EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Paris
Cultural things to do in Paris at Le Meurice
A glowing beacon of art, design and freethinking, Paris has been home to some of the world’s most revered cultural institutions for centuries. Although titans like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are as unmissable now as ever, the eclectic assortment of niche museums and venues in this two-day itinerary make exploring the cultural side of Paris a real adventure.
Day one
Begin your cultural day in Paris with a visit to the Musée Marmottan Monet, 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi.
T: +33 1 44 96 50 33 | 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris
Musée Marmottan Monet
Located at the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, in the 16th arrondissement, this hunting lodge-turned-museum houses the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world. If that’s not enough of a draw for lovers of Impressionism, notable works by contemporaries the likes of Degas, Renoir, and Gauguin also feature alongside Monet’s ineffable canvases.
Then, take a 20-minute taxi ride to the Musée Rodin in the centre of Paris.
T: +33 1 44 18 61 10 | 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Musée Rodin
A showcase for the works of 19th century French sculptor Auguste Rodin, this artistic landmark first opened in 1919 and now attracts nearly a million visitors every year. The museum is spread between two sites: the stunning Hôtel Biron and its surrounding grounds in the centre of Paris, and the sculptor’s old home in Meudon, just outside of the city.
Next, take a 10-minute walk to the Musée Maillol.
T: +33 (0)1 42 22 59 58 | 59-61 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Musée Maillol
Home to an impressive collection of the works of Aristide Maillol, the artist credited with reinventing modern sculpture, including his sketches, drawings, tapestries and, of course, his sculptures, the Musée Maillol is a must for art lovers. There is also a programme of temporary exhibitions running throughout the year, with past honourees including Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Basquiat, Poliakoff, and more.
Continue on to the Musée Jacquemart-André, 10 minutes away by taxi.
T: +33 (0)1 45 62 11 59 | 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris
Musée Jacquemart-André
The Jacquemart-André Museum, found within an opulent 19th century mansion, showcases the extensive art collection of husband and wife Edouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. With tapestries, frescoes, paintings by European Masters, sculptures, ceramics and much more, there’s plenty to see in the permanent collection, but there are also temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
For the final stop of the day, hail a taxi for the 10-minute journey to the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
T: +33 1 53 30 88 00 | 12 Rue Boissy d'Anglas, 75008 Paris
Fondation d’Entreprise Ricard
While many Parisian museums and galleries showcase masterpieces of the past, the Fondation d’Entreprise Ricard turns its attention to burgeoning artistic talent. Located in the heart of the city, this avant-garde art gallery curates an exciting mix of contemporary work, as well as hosting discussions on philosophy, sociology and literature.
The hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from the gallery.
T: +33 (0)1 40 69 96 00 | 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Found in the Bois de Boulogne, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is housed within a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, a suitable vessel for its innovative and internationally renowned modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The Fondation also commissions site-specific pieces and hosts a programme of cultural experiences, from dance performances to concerts, throughout the year.
The hotel is then a 20-minute drive away.
Day two
Get the day started with a visit to the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, 20 minutes away from the hotel by taxi.
T: +33 1 42 18 56 50 | 261 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris
Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain
Clothed in a shimmering edifice of exposed steel and glass, the Fondation Cartier is unabashedly elegant. Within, the contemporary art institution’s exhibitions encompass a wide range of genres and media, from painting to photography to fashion and video art. The museum also organises Nomadic Nights, a winter series of evening performance art events.
Then, take a 15-minute taxi ride to get to the Musée de l’Orangerie.
T: +33 1 44 77 80 07 | Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
Musée de l’Orangerie
Often overlooked in favour of the Musée d’Orsay (which features a larger collection of Impressionist works), the Musée de l’Orangerie is nevertheless a delightful diversion during a Paris cultural tour. The 19th century building is host, after all, to pieces from Monet’s stunning, large-scale water lilies series.
The European House of Photography is then a 20-minute taxi ride from the Musée de l’Orangerie.
T: +33 1 44 78 75 00 | 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
La Maison Européenne de la Photographie
A word-of-mouth museum tucked down an unassuming street in the Marais, the European House of Photography (or MEP, as it’s known locally) offers an invigorating insight into the photographic medium. The gallery houses a collection of around 20,000 works and, since 1996, has exhibited photography by Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Klein, and even Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld.
The penultimate stop of the day is the Picasso Museum, 10 minutes’ walk from La Maison Européenne de la Photographie.
T: +33 1 85 56 00 36 | 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
Musée Picasso Paris
Located within a gorgeous 17th century mansion in the Marais neighbourhood, Musée Picasso Paris is a must for fans of the father of Cubism. Alongside over 5,000 examples of Picasso’s works, the museum houses a comprehensive collection of photographs, notebooks, drafts and etchings tracing the artist’s creative process – and is the only institution in the world to do so.
Next, take a 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk to La Saint-Chapelle.
T: +33 1 53 40 60 80 | 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
Concerts at La Sainte-Chapelle
Few experiences are more rousing than a chamber music performance in the jewellery box-like interior of La Sainte-Chapelle. The chapel on the Île de la Cité hosts classical performances ranging from Christmas concerts to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. A pinnacle of Gothic architecture, La Sainte-Chapelle is famed for its gorgeous 15-metre-high stained glass windows and atmospheric acoustics.
The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride or 25-minute walk away from the Île de la Cité.
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