The 14 best castles in and around Paris

This planned park is beautiful and well used. I wish we’d had a picnic here, but we found it while walking off lunch. I recommend enjoying a lovely and relaxing afternoon here.

I’m so glad I made time to visit the Petit Palais during my trip to Paris. The building itself is stunning, with breathtaking architecture that feels like a work of art before you even step inside. The museum’s collection is equally impressive, featuring pieces by Monet as well as masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age and beyond. What amazed me most is that admission is completely free, and the wait to enter was minimal. I spent over two hours exploring the galleries and could have easily stayed longer. It’s a wonderful mix of grandeur, history, and artistic treasure. The Petit Palais truly feels like one of Paris’s hidden gems, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.

A huge and spectacular building, recently restored and beautifully enhanced. The spaces are bright, spacious, and welcoming — perfect for a relaxed visit. The exhibition is truly enjoyable, featuring original and playful works that can capture the attention even of those who aren’t art experts. An interesting and well-organized experience — highly recommended!

While we were in Paris, we visited the Domaine National du Palais-Royal, and it truly felt like a hidden gem right in the heart of the city. The gardens are peaceful and beautifully maintained, offering a picturesque escape from the bustling streets. The historic architecture and iconic black-and-white columns make it a perfect spot for photos and a quiet stroll. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re planning to go to the Louvre Museum—it’s just next door! I would have given it five stars if there were a few more amenities like cafes or clearer signage, but overall, it’s a lovely experience.

Extraordinary visit to the French parliament with an extended overview of this beautiful monument close to all citizens. Fantastic guide with detailed explanation and a huge chance to see l'hémicycle. Something you don't see everyday. Simply outstanding. Thank you for this great opportunity.

Élysées Palace is an exquisite luxury hotel located just steps from the iconic Champs-Élysées. This opulent establishment combines classic Parisian elegance with modern comforts, making it a premier choice for discerning travelers. The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, offering a blend of sophistication and comfort, with many featuring stunning views of the city. Guests can indulge in exceptional amenities, including a world-class spa and a fitness center. Dining at Élysées Palace is a highlight, with its renowned restaurants offering a range of culinary delights. The elegant ambiance, paired with attentive service, ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re in Paris for business or leisure, Élysées Palace provides a tranquil haven amidst the vibrant city, with easy access to shopping, cultural sites, and entertainment.

🥖 Welcome to Marché Bastille: Paris’ Most Lively Open-Air Pantry When you stroll through this market and catch the scents of cheese, spices, and freshly baked baguettes, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re stepping into the soul of Parisian daily life. Held every Thursday and Sunday, the Marché Bastille stretches along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, between Place de la Bastille and Gare de Lyon. At first glance, it might seem like just another colorful market, but the ground you’re walking on hides layers of unexpected stories. 🧩 A Hidden Canal Beneath Your Feet Most people don’t realize that the very boulevard hosting this market was once part of the Canal Saint-Martin, an underground waterway. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1810, the canal was built to improve Paris’ water supply and transport goods more efficiently. In time, sections of the canal were covered as the city modernized, and a boulevard was constructed on top—creating space for parks, sidewalks, and this vibrant market. So when you’re selecting oysters or tomatoes, just imagine: you’re standing above what used to be a water route filled with boats carrying wine and wheat into the heart of Paris. 🍅 The Chefs' Little-Known Secret While many assume that Parisian chefs only shop at the massive wholesale market of Rungis, some actually sneak into Marché Bastille on quiet Sunday mornings. If you arrive before 9am, you might spot someone in a plain coat with a food tote bag, quietly inspecting duck legs, goat cheese, or rare herbs. He may not look like much, but chances are—he’s the chef of a nearby bistro, sourcing his ingredients before the crowds arrive. Watch how they sniff, press, and discuss with vendors—it’s like witnessing a secret ritual. For these chefs, ingredients are more than food—they’re faith. 🧀 That Cheese Seller Might Be a National Legend Among the stalls, you might notice a sign that reads “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (MOF). It doesn’t mean “Best Cheese of France”—it means the person has earned one of the highest honors for craftsmanship in the country. To win this title, a cheesemonger must go through rigorous testing in taste, knowledge, aging, and pairing. If you spot one at this market, you’re not buying from a vendor—you’re buying from a cheese artisan as celebrated as a Michelin-starred chef. This is something even local tour guides might forget to mention. 🪶 Victor Hugo’s Invisible Shadow The Marché Bastille sits in the symbolic shadow of the former Bastille prison, the infamous site stormed during the French Revolution. Nearby lived Victor Hugo, the famed author of Les Misérables. For him, this area represented the tension between the powerful and the poor—a struggle he echoed throughout his novels. Today, that same contrast lives on in a more peaceful form: a market built for ordinary people, selling food, not fear. The poetry of revolution has faded, but the revolutionary spirit of daily life remains. 🥖 Tips for a Truly Local Experience Wake up early—before 8am if you can. That’s when the real Parisian rhythm unfolds. The first hour of the market is quieter, more authentic. Cash is king here—but avoid big bills. Vendors appreciate coins and small notes. Before buying, walk the entire length of the market. Locals always do one “tour” first, comparing freshness and prices before making any decision. Don’t just buy produce. Sit down at one of the ready-to-eat food stalls—try North African roasted chicken, couscous, or a slice of quiche that rivals many cafés. Ask questions. Even with basic French or gestures, the vendors are usually proud and passionate about what they sell. Many will share cooking tips or stories with a smile.

The energy given out by the crew is just amazing. Coming here with my family is always a pleasure and the food is fresh and very tasty. Make sure to try the crepes that are homemade by the chefs 😊

Massive, never ending, full of treasures to dig thru. Lots of antiques, art & just fun to find stuff! Loved all the antique books, stationery & paper goods stands! So fun!

Best place for sunday Brunch

Great place for a short outing. Take a picnic blanket and enjoy the peacocks and other birds. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and the playground is small but nice.

Beautiful location, hosts the OECD Headquarters. It was really nice to enjoy the park during the conference.