Tag: things to do in paris

giverny

3 Easy Day Trips from Paris via Train

There’s enough to see in Paris to keep you busy for a lifetime – both of your Paris Uncovered guides have been based here for years and still have tons of exploring left to do! But as the weather grows nicer, you may be on the lookout for a way to take in a different – greener – side of France, and that’s when it’s time to head to your closest train station: here are three of our all-time favorite easy day trips from Paris.

1. Giverny

Fans of Claude Monet’s Impressionist paintings shouldn’t miss a trip to his home in Normandy. The house displays a host of Monet’s works, but still more are evoked as you wander through the garden, complete with the water lilies, green rowboat, and Japanese bridge that featured so frequently in Monet’s paintings.

To get there, take the train from Saint-Lazare to Vernon. Buses shuttle passengers from the train station to the small town of Giverny, where you can spend the day wandering and soaking up Monet’s inspiration.

2. Fontainebleau

For a breath of fresh air, take the train to Fontainebleau, home to the château of the same name. Here, you’ll discover Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir as well as a museum devoted to Napoleon. The ornamental gardens are exquisite, and those looking for something a bit more rustic will love tramping through the forest, known to locals as one of the prime bouldering spots in the region.

To get there, grab a train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station.

3. Chartres

To the southwest, Chartres is home to yet another Notre-Dame that is, if possible, even more impressive than the cathedral of the same name in Paris. The Gothic marvel was completed in 1220 and features two exquisite spires and distinctive blue-tinted stained glass.

Make a day of it, and wander the charming medieval village of Chartres before hopping back on a train to Paris in time for dinner.

To get there, board a Chartres-bound train from Montparnasse.

Insider’s Tip! While you can usually purchase tickets just before you head out to any one of these destinations, if you don’t want to risk disappointment, stop by any station or SNCF shop in Paris a few days before, or purchase your ticket online on the SNCF website!

drapeau français

Top 3 Things to Do in Paris in May

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a food tour – there are certain Paris must-sees that never change. But the French capital is also home to a thriving, ever-changing scene of exhibits, concerts, and more! Here are the three things we’re most excited about for this month.

1. Revisit the Last Revolution

France has a lengthy revolutionary history, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the most recent rebellion. The Revolution of May 1968, or mai 68, as it’s more commonly called, is explored via an historical and cultural exhibit at Ground Control, a 12th arrondissement venue known for its innovative stance on ecology, solidarity, and what it means to be a Parisian.

2. Enjoy Marie-Antoinette’s Roses

The Bagatelle rose garden, first planted by Marie-Antoinette, is home to over 1,000 varieties of roses. Enjoy them in full bloom while you listen to live cello music at one of the first of this season’s outdoor concerts on May 25 (tickets available online for 10 euro).

3. Get a True Taste of Paris

Paris is famous for its gastronomy, and the month of May allows you to leap right in! The Taste of Paris event, held from May 17 to 20 in the heart of the Grand Palais, unites 18 pop-up restaurants from some of Paris’ top chefs to show off what’s in store for the capital’s tables this year. Reserve your ticket to this unique event online.

Image: François Schnell

Top 5 Parks and Gardens to Visit in Paris in Spring

Spring has finally sprung in Paris, which means one thing: it’s time to take up residence in one of its many parks and gardens! Paris is home to more than 400 parks, each of which has its own unique characteristics. But as far as we’re concerned, these are the five you absolutely cannot miss.

The Luxembourg  Gardens

The quintessential Parisian park is, without a doubt, the Luxembourg Gardens: artfully landscaped formal flower beds, a Renaissance chateau as a backdrop, and a plethora of chairs and benches to sit and admire the scenery make this one of our favorites. Much more than a simple garden, the massive park has something for everyone. Runners love the trails, kids love the playground and puppet shows, and couples love the romantic walks.

Our Tip: The Luxembourg Gardens are perfect for a picnic! Bring your favorite sweet treat (get some ideas on our sweets tour) and enjoy it overlooking the newly planted flowerbeds.

Image care of Luke van Grieken/Wikipedia commons

The Tuileries Gardens

With the Louvre as a backdrop, the Tuileries gardens are a must-see – especially if you’ve just finished a whirlwind visit of Paris’ largest museum! Designed by landscape architect André Le Notre (of Versailles gardens fame), the Tuileries are actually the remnants of the 16th century royal palace of the same name, destroyed in the 19th century.

Our Tip: The Tuileries also make up the perfect spot for a popular Parisian past-time: people-watching! Just grab a chair, kick back, and watch the world go by.

Image care of Céline Harrand/Flickr

Jardin des Plantes

Once called the “jardin du roi” (garden of the king), the Jardins des Plantes have a rich horticultural history. This park started as a medicinal herb garden in the 17th century and has since become the Botanic Garden of Paris, even housing the Botany school. Follow the beautiful paths lined by cherry trees, rose bushes, and 19th century greenhouses, and discover a small zoo (home to an adorable red panda, amongst others!)

Our Tip: While exploring the Jardins, make sure to check out the Museum of Natural History, complete with dinosaur skeletons!

Image care of Alexandre Vialle/Flickr

Parc Floral

A little off-the-beaten path, this park is a part of a larger forest, the Bois de Vincennes. While it’s only twenty minutes on the metro from the center, it will feel like you’ve escaped to the countryside. Winding paths and large ponds help create a serene experience, perfect for the many flower shows, exhibitions, and concerts held regularly.

Our Tip: Check the calendar for the Paris Jazz or Classical Festivals held in Parc Floral. Bring a picnic and enjoy a free concert in this beautiful venue!

Image care of Justacote.com

Jardin Tino-Rossi

While Paris is known for its formal gardens, the Jardin Tino-Rossi combines nature with art. The contemporary open-air museum lines the Seine and contains twenty sculptures, dotted among the Weeping Willows, Poplars and Black Pines.

Our Tip: After a stroll through the sculptures, stay for an evening of dance! The arenas lining the Seine become impromptu dance halls during the summer, with Tango, Salsa, and Samba!

Paris with les Petits: Intro to Paris Highlights

 History |  Culture |  Discovery

  

As countless travelers have said, Paris is best discovered on foot – and with Paris Uncovered Scavenger Hunts, your eyes will be drawn to the details, big and small, that make it so special! This Introduction to Paris walk is specially designed to visit Paris with kids. On this tour, your private tour guide will take you past famous landmarks and hidden courtyards known only to locals. We’ll discuss the dramatic history behind monuments and savor the subtle beauty of the scenery. Along the route, you’ll see the glorious Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, the historic streets of the Latin Quarter, beautiful bridges with stunning views, the grandeur of the Louvre architecture, and the tranquility of Parisian gardens. Find all of the clues on your Bingo card to win a special prize!

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– Paris Uncovered Paris Highlights Bingo cards (and pencils!) for the little ones
– Prizes for completing your task (Everybody wins!)
– 245 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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Paris with les Petits: Louvre Family Tour

Art | History | Secrets

  louvre ceiling

The Louvre is the perfect place for exploration and discovery – and Paris Uncovered knows how to bring out the best in it, especially for families visiting Paris with kids. With our Paris Uncovered Bingo, exploring the Louvre becomes a game, guiding you through the nation’s largest museum and its tens of thousands of works of art. This tour will introduce you to some of the Louvre’s most famous pieces as well as the secrets hidden here by the world’s artistic masters.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– Skip-the-line entry
– Paris Uncovered Louvre Bingo cards (and pencils!) for the whole family
– Prizes for completing your task (Everybody wins!)
– 320 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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vincent van gogh

Top 3 Things to Do in Paris in February

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a food tour – there are certain Paris must-sees that never change. But the French capital is also home to a thriving, ever-changing scene of exhibitions, concerts, and more! Here are the three things we’re most excited about for next month.

1. Catching Van Gogh At the Petit Palais

The centrally located Petit Palais is hosting a temporary show of Dutch masters including one of our favorite fellow expats, Vincent Van Gogh. The exhibition, which opens on the 6th of February, focuses on Dutch artists who lived in Paris between the French Revolution in 1789 and the beginning of the First World War in 1914. With over 100 works, this exhibition is sure to be something special!

2. Martin Gets a New Friend in Robert

One of our favorite wine bars in Paris is getting a new outpost! Loïc Martin and Peter Orr are opening Robert, a new restaurant that they tell Paris Food Affair will depart from the small plates trend that has taken over Paris’ dining scene of late. Given how much we love Martin (and Au Passage, another member of the family), we can’t wait to see what Robert has in store for us when it opens this month!

3. Saying “Meuh” to French Cows

Paris may be a center of art, culture, and gastronomy, but most of France is actually better known for its agriculture (thankfully! Otherwise, where would we get all that delicious cheese?)

Every year, Parisians get a glimpse of the agricultural bent of the rest of the country with the agricultural trade show or “Salon de l’Agriculture” at Porte de Versailles. A ticket into this trade show affords you the opportunity not only to see some of the most beautiful farm animals France has to offer (imagine a county fair on steroids) but also to taste some of the top regional specialties from all over France.

What are you looking forward to this month in Paris? Let us know in the comments or via Facebook!

Trip Planning & Concierge Services

         

With so many sights and experiences in Paris, planning can be a challenge. There are museum tickets to buy, skip-the-line entrances to consider, opening hours to check, reservations to make… it’s enough to make your trip seem like anything but a vacation!

Let us help take all the stress and guesswork with our trip-planning and concierge services.

No-Stress Turn-Key Trips

With our no-stress Turn-Key Trips, your trip to Paris will be entirely mapped out by your expert Paris Uncovered concierge! With this service, you’ll have no planning to do ahead of your trip. Your Paris Uncovered concierge will help you uncover the must-visit sites that best coincide with your interests, be they historical, artistic, gastronomic, or a mix of everything. Not only will your trip be specifically designed just for you, but you’ll reap the benefits of years of experience, with the most efficient exploration of the city to take the best advantage of your time.

Just sit back, relax, and let Paris Uncovered plan the perfect trip for you!

This service includes:

  • An in-depth phone call with your Paris Uncovered concierge to uncover all of your interests
  • A bespoke trip specially designed according to your interests
  • A comprehensive plan featuring your unique timetable: scheduled tours, directions, custom activities, and more for each day of your trip
  • Bespoke shopping guides, depending on your interests and favorite neighborhoods
  • Vouchers for skip-the-line museum entrances, performances, special exhibits and more
  • Restaurant suggestions and/or reservations for any or all of your meals

Flex-Itinerary

If you want just a touch of help during your stay, our Paris Uncovered Flex-Itineraries might be just the thing. This service includes:

  • An in-depth phone call with your Paris Uncovered concierge to uncover all of your interests
  • Printable full-day suggested itineraries for the entirety of your trip
  • Restaurant suggestions
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Left Bank: 2,000 Years as the Heart of Paris

History |  Legends |  Culture

  

Paris’ scholars and intelligentsia have long comingled in the Latin Quarter. But this charming neighborhood’s history starts long before Hemingway scribbled in local bars and BB King took a bow in the local jazz clubs. The Latin Quarter is one of the last bastions of medieval Paris, home to gorgeous cobbled streets, beautiful Gothic churches, one of Europe’s first universities, and the oldest living tree in Paris. Discover Paris’ history through the ages with this beautiful, charming walk through the Left Bank neighborhood.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– 225 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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Paris Highlights: Intro to the City of Light

 History |  Culture |  Discovery

   

As countless travelers have said, Paris is best discovered on foot. Walking through the city allows one to soak up it’s beauty, rich history and endless charm; it’s no wonder that walking tours are one of our favorite things to do in Paris. On our Introduction to Paris walk, your private tour guide will lead you past famous landmarks and hidden courtyards known only to locals. We’ll discuss the dramatic history behind monuments and savor the subtle beauty of the scenery. Along the route, you’ll see the glorious Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, the historic streets of the Latin Quarter, beautiful bridges with stunning views, the grandeur of the Louvre architecture and the tranquility of Parisian gardens.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– 225 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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marais

Munching Through the Marais

Gourmet |  History | Secret Passages

    

A former marshland, this fashionable district of Paris gives us a glimpse into two worlds: Paris of the old world, with its royal pomp and circumstance, and Paris of the modern world, with its chic boutiques and trendy cafes (and emblematic addresses of the contemporary Paris food scene). The Marais has been home to the Jewish community, royal elites, and working class revolutionaries over the last four centuries. We dive into the neighborhood to explore all the nooks and crannies that centuries of indulgence and hardship have left behind. We’ll explore private mansions and hidden streets, taste delicious artisanal pastries and regional delights, and savor the sights and sounds of one of Paris’ most charming neighborhoods.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– 3 gourmet tastings
– 250 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2-hour visit

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