Paris, Normandy & Brittany: A Journey Through Iconic France

Napoleon's Tomb

Discover the tomb of one of history's most fearsome generals, and a controversial figure of the 19th century.

Reflect at the sarcophagus resting underneath the dome of Les Invalides' church - Napoleon's tomb is as still as his life was frenetic. Crafted from red quartzite and set upon a green granite base within a circular crypt, Napoleon's sarcophagus is surrounded by a series of statues representing his victories and achievements. The entire ensemble, designed with solemn grandeur, reflect both the power and complexity of his legacy. But visitors can come and go please, this great general commands no one now.

The Army Museum

Exploring the martial history of France in this regal strucure

Gather your forces and lay touristic seige to the French Army Museum and its immersive expositions of French military history from medieval times to the present. Will you conquer the extensive Medieval Collections, Napoleon Bonaparte's grand tomb, and detailed exhibits of the World Wars, or will they conquer you? These exhibts and more offer insights into the evolution of warfare, strategic intracacies, and personal narratives of conflict. A visit to the Army Museum encourages discussion about the contradictions and complexities of war, one of the most important, and disturbing, traits of our humanity.

Rodin Museum

Let the greatest sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries inspire you

The remarkable sanctuary of art and beauty that is the Musée de Rodin displays the greatest works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Nestled in the exquisite Hôtel Biron, and its serene garden, this museum invites visitors to discover the profound depth of Rodin's creativity. Thrill at the world-reknowned pieces "The Thinker" and "The Gates of Hell," among others, each piece exploring  human emotion and thought through its dynamic forms. Wander through the garden paths to encounter these and other masterpieces in an intimate setting, where the fusion of art and nature crafts a truly unforgettable experience.

Tuileries Garden

Relax in the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, an oasis of manicured landscapes and historic statues in the heart of Paris.

The Tuileries Gardens, located next to the Louvre Museum, offer a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. Originally created as the royal gardens for the Tuileries Palace in the 16th century, they represent a classic example of French garden design. Visitors can marvel at the array of statues, including works by Rodin and Maillol, stroll along its perfectly aligned trees and flowerbeds, and enjoy panoramic views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Museum d'Orsay

Soak it all in at the Musée d'Orsay, a former Beaux-Arts railway station transformed into a stunning showcase of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

The Musée d'Orsay, housed in an elegantly converted railway station, offers a world-renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by masters like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Its unique architecture, with grand clocks and sweeping galleries, complements the diverse array of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts on display. A visit to the Musée d'Orsay is not just a tour of art history, but an immersive experience in a space where the past and present merge beautifully.

Orangerie

Let your vision swim with Monet's Water Lilies and other Impressionist artwork at the Musée de l'Orangerie

The Musée de l'Orangerie, nestled in a corner of the Tuileries Gardens, exhibits the stunning "Water Lilies" series by Claude Monet. This series of large-scale paintings, designed specifically for the two oval rooms they inhabit, offers an immersive experience into Monet's impressionist vision of his garden at Giverny. Beyond Monet, the museum boasts the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.   

Arc de Triomphe

Ascend one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and view Paris from this beloved symbol of France

L' Arc is not just a symbol of French pride and triumph. Yes, this monument crowning the western end of the Champs-Élysées honors those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War. However, it also commorates the horrific losses of World War I with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Your visit here can be surprisingly poignant. Visitors can ascend to the top for panoramic views of the City of Lights below, whose energy somehow rotates around this reminder that there is a little sobriety in every party.

Grand Palais

Structure built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, now a children's science museum and art gallery.

The Grand Palais, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, boasts a large glass and iron roof. It is home to the Palais de la Découverte science museum for children - be aware this museum only offers information in French, which greatly reduces its value to English speakers. Another wing of the building features rotating art exhibitions, which are usually curated by theme (such as The Moon or Soviet Art). Look on the website https://www.grandpalais.fr/en if you are interested in finding out what's on during your time in Paris. You may purchase tickets on site should you choose to attend.

Petit Palais

Pop in for a Rembrandt painting and discover a secret garden in one of Paris's "hidden gems".

The Petit Palais in Paris, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is a Beaux-Arts architectural marvel that houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. With free admission to its permanent collections, it showcases an extensive array of artworks from ancient to early 20th century, including notable pieces by Rembrandt and Courbet. Its stunning architecture, complete with a grand dome and a serene courtyard garden, makes it a cultural and visual haven. Located just off the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais is a key destination for art enthusiasts.

Champs-Elysées

Experience a promenade on the most famous road in the world!

Stretch your legs on the Avenue Champs-Élysées, an emblem of French prestige and elegance. On this unparalleled thoroughfare stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe waits a parade of luxury shops, fine dining, and lush greenery, offering an unparalleled urban experience. On the "Champs" you can indulge in world-class shopping, savor exquisite French cuisine at chic cafés, and marvel at the architectural beauty of illustrious building.

Sainte-Chapelle

It's ok, you can be dumbstruck at the incomparable stained glass of this royal chapel

The Sainte-Chapelle glows in the heart of Paris with its breathtaking stained-glass windows. Regard in awe the 15 windows, each 15m high, illustrating biblical stories in vibrant colors and intricate detail. Built in the 13th century on the Île de la Cité for Saint King Louis IX, this chapel was originally conceived to house precious Christian relics, including spines from Jesus Christ's Crown of Thorns. Visitors today, like kings and kings of yesteryear are often awestruck by the celestial light and serene ambiance that these windows transmit, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the chapel's interior. The upper chapel, in particular, offers an ethereal experience, with its towering windows and star-studded vaulted ceiling.

Conciergerie

Explore the somber past of this Gothic riverside fortress, a heart of the Great Terror that followed the French Revolution

  The Conciergerie in Paris is a historic monument and former prison on the Île de la Cité, and an inflection point between France's royal and revolutionary pasts. Once part of the royal palace, but later transformed into a prison during the French Revolution, its most infamous inmate was Queen Marie Antoinette before her execution. Visitors can explore the medieval halls, the somber cells - even the Queen's own - while absorbing the tales of justice, power, and tragedy that echo through its walls. This site stands as a poignant reminder of France's turbulent history, here where the Revolutionary Tribunal sat from 1793, condemning some 2,600 persons to the guillotine.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Thrill at one of the most beautiful and recognized churches on Earth.

Gaze at the heart of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, as iconic to the city as it is to Gothic architecture. Standing on the Île de la Cité, this 13th-century medieval masterpiece, still boasts its stunning rose windows, flying buttresses, and sculpted facades, despite a devastating fire in 2019.  The ongoing reconstruction of this center of French spirituality is captivating in itself, and people around the world await the full restoration's of this symbol's élégance, planned for December 8th, 2024.

Moulin Rouge

World Famous Dinner Theater and Cabaret

The Moulin Rouge, the iconic cabaret of Paris, beckons visitors with an unforgettable evening in the City of Lights. Famous for pioneering the can-can dance, this legendary establishment has been dazzling audiences since 1889 with its extravagant performances, featuring a troupe of highly-trained dancers adorned in outrageous costumes. Dive into an evening of glamour and romance, where the spirit of Parisian nightlife comes alive amidst spectacular shows in the historic ambiance of a venue that has hosted generations of artists and admirers.

Montmartre Museum

Experience la vie bohémienne at the Montmartre museum

To peruse the charming Montmartre Museum is to experience the captivating, artistic history of bohemian Paris. Housed in a 17th-century building that once served as a studio for many notable artists, including Renoir and Raoul Dufy, the museum invites visitors to its rich collection of paintings, photographs, and memorabilia. The museum vividly brings to life the rollicking, artistic fervor that defined Montmartre at the turn of the 20th century.

L’Espace Dali

Indulge your surreality in Dalí Paris while twitching your mustache at his largest collection in France, over 300 pieces.

The Spaniard found fame in Paris in the 1920s and 30s, and developed his paranoic-critical method designed to access the sub-conscious and enhance creativity. He lived in Montmartre for a while before moving to Montparnasse. The collection here, mostly of sculpture and etchings, with titles like Space Elephant and Moses and Montheism, will have you questioning your sensibilities, or maybe Dalí's.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Iconic white domed church that features mosaics, stained glass windows, and a crypt

The exterior, with its domes and stark white façade, looks ancient but was finished only a century ago. In 1870 war broke out between France and Prussia. The Council that was being held in the Vatican at the time was suspended and the Pope, no longer under the protection of French troops, considered himself a prisoner within the Vatican. France was subsequently defeated and partially occupied by German troops. Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rohault de Fleury vowed to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart “as reparation,” as penance for infidelity and sin for they held that the misfortunes of France had spiritual rather than political causes.

Mur des je t’aime (I Love You Wall)

A wall trying to bring a little tenderness into the world

The singer Paul Simon wrote a song "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover,"  but this wall below Montmartre teaches you how to say "I love you" in 250 languages. Find the one that sounds most beautiful to you, and then practice saying it to yourself and others.

Quai Branly Museum

Discover a captivating collection of indigenous art in this literally verdant building.

The Quai Branly Museum, oficially known as L'Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, is a vibrant celebration of indigenous art and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Located on the banks of the Seine near the Eiffel Tower, this innovative museum stands out with its striking modern architecture and a lush wall garden adorning its exterior. Inside, visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of artifacts, including traditional costumes, masks, sculptures, and jewelry, all showcased in a dynamic and immersive display. The museum's commitment to cultural diversity and its extensive collection offer a unique opportunity to explore the history, art, and traditions of non-Western civilizations.

Museum of Man

Ponder some of the Big Questions while visiting this museum...

Le Musée de l'Homme in Paris's Place du Trocadéro delves into human evolution and diversity through anthropology, ethnology, and prehistory. Showcasing artifacts from prehistoric tools to modern art, it highlights humans' biological and cultural development while exploring our identities, societies, and relationship with nature. Interactive and engaging, the museum offers a profound investigation into the essence of humanity, prompting reflection on our collective past and future.

Palais de Tokyo

Discovering the greatest of modern and contemporary French art in this dramatic structure

Que vous seriez un peu plus parisien(ne)... That you would be a bit more Parisian, visit the Palais de Tokyo in the 16th arrondissement, a beacon of contemporary art known for its avant-garde exhibitions and innovative art installations. Blending historical elegance with modern creativity, it offers visitors a privilaged exploration of the latest artistic expressions. Highlights include its own modernist architecture, a constantly evolving array of exhibitions showcasing everything from installations to live performances, and the Yoyo nightclub and Le Tokyo Eat for leisure and dining. Visit the Palais de Tokyo to step into an intersection of art, culture, and architecture, and let the cutting edge of contemporary art in Paris take you away.

Bayeux Cathedral

Listen closely, some of these stones heard the treachery that led to the Saxons' downfall...

Rebuilt after a fire in the 12th century, the previous structure possibly saw regal intrigue that led to the Battle of Hastings in which the Normands defeated the Saxons A monumnet of history and especially of glorious Gothic architecture, the cathedral makes a fine pause while visiting Bayeux.

Museum of Art and History of Baron Gérard

Exploring the art history of Bayeux and Normandy at the Museum of Art and History of Baron Gérard, named for its major, 19th-century patron. With a scope reaching from pre-history all the way to the modern day, the museum places the city and Normandy in their greater contexts of time and their importance to France. Not limited simply to painitings, the museum also explores the delicate craft of lacework highly practiced in Normandy.

Mont-St.-Michel

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Rennes Cathedral

Stepping into This Cathedral Means Stepping through Over 1300 Years of History.

The Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes flaunts a French Gothic exterior and a particularly rich Neo-classical interior. Its interior features stunning art, including stained glass windows and an elaborate altar, reflecting by its walls and art many of the events of past centuries.

Parlement de Bretagne

Tour an impressive court where justice has been administered since baroque times.

The Parlement de Bretagne opened in the 17th century, full of splendor to awe those judged in its courts. It is still a court today, and, given its beauty, a major attraction in Rennes, the historic chambers open regularly to the public. One of the rare places where governance is asthetically pleasing.

Museum of the Beaux-Arts de Rennes

Check out the masterpieces without crowds in this small but delightful gallery.

Compact, with a main street squeezed between it and the La Vilaine River, it would be easy to overlook the Muséé des Beaux-arts of Rennes. That would be a mistake. With a moderately small, but important collection, the museum will delight without itimidation. If you go for one painting, George De la Tour's "Le Nouveau-Né" is the very definition of tenderness, with a use of light that rivals Vermeer. Go for that piece, but then other works will draw your attention... after a pleasant exploration, you'll come out the museum's doors a more knowledgable person and none the worse for wear.

Thabor Park

Relax with the locals in this former monastery orchid.

This large park offers citizen and visitor alike, a cool, green space in the center of Rennes. Lovely to visit after a museum or city tour, this former monastery orchard became public in the years following the French Revolution.  Bring a few cheeses and bread, and a bottle of whatever pleases you, and Thabor allow you the moments to relax and simply "be."