaos of the Paris Commune, Sacré-Cœur is a symbol of the former struggle between the conservative Catholic old guard and the secular, republican radicals. It was finally consecrated in 1919, standing in contrast to the bohemian lifestyle that surrounded it. The view over Paris from its parvis is breathtaking.
Centre Pompidou
Renowned for its radical architectural statement, the 1977-opened Centre Pompidou brings together galleries and cutting-edge exhibitions, hands-on workshops, dance performances, cinemas and other entertainment venues, with street performers and fanciful fountains outside. The Musée National d’Art Moderne, France’s national collection of art dating from 1905 onward, is the main draw. Don’t miss the spectacular Parisian panorama from the rooftop.
Canal St-Martin
The tranquil, 4.5km-long Canal St-Martin was inaugurated in 1825 to provide a shipping link between the Seine and Paris’ northeastern suburbs. Emerging from below ground near place de la République, its towpaths take you past locks, bridges and local neighbourhoods. Come for a romantic stroll, cycle, picnic lunch or dusk-time drink.
Château de Versailles
Amid magnificently landscaped formal gardens, this splendid and enormous palace was built in the mid-17th century during the reign of Louis XIV to project the absolute power of the French monarchy, which was then at the height of its glory. Years later, you can visit it and let your eyes feast on the magnificence of the gardens and building. Don’t miss it!
Eiffel Tower
No one could imagine Paris today without it. But Gustave Eiffel only constructed this elegant, 320m-tall signature spire as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World’s Fair. Luckily, the art nouveau tower’s popularity assured its survival. Prebook online to avoid painfully long ticket queues.
Nightlife
Opera National
The glorious Second Empire architecture of the Palais Garnier alone is a convincing reason to visit, with its multicoloured marble, imposing Grand Staircase, Grand Foyer and Chagall fresco. However, you’ll stay for the incredible performances of the opera artists that take the stage of this impressive building. The opera house seats 22,200, with room for up to 450 performers on stage, and it’s reason enough to dress smart and make this night out the most fancy you can make it.
Folies-Bergère
When the Folies-Bergère opened its doors in 1869, its revues set the mould for the Belle Époque era to come. It went on to host the greatest stars of the early 20th century, from Joséphine Baker to Charlie Chaplin. Today the sumptuous, velvet-bedecked space plays host to a diverse roster of dramatic and musical talent. You definitely can’t miss visiting this incredible space.
Shopping
Covet Paris
You will find this unique showroom to be right at the entrance of the famous Saint Ouen Flea Market, which is the largest of its kind in the world and is brimming with vintage and antique treasures that you definitely can’t miss when visiting Paris to celebrate design. Covet Paris features a series of mesmerizing decor sets created with a selection of the best products from the world’s best interior design brands. For an interior design lover in Paris, this showroom is nothing short of a dream come true. To experience luxury design in an exclusive showroom in Paris, Covet Paris is the place to go!
Galeries Lafayette
Grande-dame department store Galeries Lafayette is spread across the main store (its magnificent stained-glass dome is over a century old), men’s store, and homewares store with a gourmet emporium. Catch modern art in the 1st-floor gallery, take in a fashion show, ascend to a free, windswept rooftop panorama or take a break at one of its 24 restaurants and cafes. There’s plenty to see at Galeries Lafayette.
Events
Maison & Objet 2020
Twice a year, a true sensorial experience that analyses the emotional, the creative and the commercial aspects of the sectors making up home decor, design and lifestyle. At each edition of Maison & Objet we identify new sources of inspiration and analyse current trends and new types of consumer behavior. Visit Essential Home at HALL 6, Stand O92 – P91 for a big surprise. You won’t want to miss this event filled with the best design brands all over the world.
Paris Fashion Week
In January each year, Paris is top dog on the catwalk during Fashion Week. On this occasion, the biggest names in fashion, celebrities and journalists flock to Paris to discover the new trends in ready-to-wear for men (from 14 to 19 January) and haute couture (from 20 to 23 January).
SEE ALSO: 5 Gucci Fashion Editorials And Our Pick Of Inspirational Design Pieces
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