The Christmas tradition in Paris involves the Christmas markets, the illuminations, but also the decorations in the windows of department stores. Between magical decors and magnificent sketches, discover the most beautiful Christmas 2023 windows in Paris .

The Christmas of my Dreams, at Galeries Lafayette

Like every year, the department store on Boulevard Haussmann, in the 9th arrondissement, puts on its lights to celebrate Christmas with magic and enchantment. In 2023, Atelier Bournillat and fashion designer Charles de Vilmorin took care of decorating the windows of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann . We discover a pretty scene of a little girl and a magic paintbrush who travel to meet their dreams, in a wonderful imaginary land . Passers-by then admire a real initiatory journey through around ten scenes where every detail is designed to put stars in their eyes.

Inside the store, we do not deviate from the tradition established since 1976, and under the Art Nouveau dome of the establishment, we find a huge Christmas tree more than 15 meters high , which we can admire from all floors.

Dates: November 15 to December 31, 2023.

Christmas made of paper, at Printemps Haussmann

Another must-see address among the Paris Department Stores , Printemps Haussmann also pulls out all the stops to amaze passers-by. This year, a Christmas story is being presented in the windows of this store. Inaugurated by Catherine Deneuve, the numerous paintings feature little winged messengers, colorful and sparkling, who carry letters of greetings from around the world to owls. At the end of this lovely magical journey, all wishes come true.

The staging revolves around paper, a material used for all the decorations, and the project is not limited to the windows. In the Atrium, the immense paper tree stands out for its elegance, as does the large paper library 11 meters high. In total, nearly 170,000 paper decoration elements, 95 animated characters, 170 trees and 3.4 km of light garlands are ready to put stars in your eyes.

Dates: November 9, 2023 to January 1, 2024.

A Christmas in the forest, at BHV Marais

As the holidays approach, the other districts of Paris also dress in their finest attire, particularly in the 4th arrondissement, at BHV Marais. Opposite the Town Hall, the department store also attracts many lovers of Christmas celebrations and magical decorations. This year 2023 is no exception, the windows and illuminated facades promise to be magical, with a staging on the theme of the enchanted forest . Between breathtaking fir trees with shimmering branches and mischievous forest animals, the BHV decorations will immerse you in the blink of an eye in the magic of Christmas .

Dates: November 8 to December 31, 2023.

A gourmet Samaritan Christmas

On the Samaritaine side , in rue du la Monnaie (1st arrondissement), the Christmas celebrations are planned under the theme of gluttony . To imagine the beautiful decorations of the new windows of this Parisian store, the creators were inspired by the world of Willy Wonka , on the occasion of the release of the film Wonka in the cinema. In partnership with Warner Bros, artists Thomas Liu Le Lann and Gab Bois have imagined colorful and delicious installations, based on giant lollipops , generous fir trees and trays of sweets.

The originality this year is the huge Advent calendar installed on the railings of the Atrium, which offers surprises every day to customers, to help them wait until Christmas.

Dates: November 8, 2023 to January 9, 2024.

Christmas in all its splendor, at Le Bon Marché

Let’s finish our tour of the most beautiful windows in Paris for Christmas in the 7th arrondissement, at Bon Marché Rive Gauche . This year, 4 paintings are literally invaded by teddy bears . Throughout the productions, we see them having fun, partying and enjoying themselves in different atmospheres, from the vegetable garden to the bakery.

Inside the department store, the magic of Christmas also operates thanks to the 4 magnificent trees decorated with baubles and light garlands . Distributed on the different floors, these trees appear in varied atmospheres, distilling the Christmas spirit with generosity.

And to end the festivities in style, the Le Roux circus is coming to Bon Marché on December 31 at 7:15 p.m. for the magical show “ Entre Chiens et Louves ”.

Dates: November 10 to December 31, 2023.

Cadet residence: your hotel a stone’s throw from the Paris Department Stores

Located in the 9th arrondissement, the Cadet residence is the ideal hotel for not missing any of the most beautiful Christmas window displays in Paris. Rue Cadet immerses you in the Christmas atmosphere as soon as you arrive, while the Department Stores await you, less than 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

You will then stay in a comfortable apartment hotel , offering you great freedom to visit Paris and experience your Christmas celebrations as you wish. With family or friends, the Cadet Résidence guarantees you a magical stay in the heart of Paris.

Take advantage of a few days of vacation to come and experience the magic of Christmas in Paris through the sublime windows of Parisian department stores . The Cadet residence is then the ideal place for a magical family stay.

This year, for your Christmas gifts, favor local products and artisanal gifts. It’s a way to promote French know-how, and to offer your loved ones unique and personalized objects. To help you in your quest, here are 10 good addresses for artisanal gifts in Paris .

Arty Dandy, original and quality gifts

Arty Dandy offers a selection of original gifts that will make a difference under the tree. The best design and fashion brands are represented through refined brands of shoes, watches, scarves, decorative objects, and even high-tech products. And for small budgets, you will find what you are looking for in the selection of inexpensive gifts.

Addresses:

• Arty Dandy Marais, rue de Turenne, 3rd arrondissement;
• Arty Dandy Saint-Germain-des-Prés, rue Furstemberg, 6th arrondissement.

Flying Tiger, the Danish boutique in the heart of Paris

Flying Tigeris a chain of decoration stores straight from Copenhagen, and spread across more than 30 countries. There you can find all kinds of original creations all having in common their low prices. Great finds are yours in this Parisian boutique with hundreds of trendy references .

Address: 72 rue rambuteau, 1st arrondissement.

Les Refiners, to offer a story and an experience

At Les Raffineurs , each object has a story, from decorative objects to gourmet gifts. The creators are selected on line to offer a unique experience to customers, and to stand out with a more personalized gift idea , the Parisian boutique also offers experiences to offer. From creating your own perfume to making your own beer, Les Raffineurs have the ideal gift for you.

Addresses:

• Les Raffineurs Marais, rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd arrondissement;
• Les Raffineurs Saint-Sulpice, rue de Rennes, 6th arrondissement;
• Les Raffineurs Bastille, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 11th arrondissement.

Thank you, the boutique with unique pieces

The Merci concept store is installed in a large 1,500 m² house where each room is unique. From household linen to fashion accessories, including high-tech objects, you will find great gift ideas in this trendy Paris address.

Address: 111, boulevard Beaumarchais, 3rd arrondissement.

Slow Galerie, your art gallery in Paris 11

Art lovers will definitely find what they are looking for at the Slow Galerie boutique , where hundreds of limited edition works , sometimes even numbered, are on sale. From illustration to screen printing, find the original and unique gift that will delight your loved ones for Christmas.

Address: 5, rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th arrondissement.

Flowers, the charming decoration boutique

Contrary to what its name suggests, the concept store Les fleurs is not a flower shop, but rather two shops with very distinct universes : on one side, Passage Josset, you will find stationery items, toys for child, decoration and jewelry. On the other side, rue Trousseau, the space is more dedicated to furniture, plants and vintage decoration. One thing is certain, you will find unique gift ideas for your loved ones.

Addresses:

• 6, Passage Josset;
• 5, rue Trousseau, 11th arrondissement.

The bookstore-workshop La Régulière

La Régulière is the essential address for all lovers of beautiful books and literature . Much more than a simple bookstore, this charming little shop also offers a place for exchange and sharing around art in general. This Parisian address will always be of good advice to find the gift you are missing.

Address: 43, rue Myrha, 18th arrondissement.

Offer a moment of well-being in the living room

What if, for Christmas, you chose to offer an experience rather than an object? At the Singjan Sabaikaya massage parlor , we offer you a journey of the senses through traditional massages and well-being treatments. Between the Thai massage and foot reflexology, hot oil massage and skull massage, treat your loved ones with a well-being experience.

Address: 76, rue des Martyrs, 18th arrondissement.

Sardine flowers, the Parisian soap factory

Another sure value for Christmas gifts: cosmetics. Fleurs de sardines is an original address to find soaps for the face and body . Made up of 100% French ingredients, most often organic, the soaps highlight Parisian know-how and the quality of local products, with a cold saponification method which preserves the properties of each ingredient as much as possible.

Address: 64, rue des Poissonniers, 18th arrondissement.

Mon Jardin Chocolaté, for gourmet gifts

At Christmas, giving chocolate is a sure bet, almost a tradition! So, to be original and offer a truly delicious gift, go to My Chocolate Garden . The artisan chocolatier imagines original and tasty creations for all your family and friends. From mini chocolate bars to milk chocolate Christmas balls, including the little dark chocolate Christmas tree, the hardest part will be choosing!

Address: 28, rue Raymond Losserand, 14th arrondissement.

Christmas gift shopping often turns into a headache. Visit our selection of 10 Parisian artisanal boutiques to find the original idea that is sure to please.

Appreciated for the picturesque atmosphere of its small streets, the Montmartre district attracts millions of visitors each year. And if we all know the Sacré-Coeur basilica, the Butte Montmartre and the Place du Tertre, this district of the 18th arrondissement of Paris is also full of unusual places. Let’s find out!

Montmartre: places with a strong artistic history

The Montmartre district and its bohemian atmosphere have always attracted artists and dreamers. Along the little streets, we discover all the places frequented by artists yesterday and today.

The Boat-Lavoir

Founded in 1904, the Boat-Lavoir is a city of artists which has housed the biggest names in the art scene from around the world. The 25 artist workshops at 13 place Émile-Goudeau have seen world references pass by, such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin, Guillaume Apollinaire, Jean Cocteau, and even Modigliani. The artists who met there were very poor, and the places very basic. So, at the beginning of the 20th century, when prices soared in Montmartre, the excitement of the Bateau-Lavoir faded, forever marking the artistic history of the district and of France.

The Wall Pass

While walking in the 18th arrondissement, and more precisely on Place Marcel Aymé, you might be surprised to come across the Wall pass. This statue, erected in 1989, is a work of art imagined by Jean Marais in tribute to Marcel Aymé, died 22 years earlier at his home on rue Norvins. It is of course inspired by the famous work of the writer, Le Passe-Muraille, and astonishes the passer-by who seems to see a man crossing a wall.

Pot luck

If you liked the bohemian spirit of the film The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain, you will love the Good Franquette. This traditional restaurant welcomes you in a very friendly atmosphere, right next to the Place du Tertre and its famous caricaturists and portraitists.

La Bonne Franquette is one of the emblematic places of Montmartre, and we like to find the good atmosphere of the dancing and musical entertainment.

Good to know: Vincent Van Gogh painted his painting “La Guinguette” there in 1886. The work is now exhibited at the Musée d’Orsay.

The Pink House

An unusual visit to Montmartre necessarily involves the Pink House. With its pretty pink facade and green shutters, this old village house was built when Montmartre was only occupied by windmills and country houses. She naturally inspired many artists, who frequented her to create their most beautiful works. For two centuries, we could see in this artists’ den Modigliani, Picasso, Albert Camus, Charles Aznavour, Édith Piaf, Suzanne Valadon and Jacques Brel.

Today, the Maison Rose has become a restaurant, but it has retained its picturesque atmosphere.

The Agile Rabbit

Another emblematic place of artistic life in the Montmartre district, the Lapland Agile is one of oldest cabarets in Paris. Here again, many artists found themselves there, such as Maupassant or Picasso. The atmosphere there has always been festive, like the hoax that has long amused tourists: a work was exhibited there and all the regulars praised the artist’s merits and talent to visitors. In reality, the painting was done by Lolo, the donkey from Lapin Agile.

Good to know: the name of the famous cabaret comes from a caricature by André Gill, who drew a rabbit trying to escape from a pot. The establishment was therefore called “Le Lapin à Gill”, then “Le Lapin Agile”.

The agricultural references that marked Montmartre

If we know Montmartre today for its bohemian atmosphere and its majestic Sacré-Coeur basilica, the district has long been agricultural land. Remains of it can be found today.

Le Clos Montmartre

Since 944, a vineyard has been established on the lands of Montmartre. Since then, viticulture has never stopped, and even if the annexation of Montmartre to Paris in 1860 slowed down production, the Clos Montmartre today preserves more than 2,000 vines. The wine-growing past is preserved, and every year, the vineyard organizes the famous harvest festival, to announce the arrival of the new vintage of the only wine produced in intra-muros Paris.

The Witch’s Rock

Behind rue Lepic, in the heart of avenue Junot, there is a small private alley that might just attract your attention. Here, right in the middle of the passage, sits an enormous rock that seems to have fallen from the sky. Legends are rife about this witch’s rock, and if it seems likely that it takes its name from a local resident who frightened children so that they would not play in the cul-de-sac, others claim that it is a meteorite, while some think that the stone is evil. The most dreamy say that simply touching the magic stone helps protect their love.

The mills of Montmartre

It is difficult to pass through Montmartre without spotting the vestiges of the district’s agricultural past, particularly with the mills, now rehabilitated. Of red Mill, which has become the most famous cabaret in Paris, Moulin de la Galette, transformed into a tavern, these monuments remind us of the historic milling activity of the Montmartre district.

Accommodation near Montmartre

Would you like to discover all the unusual places in Montmartre ? The Cadet residence is the ideal aparthotel to allow you to enjoy your stay freely, at your own pace and without constraints.

The 23 apartments and studios of the residence welcome you in a warm and cozy Art Deco style, and ensure the greatest comfort for your a few days near Montmartre. The completely independent accommodations offer you all the privacy you need, with a kitchen area, a lounge area, quality bedding, a private bathroom, and all the equipment necessary for your well-being.

You will therefore reside just a few steps from the most beautiful sites in Paris, and will be able to visit Montmartre in complete tranquility. In less than 20 minutes on foot (15 minutes by metro), you will reach the Montmartre funicular to reach the Montmartre hill. Unless you prefer to wander the small cobbled streets of the neighborhood, until square of the Sacred Heart.Montmartre is full of unusual places that recall the rich history of the district. From the Cadet residence, go to the discovery of unusual Montmartre, by following our itinerary or by letting yourself be guided by your steps.

While passing through Paris, would you like to find accommodation where you will feel at home as soon as you arrive? The Cadet residence is made for you! Then book a aparthotel comfortable in the heart of 9th arrondissement of Paris.

Elsewhere, like at home in a comfortable apartment hotel

The motto of the Cadet residence is to create a warm atmosphere and a comfortable living environment that will make you feel at home from the first moment. For this, the Parisian apartment hotel has several strings to his bow.

Studios and apartments with optimal comfort

The Cadet residence counts 23 apartments and studios (including 2 accessible to people with reduced mobility), spread over 5 floors of an Art Deco style building. You will then have the pleasure of staying in a room fully equipped for your well-being: kitchen area, lounge area, quality bedding, air conditioning and heating, private bathroom…

The accommodations can accommodate up to 6 people, and offer you all the privacy and independence you need to fully enjoy your Stay in Paris.

Your tourist residence in the 9th arrondissement of Paris

Ideally located in the 9th arrondissement, and very well served by public transport, the Cadet residence is the ideal pied-à-terre to experience a dream stay in Paris. You will thus be able to limit the fatigue of journeys between historical monuments and tourist sites.

All you have to do is enjoy the highlights of Paris 9, such as the Grands Magasins, the Grands Boulevards, the Folies Bergère, or venture further, to see the beauties of Paris: the Louvre museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Tuileries Gardens, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Orsay Museum, the Avenue des Champs Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter…

Cadet residence offers

At the Cadet residence, everything is done to satisfy the customer, and this also involves Promotional offers ! Depending on your situation, you can then benefit from a preferential rate thanks to the different formulas:

• A 20% reduction beyond 3 nights, and 40% for more than 6 nights;
• A 30% discount if you book at least 30 days in advance;
• A flexible price and free cancellation without fees up to 24 hours before your arrival.

What to do near our aparthotel?

The reservation for your vacation apartment is made, all you have to do is choose the places to visit. Here are some good addresses near the Cadet residence.

Cadet Street

No need to go far to experience the unique atmosphere of Parisian life. At the foot of the hotel, the Cadet Street stretches and offers a village atmosphere, with small shops, cafes and restaurants. For the record, rue Cadet used to be a street where all the rubbish was dumped. The Cadet brothers then decided to use the garbage to fertilize the soil, and thus free what was previously called rue de la Voierie.

Today, rue Cadet is a friendly place where it is pleasant to walk. You can enjoy a delicious thai cuisine at the Funky Ba Street Kitchen restaurant, or enjoy a little treat in one of the best chocolate shops in Paris, The Mother of the Family.

The Garnier Opera

Inaugurated in 1875, the Garnier opera is first of all a building with incredible architecture. It is then a grandiose performance hall, where the room with 1,900 seats, all covered in red velvet, shines with its beauty. You can then visit the Palais Garnier and discover the opulence and luxury of the place.

This national theater, with its spectacular dome and impressive grand staircase, is also the seat of manylyrical and choreographic shows.

The Grévin Museum

The Grévin museum is one of the good places to entertain young and old. After taking advantage of the hotel services at the Cadet residence, go just 400 meters away to discover the very famous wax museum. There, more than 2,000 depictions of celebrities from around the world were exhibited. From the great sportsman to the great singer, including the politician or the writer, all the French’s favorite characters are found there, larger than life, in a maze of wax statues astonishingly realistic.For a stay with family, friends, lovers, or even for work, the aparthotel of the Cadet residence is the ideal place. It provides you with all the comfort you need to recover from your emotions between two visits to Paris.

When traveling, it is always pleasant to be able to stay in accommodation where you feel at home from the first second. In a hotel, this feeling is always difficult to perceive, because it is necessary to comply with the rules imposed by a stay in a simple room. This is why the location of an apartmentis ideal for a short stay in Paris. La Cadet Résidence is just the apartment hotel you need!

Your apartment rental for a short stay in Paris

During a short stay, the room may have some comfort limits, particularly due to the lack of space and the absence of a kitchen area. It is to fill these gaps that the Cadet residence offers you the short-term rental of an apartment in the heart of Paris.

The residence and its rooms

The Cadet residence is an aparthotel with 23 apartments and studios, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Each space, which we call room, is fully equipped, so you can feel at home from the first moment.

Thus, the apartments, spacious and comfortable, can accommodate up to 6 people and have everything you need to live a peaceful daily life: kitchen area, private bathroom, lounge area with sofa and flat-screen TV, sleeping area with high-end bedding, Internet access with unlimited wifi, air conditioning, large storage spaces …

Good to know: two studios are located on the ground floor and accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Services and equipment at the Cadet residence

So that you can fully enjoy your short stay, the Cadet residence provides you with various additional services and equipment. You can therefore access the laundry room, on the ground floor of the residence, with washing machine and dryer, and for families who book a family apartment, we also provide, free of charge and upon reservation, all baby equipment (baby bed, high chair, bottle warmer, etc.).

Finally, to lighten your suitcases and allow you to travel light, each apartment is prepared before your arrival, with a few small touches that make all the difference: set of towels, tea towel, bath mat, toiletries, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper …

A Parisian residence with an exceptional geographical location

Once you have packed your bags, all you have to do is make the most of your short stay in Paris. For this, the Cadet residence is ideally located a stone’s throw from Montmartre and the Opera. Located on a semi-pedestrian street, the hotel immediately immerses you in the Parisian atmosphere of small grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants. Then, you can easily reach all the tourist sites of the capital, on foot or by public transport.

The Department Stores, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and even the Latin Quarter are yours!

What to do during your short stay in Paris?

The short-term rental in the Cadet residence is reserved? All you have to do is plan an itinerary so you don’t miss any of the most beautiful places in Paris. To guide you, here are some ideas for activities close to the hotel.

Go see a show at the Folies Bergère

The 9th arrondissement is an exceptional district to discover the unique atmosphere of Parisian nights. Just a 4-minute walk from the Cadet residence, the Folies Bergères are precisely the perfect place to experience a wild evening.

The history of the Folies Bergère

For the record, the Folies Bergère theater was created in 1869. Its architecture is inspired by the great London performance halls, and its objective is clear: to impress and entertain Parisians. It is here that the music hall will make its appearance, without realizing that it will become the symbol of Parisian life.

Over the years, the theater will experience profound changes, both architecturally and in terms of the programming of shows. The Art Deco facade is today classified as a historic monument, while the stage has hosted the most extravagant shows and the most traditional revues.

The Folies Bergère today

Initially, the revue de music-hall was the only kind of show given at the Folies Bergère, and even today, it remains the hallmark of the place. The programming is however modernized, but remains a symbol of the French art of living. Tourists and Parisians flock there to attend musicals, one-man shows, but also plays and concerts.

Many great artists have walked the scene from the Folies Bergère (Frank Sinatra, Yves Montand, Dalida, Valérie Lemercier…) and many film scenes are filmed there regularly.

Visit the Grévin Museum

Located on the Grands Boulevards of Paris, the Grévin museum opened its doors in 1882. At the time, without television, the museum’s ambition was to present to the general public the larger-than-life representations of the big names on the French scene, whether political, cultural or even artistic. The wax statues were thus erected, and the success was such that today, more than 2,000 celebrities have been exhibited at the Grévin museum.

Just 400 meters from the Cadet hotel, the museum invites you to stroll through its aisles, discovering the big French and international names who have made history in one way or another. You will also see some reconstructions of significant events, such as the assassination of Marat, or the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.

One thing is sure, you will be surprised to find yourself face to face with your favorite stars and celebrities.For a short stay in Paris, the Cadet residence offers you the pleasure of feeling at home from the moment you arrive. All you have to do is take full advantage of Paris and all its treasures.

The Louvre Museum opened its doors almost 230 years ago in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, and today remains the most visited museum in France. With nearly 10 million visitors per year, this Parisian emblem with its famous glass pyramid has something to appeal to lovers of art and history. But do you know in detail the origins of this Parisian museum? Focus on 9 little-known facts about history of the Louvre museum.

Palace, museum, fortress… The 1001 lives of the Louvre museum

And the Louvre museum was inaugurated in the 18th century, its origins are much older, and the place had many functions before becoming the most famous museum in France. It all begins at the end of the 12th century. At the time, the Louvre was a fortress created by Philippe Auguste with the aim of asserting its power and authority, while ensuring the defense of the city.

The building was then small, then the fortified castle underwent numerous expansions until the 14th century, when it became the Royal residence of Charles V, then of Francis I. The medieval construction gradually gave way to a more modern Louvre palace, and it was Henry IV who added the Tuileries garden to it.

In the 17th century, King Louis XIV decided to establish his main residence in the Château de Versailles, and it was only a century later that the Louvre Palace would be transformed into a museum. Before that, many kings made changes to the royal palace, such as Napoleon III, Louis XIII, or even Charles by the architect Pierre Lescot.

The works of the Louvre: a collection created well before the inauguration of the museum

The walls of the Louvre were not the only ones to be born well before the inauguration of the museum, because the art collection also had its beginnings before the end of the 18th century. Indeed, long before the project saw the light of day, many pieces were already kept by the kings of France, dating back to the Renaissance. Marked by an interest in art and beautiful things, they loved acquire beautiful pieces to decorate their interior or to create collections.

King Louis XII, like Francis I, for example, particularly liked the works of Leonardo da Vinci, to the point of protecting the artist and his works. Purchases of works of art have thus fluctuated over the centuries, until it was decided to exhibit in a museum the most beautiful pieces of the crown collection. 

The Louvre Museum was not always called that

History of the Louvre museum was not at all a smooth river, and the developments were numerous, often influenced by the national context, such as the French Revolution and the world wars. Among the interesting anecdotes concerning the museum, it is surprising to learn that the Louvre Museum was occasionally renamed by Napoleon I. Indeed, the emperor always showed his interest in the building, even before his coronation in 1804. A major player in the developments of the museum, he even went so far as to change its name, to call it “Bonaparte museum“.

Building on his numerous campaigns around the world, he managed to requisition a multitude of pieces for the museum’s collection. In 1815, upon his fall, he was forced to return part of the works, but still managed to keep some of them.

From a few hundred to tens of thousands of works

Open since 1793, the Louvre museum has never stopped growing and welcoming new works. Thus, if the building had nearly 700 rooms (including 500 paintings) when it opened, it now has more than 500,000 pieces, of which 35,000 are on display, from painting to sculpture, including architecture and engraving.

Over time, the Louvre collection opens up to other eras and other civilizations, covering the different art forms of Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, from Antiquity to the 19th century.

Among the greatest works, we find The Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, and the Victory of Samothrace.

The statue of Aïn Ghazal: the oldest piece in the Louvre

The Louvre Museum’s art collection covers a vast period of our history, but the oldest piece was found in Jordan, and dates from over 9,000 years old. It’s here statue of Aïn Ghazal, built 7,000 years before our era, which ranks as the oldest of the works of the Louvre.

This white plaster sculpture, more than a meter high, is on display in the department of Near Eastern antiquities. Other similar statues have been discovered, but most of them are on display at the Jordan Museum, Jordan.

A story marked by the theft of the Mona Lisa

Lovers of detective novels have probably already read several books setting their plot on the flight of the Mona Lisa. It must be said that this emblematic work attracts curiosity and desire. But this scenario is not fictitious, because Leonardo da Vinci’s work was indeed stolen in 1911 from the Louvre museum.

In August 1911, an artist noticed that the Carré salon was empty, Mona Lisa had disappeared! The investigation will be tedious, going so far as to incriminate Pablo Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire. It was only in 1913 that it was discovered that the Mona Lisa had been stolen by an Italian glazier, who had taken advantage of work in the museum to steal the work. Since Louvre Museum is in the Guinness World Records: the seat of the most precious object ever stolen.

Works preserved during the Second World War

In times of unrest and war, collector’s items often die hard. Highly coveted, they are often the subject of searches and kidnapping. The Louvre Museum is no exception, and to avoid too great losses during the First World War, several works were moved to the south of the country. But the evacuation was even more impressive during the Second World War, where nearly 3,700 works were transported to several castles in France, and in particular the Château de Chambord, in Loir-et-Cher.

As for the remaining pieces in the Louvre museum, less precious or too fragile to be moved, they have been protected in basements, while the building was barricaded with sandbags. Throughout the war, the movements of the Germans were scrupulously monitored, in order to avoid any bombing of the Louvre museum.

The museum with multiple records

With such a history, such success and such works within it, the Louvre Museum has been included in the Guinness World Records several times:

• Most visited museum in the world, with 10 million entries in one year;
• The most precious object ever stolen, with the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911;
• The largest art museum in the world, with 243,000 m² of surface area (360,000 m² including gardens), and exhibition rooms covering 73,000 m²;
• The largest palace, now operated as a museum.

The Louvre pyramid, the 3rd most popular work in the museum

When we think of the Louvre, we think of the thousands of works on display, but we also think of the famous glass pyramid. And for good reason, it represents the 3rd most appreciated work by visitors to the Louvre Museum.

Built in 1981, on the initiative of François Mitterrand, the pyramid of Louvre modernizes the museum with its 21 meter high structure made up of 673 glass diamonds.

These unusual information about the Louvre museum will make you see this Parisian museum differently. Then book a room at the Cadet residence, and take the time to rediscover the Louvre Museum by soaking up its history.

During a trip to Paris, if you don’t want to miss any of the biggest sites and monuments, you will need several days ahead of you, and long hours of walking await you. If you have neither the time nor the courage to do everything on foot, a very pleasant alternative is available to you: the visit to Paris by barge or bus. We’ll take you.

Visit Paris by double-decker bus

The double decker bus is almost part of the Parisian cliché. We see tourists, comfortably seated, discovering all the most beautiful monuments of the capital without moving from their seats. This unusual visit appeals to you? Here are the details.

Why choose the bus to visit Paris?

The double-decker bus is the ideal means of transport to discover Paris without too much effort and in just a few hours. The double-decker, open-top bus allows you to circulate in the streets of the capital and get as close as possible to the emblematic monuments of Paris. The tourist is then free to explore the places at their own pace at each stop, without worrying about public transport, traffic, or long hours of walking, and to enjoy enriching audio commentary.

The different tourist bus companies in Paris

It’s decided, you’re going to climb into a double-decker bus to visit the capital? All you have to do is choose the company that will guide you in the footsteps of the great Parisian monuments.

Paris OpenTour 

The yellow and blue double-decker bus Paris OpenTour runs between 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. from April to October, and until 6:30 p.m. the rest of the year. The bus tour is structured around 3 different circuits:

• The blue line runs alongside all unmissable monuments(Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées, Invalides, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral…);
• The long white line left bank of the Seine (boulevard du Montparnasse, Catacombes, Pont-Neuf, Saint-Germain-des-Prés…);
• The red line walks the streets of the right bank of the Seine(the Moulin Rouge, République, Montmartre…).

Big Bus Paris

These red buses are part of the oldest company in Paris tourist buses. The complete tour lasts 2 hours 15 minutes, and makes 11 stops at the biggest tourist sites: Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars, Opéra Garnier, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadéro…

Running from 9:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., the Big Bus Paris also offers a night tour, to see the illuminated monuments.

Foxity Sightseeing Tour

The bus Foxity stood out with a different concept, where the classic circuit was done without any stops. Today, to face competition, the company now offers stops at nerve centers in the capital.

The bus tour starts at the Eiffel Tower, and the route is very similar to that of the Big Bus. Like them, they also offer a it goes around at night.

Visit Paris by barge

Does the idea of ​​the bus not seem original enough to you? To fully experience the Parisian cliché, go to a barge for a sightseeing cruise on the Seine.

What do you see from a barge in Paris?

The advantage of Paris is that the city is crossed by the Seine, and all the emblematic monuments are visible from the river. By boarding a boat, you are sure not to miss anything, and to have a unique point of view. The walks on the Seine are organized day and night, and circulate around the essential sites: Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Notre-Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe…

Practical advice for a discovery cruise in Paris

The river cruise on the Seine is one of the most popular tourist attractions. You only need to see the number of boats circulating on the Parisian canals to understand the enthusiasm of tourists. It must be said that the offer is varied, ranging from a beautiful, simple stroll to a gourmet cruise with a gourmet meal, including a cruise with stops.

Whatever your desires, take the time to compare offers and cruise companies, to choose your tour and your boat: barges, riverboats, wheel boats, panoramic boats… So remember to book your tickets in advance and, if necessary, check accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

What is the route of a cruise ship in Paris?

Depending on the cruise lines, the boarding location may vary (Île de la Cité, Pont de l’Alma, Pont Neuf, port de la Bourdonnais, etc.). On the other hand, the circuit is the same for everyone, and lasts on average 1 hour. You will therefore see the same Parisian monuments. Only the Canauxrama company differs, with a passage in front of the replica of the Statue of Liberty.

The different Parisian cruise companies

If the boat circuit on the Seine is the same for everyone, the cruise lines know how to differentiate themselves with innovative offers. For a boat trip in Paris, here are the 6 main companies:

• The Bateaux Parisiens company: the 13 panoramic boats have been offering a classic tour or a dinner cruise since 1956. You can climb onto the upper deck to offer yourself a breathtaking view while the audio guide in 14 languages ​​accompanies you throughout the walk;
• The company of Vedettes du Pont Neuf: created since 1959, this company stands out for its audio commentary, which is given by a guide on the boat, and whose words are translated into English in real time, for better interaction;
• The company of the Vedettes de Paris : this company stands out for its traditional and smaller boats, with a “glass of champagne” option. More intimate, this boat offers audio commentary in 3 languages ​​(French, Spanish and English);
• The Bateaux Mouches company : this legendary company from 1949 is a true institution. Welcoming up to 1,000 people, the riverboats offer very regular departures;
• The Paris Canal company: this company stands out by offering a longer circuit, passing through the Saint-Martin canal, to the Parc de la Villette;
• The Canauxrama company : offering walks on the Parisian canals, this company has an on-board guide (English and French), a snack bar and a bar. Please note, the boats do not run every day.

Do you dream of seeing Paris differently? There boat trip and the hop-on hop-off bus tour are perfect for discovering all the most beautiful monuments of Paris in just a few hours.