1 . Initially it was a Christian temple

In the year 508, on this hill, King Clovis built a basilica as tribute to the apostles, and it was meant to house his remains after his death, as well as his wife´s and those of Saint Genevieve. Later, when King Louis XV was gravely ill he sent for the construction, in 1744, of a prestigious monument dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve, since he believed the saint had cured him. It was also done as a way of earning goodwill among the citizens and have a monument that would symbolize his time as King. This is why it was first known as a Christian church.

2 . It turned into a civilian monument after the Revolution

After all the changes that took place in France after the French Revolution, this building also changed into a place of civilian use. Victor Hugo was the first literary figure to be buried there in 1885. It must be said that this building, as well as all transformations it went through, had strong political motivations that remain even today. Its main purpose now is to house the remains of people who made important contributions to the French ideals, from the sciences (with Pierre and Marie Curie) to literature (with Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, among others), and philosophy and politics (with Voltaire and Rousseau) just to mention a few. There are even some modern political figures such as Simone Véil, a defender of women’s rights and the European Project. The President of the Republic is the one who decides who gets to rest for eternity in the Panthéon.

3 . It was a technical achievement of its time

The giant, 15,000 ton dome is made up of three different stone domes on top of each other, one inside the other; they all rest on four pillars and it is a technical and mathematical achievement for its time. It mixes Greek temples, Christian sanctuaries, and humanism. It was a creation of architect Jacques-Germain Sufflot, who was a leading edge figure during the Age of Enlightenment. Sufflot was one of the first people to study the Greek temples remaining in the south of Italy and breaking with the ornamental traditions of his time.

4 . The Foucault Pendulum is found inside

Léon Foucault is a French physicist who was authorized in 1851 to set up a pendulum that hangs from the dome and demonstrates that Earth rotates on its own axis. This instrument is located in the center of the building and allows us to witness how the pendulum isn’t really turning but is the earth the one that rotates. To see this there are markings around a circle that signal how the position of the pendulum changes a certain number of degrees every hour, according to a quadrant. Fans of math and physics will enjoy this.

5 . You can go all the way to the top

Between April and October, and paying an extra fee of 3€, you can access the outside columns of the Panthéon in Paris. There are 206 steps and it is done in three separate flights of stairs, same thing for going down.

After the first flight you can see the inside from above, the insides of the Panthéon and its amazing proportions. Then you can access a mezzanine that will give you interesting views of the Rue Soufflot, the rooftops of Paris, and the Eiffel Tower. Lastly, if you go through a pair of slightly hidden doors (you can see them from the ground floor) you get to the outside columns where you get a 360° view of Paris. We highly recommend it.

Important fact: Who was Saint Genevieve?

Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris, she was an impassioned Christian, often described as a peasant who became part of history towards the end of the Roman domination. In the year 451 Genevieve urged the people to pray and resist the Huns that were circling Lutetia. Thanks to her, Attila is defeated. When she died, in 502, she was buried close by, on top of that famous hill which was considered a sacred place and the center of the city.

Above her grave there was erected a small oratory that became a place of pilgrimage. In the year 508, King Clovis has a basilica built, as a tribute to the apostles, in the same place as the oratory and asks that he be buried next to the Saint who inspired his decision to change the capital of the Kingdom to Lutetia.

She is closely tied to the history of France and precedes Joan of Arc. Just like her, Genevieve represents the ideals of freedom and resistance that the Third Republic advocated for at the end of the Siege of Paris, this is why she is such an important figure within the Panthéon, in the main fresco inside the dome she is immortalized next to kings and emperors.

A suggestion by Descubre Paris:

Whether or not you have time to go inside the Panthéon in Paris, we suggest you find the benches that the City Hall has placed around the building. Some are giant slabs of stone and others are wooden benches carved with the names of 200 women who have made important contributions to different areas of knowledge but erased by history. You can take a little break by the Sorbonne, the city hall for arrondissement 5 and, of course, the beautiful architecture of the Panthéon.

Practical information for visiting the Panthéon in Paris:

This is some good information to have, remember that it may change due to events being held at the Panthéon. For more information go to the official website.

Location: Place du Panthéon, arrondissement 5, at one end of the Luxembourg Gardens.

Schedule: open every day from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., except on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Between April and October it remains open until 6:30 p.m.

Price: Adult access costs 11.50€. It is free of charge for people under 18 year of age, and for people between the ages of 18 -25 who are residents of the European Union and people with disabilities with one attendant.

Access to the top part of the Panthéon will be 3€ extra and the audio guide is also 3€.

Access: You can get there by metro, Line 10, the RER B, or by bus with routes 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85, and 89. Get our ready-to-download Detailed Guides, available in our online shop, so you can enjoy your Paris visit without wasting any time.

Paris is waiting for you.

A bientôt

The post 5 Things You Need to Know About the Panthéon appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.

Some brands are well known outside of France, in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, just to name a few. In these countries these products would be very expensive, but in France they are pretty affordable. The difference is astounding.

Here we will share some tricks and two of the cheapest drugstores in Paris, because not everything has to be monuments, art, and history lessons.

1 . What can you find in a Paris Drugstore

In French drug stores you can find over-the-counter medicine (like cold medicine), acetaminophen, band aids and everyday things that you may need just in case. They also sell prescription medicine, homeopathic drugs, and, lastly, some skincare and beauty products for babies and grown ups: sunscreen, moisturizer, liquid soap, shampoo, body scrubs, serums, etc. It’s a whole universe. It’s a whole universe.

2 . Any place in France will be cheaper than outside of France

It doesn’t matter if you can´t go to the cheaper ones in Paris, if you can make a quick stop at any drugstore and buy anything that might be necessary to you, do it. Remember to be mindful about the weight of your bags. Sometimes we can go a little crazy over the prices and variety of products.

But it really is worth it, and it is even cheaper that in some other countries in Europe like Germany or Spain. It happened to me with an Avene sunscreen that I forgot to buy before my trip and I had to get it in Spain for 5€ more than I would have paid in France.

3 . Be patient

There are tourists everywhere, just like you, who come here to save on their skincare products. Often these two drug stores we will tell you about will be very full. Try to get to them early when they open. Try to get to them early when they open.

4 . Think about the weight of what you buy

Remember that you have a limited number of bags; unless you are planning on getting an extra bag to fill with you new goodies you will have to be careful and clever with how you distribute luggage weight. We want you to be conscious of this because many visitors have gotten carried away and then when they have to pay for the extra luggage they realize they didn’t actually get to save that much.

5 . Customer advisers are there to help you, but also to make sales:

We have to tell it like it is and the advisers or sales people in these drugstores have commissions that they have to work for, and hit a certain number of promotion sales, sometimes even paid for by the brands. This is normal. But I think it is important to be aware of it. There is helping and there is selling. Some sales people speak several languages and will be able to help you find what you want, but they will follow up with “have you heard of this better product?” And the thing is, it’s actually true! The products of Avene, La-Roche-Posay, Uriage, which are so popular in Latin America, are mainly known for sun protection and not for their skin care and anti-ageing properties. They will always try to upsell you other products with other prices and stronger formulas. We are not saying this is bad, we just want you to be aware so you feel more comfortable saying to the sales people that you don’t want or can´t buy what they suggest, or if, on the other hand, you are looking to find new brands. There are plenty of great brands like Sanoflore, Caudalie, Patyka, Filorga.

So, finally, the two cheapest drug stores in Paris:

1 . CityPharma

A couple of steps away from Saint-Germain, you can find one of the cheapest drug stores

in the corner of Rue Bonaparte and Rue du Four. It is always very busy due to their very compelling prices, and even though they have tried expanding it always fills up fast. Our recommendation is to go early in the morning and have a clear plan of what you are looking for.

The entrance floor has all the skincare and the other floors have other products.

About Détax or Tax-Free Shopping: what we have been told about this drugstore is that tax-free shopping doesn’t apply to all products and needs to be processed the day of purchase. To ask for it you will absolutely need your passport. In another entry we will explain about this interesting trick for those of you looking to do much shopping.

Practical information:

Address: 26 Rue du Four 75006

Métro: Line 10, Mabillon stop and Line 4 Saint-Germain-des-Prés stop.

Hours: During Summer, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. During Winter, open until 8:15 p.m.

Website: CityPharma

NOTE: The building where you can find CityPharma went into reparations, but the drug store remained open.

2 . Pharmacie Monge

This drug store is located in the Plaza Monge, in arrondissement 5, just outside of the metro station, Line 7, Place Monge. The prices are also very compelling, but perhaps the most interesting thing about this one is that it is open day and night. Yes! All night, and some Sundays according to the on-call drugstore schedule (there are some that have to be open through Sundays.) The staff is very friendly.

About Détax or Tax-Free Shopping: it is possible to get tax-free shopping done here and they process it themselves, which is why you have to be patient and wait for the paperwork to get done, if not you´ll have to go through the Tax Exemption Booth at the airport. You will absolutely need your passport. In another entry we will explain about this interesting trick for those of you looking to do much shopping.

Practical information:

Address: 1 Place Monge 75005.

Metro: Line 7, Place Monge station and Bus 47, Monge stop.

Hours: 24 hours! From 00:00 to 23:59. Hours: 24 hours! Except on the Sundays when it has to open, approximately two Sundays per month.

Website: CityPharma

We hope this information will be helpful to you on your trip. We want you to make the most of your stay in Paris. Don´t forget to check out all the other articles we´ve written for you on our blog.

Paris awaits…

À bientôt!

The post Shopping in Paris´s Drugstores appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.

1.It had a tumultuous past

This mythical and harmonious square was commissioned by Louis XIV and gets its name from the landowner at the time, César de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, a natural son of Henry IV. Initially it was a rectangular plaza, with a statue of the monarch on a horse in its center. The square became what it is today as different buildings were erected around; high-end buildings where rich noblemen lived.

During the Revolution, the statue of Louis XIV was torn down. 20 years later Napoleon had a column built of 44 meters (144 feet), made with the molten lead from the canyons taken at enemy lines at the Battle of Austerlitz. In 1871, during the Paris Commune, the column was torn down by the initiative of the painter Gustave Coubert (who decided to exile himself to avoid repaying for the column). Today we can see a replica of the last version of the column.

2.It carries an iconic bejeweled history

This square has a strong tradition of jewelry making dating back to 1700. Back then Chaumet was already settled here and creating jewels for the courts of Europe (he was the official jeweler for Empress Joséphine.) Later came Boucheron in 1858 and after that Van Cleef & Arples, Mauboussin, Mikimoto with its pearls, and the Italian Bulgari. Jewelry stores can also be found along the iconic Rue de la Paix, where you can find the famous Cartier Boutique, and across the plaza, on Rue Saint-Honoré, where you can also find Buccellati

Today you can also find master watchmakers like Rolex, Piaget, Patek Philippe and Hublot among others, as well as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton.

3.It houses a deluxe hotel, which further recognized it as a Luxury location

It is considered one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the world, the Hotel Ritz was created by the Swiss hotelier César Ritz, who wanted to create a hotel with all the magnificence fit for a Prince (quite the ambition!) This building cemented the vocation of this iconic plaza.

It opened its doors in 1898, and it quickly became a hotel for famous writers, politicians, artists, intellectuals, designers, tycoons, and different personalities.

Marcel Proust observed Parisian society from this hotel and wrote most of his work from there. Coco Chanel lived there until her death. Ernest Hemingway made it his general headquarters during his stays in Paris; one of the bars was even named after him.

The Ritz was one of the last stops of Lady Di and her boyfriend Dodi-Al Fayed (whose father owned the hotel) before dying in Pont de l’Alma, on August 30th 1997.

4.It hides some interesting facts

• Frédéric Chopin lived and died in this plaza, where you can currently find Chaument (number 12 in the plaza). Sometimes, a few privileged clients of the jeweler get the pleasure of being invited to a private concert at Master Chopin´s old house.
• It is said that Coco Chanel was inspired by the shape of this plaza to design her famous Première watch. if you don´t know it yet, here it is.
• This square is also famous for its sober but very photogenic Chirstmas lights.

  

• Some of the storefronts of these famous jewelry houses are used in publicity and advertising, in elaborate set ups, such as the giant sun that adorned the Louis Vuitton Boutique almost two years ago, which was a reference to the Sun King (le Roi Soleil). An impeccable work by L’Atelier Anthem.

  

• The square has 158 arches, and in each one of them there is a distinctly different mask. they were all made by the same sculptor (the details really make a difference.)
• The Place Vendôme has appeared in countless fashion catalogues. it often serves as a background for fashion photo shoots. It has appeared in movies, music videos and thousands of pictures with celebrity sightings.

This square is one of our favorite places, it is an open space, harmonious and with luxury items all around. Make sure to walk around the storefronts and arches, remember, window shopping is free.

This plaza can be found in our Detailed Travel Guides Descubre Paris of 3, 4, and 5 days; or we can include it in a Personalized Travel Guide.

A bientôt.

The post Four things you need to know about the Place Vendôme in Paris appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.

1. It was built to house the Crown of Thorns of Christ (and 22 other relics):

To gain its name of Sainte, this chapel had to be built to house relics. This is the case of this surprising chapel, commissioned by King Louis IX of France to keep Christ’s Crown of Thorns and also his collection of 21 other relics he had collected. The political reasoning of Saint Louis, who was a very pious king, was to make France the new Christian capital, competing with cities like Rome.

Check this out: Today no relics remain in the place. The Crown of Thorns (or what remains of it) and the Shirt of Saint Louis are now part of the Treasure of Our Lady of Paris (Notre-Dame de Paris). After the fire at Notre-Dame, the relics were moved to the Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois church, behind the Louvre Museum. They can be visited only the first Fridays of each month and every Friday during Lent at 3:00 p.m.

2. It has two chapels, upper and lower:

The lower chapel is the one that welcomes in visitors (along with the boutiques and gift shops) and seems to be almost like a vault at 23 ft (7 meters) high, held by multiple columns. To the left of the entrance you can find the stairs that will lead you to the upper chapel, where you can witness the play of light, colors, and architecture of this beautiful building.

Check this out: The columns in the upper chapel represent the twelve apostles, pillars of the church of Christ.

3. It counts with 1,113 stained glass windows that narrate episodes of the Bible:

Starting with Genesis to the Apocalypse. Even King Louis IX is represented in one of them. Suggestion: when you arrive, look for the informational cards that are available in several languages for visitors. This will help you better understand the stories behind the stained glass windows. Try to look at them from a distance to better appreciate them.

Check this out: the rosette in the back represents the Apocalypse and was renovated in 1490. During that time renovation meant “keeping up with trends”, therefore certain parts of the building weren’t actually being restored. They were updated to resemble the architectural trend of that time, which was Gothic Flamboyant (this meant flame shapes or fire), and not the original Gothic Rayonnant (referring to strong lines coming out of the center, creating rays of light) which you will likely see at Notre-Dame.

4. The best time to visit is the morning:

Try to get there early since this building, due to its diminutive size, fills up very quickly. Hopefully you get to see the sunlight through the stained glass windows brightening up the space. Imagine it is 1248 and the floor is white, which further reflected the colors of the windows creating an even more…heavenly atmosphere. The visit will take you 45 minutes to an hour. Because the monument is inside the Palace of Justice you will have to go through the corresponding security checks. A lot of people don´t get to see this monument because they get discouraged by the queues outside, remember that it is a small place, but if you get there early you will have no trouble, and it is very much worth the effort.

5. You can buy a bundled ticket to visit the Conciergerie as well:

A few feet away from the entrance to the Sainte Chapelle you will find the Conciergerie which preserves some of the ancient vestiges of the Palace de la Cité and medieval housing for the kings of France. During the French Revolution it served as prison (that is where Marie Antoinnete was held before being sent to the guillotine). Today it also functions as the Palace of Justice and has a building for the Correctional Police. Some wonder why they should pay to visit a church, but this is really a museum with the name of a church, since there is no religous worship inside.

Suggestion: when purchasing your ticket, think about if you’d like to also visit the Conciergerie. The regular ticket to visit the Sainte Chapelle costs 10€ and the Conciergerie costs 9€. If you buy the bundle you will pay 15€ for both (saving 4€).

This building, inspired by the vision of New Jerusalem, is part of our detailed guide Discover Paris in 4 Days which you can get here.

BONUS: You will likely leave through the Palace of Justice, through a big portal of black and golden gates. If that is the case, turn immediately to your left and walk to the corner so you can see the clock tower and in it in the first public clock in Paris. A jewel from 1370.

You can also read our article about the Top 5 churches in Paris.

Address:
Sainte-Chapelle
8, boulevard du Palais
75001 Paris
Metro Cité, Line 4

The schedule for the Sainte Chapelle are:
⦁ From January 2nd to March 31st: Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.
⦁ From April 1st to September 30th: Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.
⦁ From October 1st to December 31st: Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m
⦁ Last entrance: half an hour before closing time.

Paris awaits!

A bientôt.

The post 5 Things You Should Know About the Sainte Chapelle appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.

Europe’s chocolate production uses cocoa beans that come from Central America, South America, Africa and Asia. In Paris, you’ll find all sorts of different chocolates to fit every mood and craving, but at Discovering Paris we decided to do a little research of our own, working on (and tasting!) different chocolatiers work to provide you with the best chocolates in Paris.

LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT: Elegance

The House of Chocolate presents a timeless collection of chocolate confections, characterized by their elegance and delicate balance. We were pleasantly surprised by the Quito (like the Ecuadorian capital) with its smooth and delicate filling. We also enjoyed the Vanilla Bourbon; you’ll sense the vanilla taking over as the chocolate melts in your mouth.

You can feel that a sense of tradition and attention to details are at the heart of this maison. It was founded 40 years ago by Robert Linxe, inspired by haute couture maisons. This brands deserves a place in our list of the best chocolates in Paris.

We visited their boutique at Rue François 1er in the 8th arrondissement and fell in love, because it is end-to-end Parisian chic. We were able to discover the Brand, its principles and even sneak a taste of their wonderful chocolate-filled macarons. Their passion fruit macaron can only be described as an explosion of flavor. They also make delicious pralines and truffles (even champagne flavored ones!). Maison du Chocolat has made its way into the international market setting up boutiques in New York, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Macao, Seoul and Kuwait.

Prices: As they vary between chocolates, pastries and other confections the following information is simply an example: a box of 14 chocolates is priced at around 18€.

Address: We visited their boutique at 52 Rue François 1er, Paris 75008. Open Monday- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (20h) To check out their other addresses take a look at their website:

Website: www.lamaisonduchocolat.fr

PIERRE MARCOLINI: AUTHENTICITY

Marcolini is an expert Belgian chocolatier with Italian roots who found his passion for cacao at a very young age. He is also known for being very engaged with sustainable production, which is why he roasts cacao beans in his shop in Brussels (this is not a common practice amongst chocolatiers). They select their plantations carefully and only work with those that do not employ children.

Out of their collection the Venezuela really stood out to us, with its coffee and berry notes. Simply exquisite. Marcolini’s chocolates are the perfect mouthful of intense, authentic aromas perfectly combined with the renowned bitterness of the cocoa bean.

His boutique draws a beautiful contrast between the all-white setting and the different tones of the chocolates showcased around the boutique, as well as his famous macarons.

Prices: Individual chocolate pieces start at 1€.

Address: The shop we visited is located at 235 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001. Hours: Monday -Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (19h30) and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (19h) He has 6 other boutiques in the city.

Website: eu.marcolini.com

JEAN PAUL HÉVIN : PASSION

We came across Jean Paul Hévin’s shop when we were selecting The Best Parisian Macarons for our blog Hévin’s macarons are nothing short of amazing, and his chocolates are up to par. We fell head-over-heels for the Pablino, a sweet and delicious chocolate with a lot of character, its diverse notes allow you to really appreciate the diversity of the high-quality cocoa beans, known as the “grand cru” in French.

The boutique is organized in the style of a chocolate “bar”, with vendors located in the center of the boutique surrounded by all the different chocolates they offer. On one end, you’ll find chocolate bars (both popular in demand as well as those within a more affordable price range); on the other end you’ll find individually sold chocolates pieces, pralinés, macarons, and oh la la… pastries! Jean-Paul Hévin is a passionate pastry chef with a profound love for chocolate and heavily influenced by Japanese culture, a true example of balance, discipline, and quality. That’s why we put them in our list of the best chocolates in Paris.

Prices: Set of 12 chocolates for 15.50€. Chocolate bars start at 3.90€.

Address: We visited two boutiques: 41 Rue de Brétagne 75003 and 108-231 Rue Saint-Honoré 75001 (near Place Vendôme). Hours: Both open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (19h30)

Website: www.jeanpaulhevin.com

JACQUES GENIN: ORIGINALITY

From the moment you walk into his boutique in Le Marais, Jaques Genin has you wrapped around his finger. One of his most emblematic pieces is the Mint Lover, the minty flavors wrapped around the depth of this dark chocolate piece. Balanced and pleasantly surprising.

The boutique itself is pristine, embodying minimalism and focusing your attention towards the delicious confections that fill the room, presented as if they were precious jewels.

In addition to its intense chocolates, Genin produces (on site) some spectacular candies. We tried a mango with passion fruit and we can tell you that we’re wanting more.

This is, without a doubt a stunning chocolate shop in which you can feel the sense of detail, respect for the ingredients and their original flavors as well their uniqueness. It’s reputation is such that hundreds of tourists, mostly coming from Japan, make the trip to purchase these delicious chocolates; after all, they are only sold in Paris.

Prices: These vary as they are sold by weight (kg).

Address: The boutique we’ve described is on 133 Rue de Turenne, Paris 75003. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (19h00) and until 7:30 p.m. (19h30) on Saturdays.

There is another boutique on 27 rue de Varenne, Paris 75007.

Website: www.jacquesgenin.fr

CHOCOLAT ALAIN DUCASSE: THE PURIST

World-renown Chef Alain Ducasse decided he wanted to produce the chocolates for his restaurants. This led to the creation of La Manufacture by Alain Ducasse in Paris. His chocolates are held to the same rigorous standards he is known for, as well as respecting the essence of the ingredients, all of which are carefully selected and of the highest quality.

From the moment you enter the Manufacture your senses are invaded by a subtle and delicious fragrance.

The concept of a factory, of a manufacture, have been beautifully translated in the décor of the boutique. If you are a devoted chocolate lover, you’ll find yourself right at home with a selection of chocolate in their purest form.

The Madagascar is a chocolate; but it is so much more than that as you can savor the deep flavors obtained as they strive to highlight all of the aromas of the cacao bean. There aren’t any whimsical flavors, however all the chocolates remain very rich in flavour and will have you on a cloud from the first bite. We also tried the Vanilla, and the idea remains the same; the vanilla isn’t there to add or complete the chocolate but rather to exalt it. A unique tasting experience.

The boutique’s team is very friendly, and they took the time to explain every little detail to us, and honestly, we were charmed. Without a doubt, one of the best choclates in Paris.

Prices: 12-piece box set sells for 19€.

Address: There are 9 locations in Paris; we visited the boutique located at the Manufacture itself at 40 Rue de la Roquette, Paris 75010. Hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (19h30). Check their official website for details on opening hours for the other locations.

Website: www.lechocolat-alainducasse.com

Finally, here are a few tips to make the most out of your chocolate tasting (and purchasing!) experience:

• Don’t hesitate to ask the chocolatier or vendors about the percentage of cocoa, fillings, or any other information related to their products. According to the Club de Croqueurs de Chocolats of France, a good chocolatier should be able to answer any and all questions, as they love talking about their product.
• Avoid buying chocolate during the warmest months of the year.
• According to experts, chocolate should be tasted similarly to wine, in different stages, slowly, allowing the taste buds to awaken and indulge, so…take it easy
• To properly store chocolate, choose an airtight container, and keep it in a dry and cool area.
• The ideal temperature to keep chocolate in is between 16°C and 18 °C (61°F-64°)
• Avoid keeping them in the fridge, but if you must make sure to keep them in one of the bottom drawers and pull them out a few hours before tasting.
• When tasting, make sure to start by the pieces that have the lowest concentration of cacao.
• Water is the best choice to pair with chocolates when tasting, as it allows for all of the aromas to fully express themselves in your mouth. However, if they are a little less high-end you can pair them with tea, coffee, or even with a liquor such as cognac or rum.
• Certain chocolates need to be consumed shortly after their purchase, make sure to ask the chocolatier/vendor before you leave the shop!

Chocolate is part of France’s gastronomic patrimonyand of Europe’s Easter traditions. We hope that chocolates lovers (and those that are simply curious as well!) can soon enjoy these wonderful delicacies, made with such care and precision.

We haven’t stopped dreaming and neither should you!

Paris awaits…

The post The best chocolates in Paris appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.

It is time to dream of Europe again. Little by little, each one of the countries in the Old Continent will open back up to normal life after the COVID-19 crisis; first locally, then to other areas of Europe, and finally tourists from other continents will be able to visit. This is the best time to envision and plan the Eurotrip that best suits you.

The best person for organizing your trips is yourself. It doesn´t matter if you´ve never done something like this before. What matters is that you enjoy it (because all trips begin the moment you start planning them), and look for clear and trustworthy information so you can be prepared. Preparation for any situation is the true measure of success for any journey, especially in a post-covid world it is best to avoid mishaps. This is why we wrote this article, a step-by-step guide to envision, creating, and planning your first journey to Europe, your first Eurotrip.

There are many questions that you will need to answer, here we share the 10 main ones you need to consider before organizing your first Eurotrip; along with suggestions on things to keep in mind. Additionally, you can download a free Europe travel planner we’ve created. Go to the end of the article or to de side bar if you’re on your desktop computer, or at the bottom if you are in your mobile phone to get it.

1 . How many days can I travel?

All of your planning will depend on this. Many people only have 15 vacation days, others 20 and some even a month or longer. It depends on work, family, professional commitments or simply budget. In all cases, if you are coming from another continent, you will try to stay as many days as possible, that way you can truly make the most of your “investment” in plane tickets. But remember, the most you can stay in any Schengen territory without a visa is 90 days.

Setting the number of days for your journey will give you a guiding framework for your plan, later in the article we tell you how many days you could spend in each city, but for now you just need to decide overall how many days will your vacation span.

Keep in mind that it will be a whole day of travelling both when arriving and leaving. Transatlantic flights are very long and can be very tiring, especially if you are doing layovers. That is why you should budget them in the amount of days you will be on holiday. For example, if you plan on visiting for 15 days, add two more for the flight days.

2. What time of year should I travel?

The second key question for organizing your first eurotrip is what time of year is best for traveling. We could say that Europe is charming any time, and this is partly true, but again, it depends on: how much you are willing to pay, when you are available to travel (some people can only travel in December, others can choose or negotiate dates), if you are willing to endure the cold in Winter or extreme heat in Summer.
Of course, some seasons are nicer than others, and some are cheaper than others. On our website we explain more about seasons and weather. In our opinion, the best seasons to visit are:

• From May to the end of June: just before Summer, you avoid the peak of the heat which can be pretty exhausting and the high prices of busy seasons.
• Mid-to-end of September through the start of November:the first weeks of September airfare is very expensive (all the international students are arriving in Europe and the Europeans are beginning their vacations) this is why we suggest the second week of September, besides the start of Autumn can be very pretty.

Either way, don´t miss our section Before Your Trip, where we explain how to dress for each season. Even if it´s a guide mainly for Paris, you can use it as a baseline for the rest of European countries.

3. What do I want to visit and for how many days?

There are a lot of things to consider here, mainly your dreams, preferences, priorities and capacities. Traditionally, on the first Eurotrip people visit the main cities (the ones we all dream about) and if there is a second one they add the other cities and more specific tourist attractions.
The most visited European cities are: Paris, Amsterdam, London, Florence, Venice, Berlin, Rome, Barcelona, Brussels, and Madrid. Many choose based on the places they have always wanted to visit, because some cities you really wouldn’t want to miss.

To make choosing easier:

• Make a list of the cities you want to visit (pen to paper, Excel, anything is valid, and remember you can download our free travel planner.
• Find them on a map: maybe on some forgotten world map found in your house or on Google Maps (My Maps is a very good option that allows you to create your own maps where you can highlight the cities you want to go to).
• To visit big capital cities like Paris, London, Rome or Berlin, we suggest scheduling between 4 or 5 days, ideally. This is because one of the days will be “lost” travelling to the next destination. It may sound like an exaggeration, but travelling times in capital cities can be long, especially if you are travelling by plane and need to arrive earlier to the airport. If you also take into account commuting to where you are staying and checking in time really will start flying without you noticing.
• For cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Florence, and Madrid we suggest between 3-4 days. For mid sized cities like Brussels it can be two days and for small towns like Bruges or Venice, 1-2 days.

We suggest this because we believe a good Eurotrip should allow you to take in every city, and if you rush through them it will feel like a marathon and it will leave you exhausted.

You will always miss something. Seeing everything is very hard, but seeing the most important things is completely possible.
Of course, for cities like Paris, it is perfectly possible to visit even in a few hours if you have the right tools. Take a look at our Detailed Travel Guides, designed to visit Paris in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. We calculated and thought everything for you, so you waste no time.

4. How do I make my first itinerary?

Another key question while organizing your first Eurotrip deals with your itinerary. You can make it by hand or in Excel, where you can create a chart with columns for the cities and the corresponding days you want to visit.

We also suggest adding the following information:

• Hotel Nights: this will let you have a clear picture of how many nights will you be actually spending in each city (it will come in handy when budgeting) and how much free time you will have so you don´t rush through your visit.
• Travelling Times: don’t skip this step We all need to take into account the time it will take to move from the airport, train/bus station to our place of lodging and vice versa. Don’t forget to budget in waiting times and early arrivals, if you are flying you need to be at the airport earlier depending on where the airport is located and the type of flight. Flights within Schengen territory are considered local, which means an hour and a half before. For flights outside of European territory you will have to arrive two or even three hours before. We recommend reading our article Everything You Need to Know for a Peaceful Flight from Paris.
• Planned Activities: any activities that are a must-do for you will shape your itinerary. Sometimes we dream with specific activities like a Venice gondola ride, going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting the Palace of Versailles, for example. Doing all of them will take out time from our schedule.
• Remember this is only your first draft, you will be adjusting it and changing it. Maybe add more days in one location, and taking out days from another, this is a work in progress, and that takes time.

5. What documents do I need?

Like we mentioned in our website, in our section Before the Trip, it is fundamental to have these documents ready before any trip.

• Visa: an important step is confirming if you need a visa for the countries you want to visit. For example, the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen territories and now it is also exempt from the European Union, which is why if you want to visit London you will have to request a Visa depending on your country of nationality. Citizens of certain countries may require or not a visa to enter the Schengen Space. For example, the following countries in Latin America do require a visa to enter the Schengen Space: Bolivia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador. Please take a look at the website of the embassy of the country where you wish to stay the most days so you can process your visa.
• If you don’t require a visa you will still have to be able to present the motives of your trip. This means that in migration the authorities could request information regarding your itinerary, hotel reservations, return tickets, and monetary resources during your stay (cash amounts as well as debit and credit information).
• Remember a valid passport, of at least 3 months validity.
• ETIAS Permit: the European Travel Information System will allow European authorities to know beforehand who will be entering Schengen territories. This procedure will be done before the trip, online, and it will cost between 5€ y 7€. Theoretically it will be working starting in 2021.
• Medical Insurance: it is better to have it than to not have it. Although it is not an easy choice to make, take into account factors like coverage and how the insurance will take care of you and your partners in case of any eventuality. Think of it not an expense, but peace of mind. Remember it can be asked in Migration.

6. How to choose lodging?

A thing to consider for your first Eurotrip is how to choose where you will be staying. Experience has taught us that it is very important to consider the type of lodging you´ll want: if you feel comfortable in hostels, and even Couchsurfing (crashing on the couch of someone you don’t know) those can be very affordable solutions. On the other hand, we have AirBnB, traditional hotels, and even staying at a friend´s or relative´s.
There is no universal answer, but we do suggest starting research early and calmly.

What we say to people who write to us is:

• Check out options in Booking.com, Trivago.com, Hostelworld, and AirBnB. We are not saying these are the only or best options, but it will give you an idea on prices, offer and locations. It is a good to go on these sites to get a ballpark idea of how much it would cost for the amount of days, and travelers you will be visiting with.
• Compare locations with Google Maps according to your criteria and needs. In Paris, for example, you can check out this article we wrote on the areas you should avoid.
• Take into consideration how close they are to metro lines and other forms of public transportation: this is very important even if you are staying with friends or family.
• Read the comments on the location of the hotel, hostel or apartment: both negative and positive reviews will give you a good picture of the area.
• If you are considering a Hotel, check out their own website first, they generally have better offers than if you find them through an intermediary.
• Keep this information in mind when creating your budget. It is very important to have a clear idea of your budget to avoid problems and bitter moments later on. You will adjust it little by little until you are certain of your decisions.
• Once you are sure, make the reservation but take a close look at cancelation policies; sometimes paying a little bit more is better in case you may need to cancel (especially taking into account what we learned with the pandemic).
• If you can stay with family or friends: remember that in Europe apartments can be quite small, so have open communication with your host about location, dates and anything else you consider necessary. And last but not least, remember proper manners and civility, they will be key when sharing living quarters. This also applies to couchsurfing and hostels
• If you’re including Paris in your first Eurotrip, you can check on our website the section Choosing your Accommodations.

7. How to move around in Europe?

Europe has a big advantage in that it is very well interconnected: planes, trains, buses, carpooling, and you can also rent cars across countries. Let’s do a little overview on each of these options, particularly what you should avoid or keep in mind:

Planes:

There are many cheap tickets to move across Europe. Here is what we suggest you to consider:

• – Often, the cheapest flights are very early in the morning so if the airport is far away and public transportation is not yet running you will have to get a taxi or Uber to get to the airport, which means an extra cost.
• Some airports are very far away from the cities, such is the case with the Paris-Beauvais Airport, where many of the cheaper flights land. They have an exclusive bus that leaves much earlier from Paris according to your flight time.
• So while flying can be cheap and will save you time, you also have to consider that you need to arrive earlier and this can mean extra time and money.
• Always double-check the names of the airports so you don’t arrive at the wrong place. Cities like Paris, London, Rome, and Berlin have several airports, so keep this in mind.
• The cheaper flights will have little to no extra baggage; most will only allow a very small bag of 10 – 12 kilos (depending on the airline). If you want to carry a bigger bag consider the prices and conditions of each airline, this can affect the final price of your ticket, and of course your budget.

Trains:

The trains in Europe are fantastic, you get to see wonderful views and they are more comfortable than buses or trains. The downside is how long they take, it can take much longer to travel by train. But it is worth considering it and comparing prices. It is actually much easier to take a train downtown in the city you are leaving and arriving downtown to the city you are travelling to (as opposed to travelling by plane, where the airports are so far away from the cities, and this will add costs of travelling fare and travelling time). Things to keep in mind for your frist Eurotrip:

• In Europe trains are very punctual, so make sure you arrive at least half an hour before the official time the train leaves so you have time to look for your assigned wagon.
• Trains have a final destination and make several stops. But these are very short. So don’t risk it by getting off the train, remember that announcements are made in the local language (sometimes also in English) and you may not understand what is being said. So keep alert and if you absolutely need to get off, don´t go too far away.
• Remember the name of your destination station and be ready to get off (personal items ready, coat on, charger in your bag, for example) once the announcements that the station is arriving are aired. Often the train will double back or keep going and you will not have gotten off in time. If you are lost and confused do not be afraid to ask the people around you.
• Night trains are also a good option to save time and money, especially if you are travelling with a group. This website has information on the night trains in Europe: thetrainline.com.

Buses

The bus is a cheap alternative to get from one place to another. There are several companies that cover most of Europe. Here are some things to consider:

• Some people use buses to “save up” on a night at a hotel, they travel at night between cities or countries. This is very good, but consider comfort. We have received several testimonies from DescubreParis.com customers saying they actually arrive completely exhausted to Paris, and then walking and sightseeing leaves them wiped out. 10-hour bus rides can wreak just about anyone’s back. If this is not an issue for you, do it (and if tickets are very affordable consider getting two seats so you can be more comfortable), if not try to leave the bus for relatively short distances, 3-4 hours tops, that way you balance saving money and energy.
• The bus rides make a few stops so passengers and drivers can rest, but they are very short so make sure you are not left behind.
• The best known companies are: Flixbus, BlablaBus or OuiBus y Eurolines.
• Keep in mind that sometimes bus stops are not actual stations or notable buildings, but more like big parking spaces where the buses leave or arrive.
• Don´t forget your personal belongings.

Carpooling

Sharing a ride is a good option for a lot of people. Both for the driver, since they get to share the costs with the other riders, as well as for the rider who gets to travel by car in a more affordable manner.

• BlaBlaCar is the carpooling leader in Europe. Through this platform a driver can present a route, say where they will start, at what time, if they are smokers or not, if they accept pets or not, and, of course, the price.
• It can be an interesting alternative if you feel comfortable with it and of course if you have data on your phone since you need to be able to contact the driver.
• It is important to keep an eye on how this option will continue with the social distancing restrictions generated by Covid-19, since it is true you will be sharing a car for several hours with strangers. There is a lot to consider.

Renting a car

Renting a car in Europe is a very feasible option. Keep the following in mind:

• Every airport has a car drop-off point, this will make planning easier.
• This option could be interesting for families with kids or big groups.
• You will need an international drivers license and to look closely to the terms and conditions of the rental, as well as the insurance.
• Remember that you will have to be very respectful of traffic regulations for each country, always exercise caution.
• Be aware of where you can park, in cities like Amsterdam or Paris this can be a real headache and can mean extra spending. Try to look for lodgings with parking.
• It is also important to never leave valuable objects inside the car, there will always be people looking to take what isn’t theirs. We know of cases where tourist´s cars were robbed (including documents), so try to not leave valuables inside the car.
• Remember that sometimes cars need to be cleaned or have the gas tank filled up before being returned, make sure you are aware of the return conditions.

8. What to do?

This is one of the big ones. Each city has its own magic, history, and culture. We insist, take your time doing the research into what each has to offer. Here are our suggestions:

• Identify the most iconic places in each city, or those you have always dreamed of seeing and try to see them on the first day, just make sure you have a logical and easy to follow route.
• In some cities like Rome, people have had good experiences taking the red tourist bus, it will take you around the most important places and it allows you to be relaxed while sightseeing. We think this is a great idea because the metro in Rome is not one of our favorites, the tourist bus will take you where you want to go. In other cities, like Edinburgh we also recommend it because the streets are very steep so your legs will get a workout, and it’s important to save up energy. Lisbon is pretty hilly as well, so keep this in mind when you are considering buying a unlimited pass for buses, trolleys, and metro.
• If you want to visit museums, in big cities like Paris and Rome it is almost mandatory to buy tickets beforehand. Particularly the Vatican Museum in Rome (the line is endless, trust us). From what we’ve observed, this has become the norm for big museums: purchase tickets with a specific time and date for your visit, to comply with COVID-19 regulations.
• To sightsee around the city there are several alternatives: the well-known freetours, which are not really free since the tourguide works through an intermediary (the platform where you made your reservation) and often are obliged to pay them a commission, they will then transfer this cost to the user, so whatever you decide to give the guide for their hard work will have a commission taken out. As my chemistry teacher used to say, not even electrons are for free.
• Another option are private tours, evidently pricier. For example, having a professional guide accompany you for a whole day, in a city like Paris, can cost you between 300€ and 600€ or more (depending on the additional services you acquire, such as private transportation).
• If you will be visiting Paris we recommend our Detailed Guides or Personalized Guides that we have designed so the tourist doesn´t have to think too much on what to see or how, and they have a complete itinerary for every day of their trip. They are very reasonably priced, and with our step-by-step guides you won’t have to wonder what to do or how to get there, what precautions to have, where to eat (we recommend places where we´ve eaten ourselves), we take you every step of the way. You just have to read it carefully and you will never feel alone. Check them out here: Detailed Guides Descubre Paris.

9. How do I budget?

A very important question for planning your Eurotrip. It is very important to be clear, reasonable, and honest about your budget. Doing this will let you avoid complications and have a more relaxing trip. Here are some of our suggestions:

• After researching plane tickets, trains, hotels, activities, and transportation organize everything in a single document and draw up totals of how much you would be spending by city and in Euros. Don´t be scared by the exchange rate, this is normal, but try to see where the highest costs are and evaluate how to lower them, if it’s worth it.
• Remember that in a single trip to Europe you can´t see, eat, visit and live all the things. Not even the locals can ever see everything of the European cities which are so rich in cultural offerings. It’s not just time, but also budget, so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t have dinner in the Eiffel Tower or go to a trendy restaurant. You can always find good and affordable options.
• Set yourself a max daily budget, so you have clear boundaries. You shouldn’t be feeling miserable because of budgets, but if you know your spending limits you can find alternatives that fit your budget. For example, instead of going to a restaurant you can do a pique-nique one day, this will save you on food and you can have a really nice time.
• Besides lodging, transportation, food, and activities you should add a line for souvenirs and for Unexpected expenses. Many of us love to buy postcards, paintings or little magnets for our fridge that will remind us of our trip and feels like bringing a piece of that city with us. If you do too, budget for it. Unexpected events can also come up: you traveled in Summer, but there was a very cloudy day and you got chilly, you needed to buy something to cover up, this is an unexpected buy. Another example are foot blisters, a cold, a strong headache that forces you to stop by a pharmacy to get some medicine. Budget something for these just in case.
• Another important thing is exchange rates and credit card charges on international withdrawals and purchases. Often it’s better to pay with your credit or debit card than to exchange a lot of money into Euros. We do recommend having a base amount of cash before you arrive, and always carry some with you, but consider if it’s better to withdraw money from your account in the city you are visiting or if your credit card allows you to make international payments and earn points on them. It all depends on the costs.
• Speaking of banks, don´t forget to let your bank know that you will be traveling abroad, and how many days so they habilitate your card for international payments and withdrawals. If you don’t they may block your card.
• Add the cost of an outlet adapter and a rechargeable battery to charge your phone on the go.

10. How to decide? Revisit and adjust your first itinerary

After having your first itinerary and budget, it is very likely that you´ll have to make some adjustments. Here are our suggestions:

• Make adjustments considering what is important and non-negotiable to you. Make sure you won’t regret not doing one of the things you wanted.
• Remember that you will be burning through a lot of energy, distribute it evenly and rest whenever you can.
• Seeing the initial budget for 15-20 days in Europe may scare you, but look at it as a plan in progress. Think about what you can do to make it a reality, maybe saving up a little more or if you´ll need financing or other alternatives, but don’t close yourself off from making a trip like this even if it seems too expensive.
• – Make a checklist of things you can´t forget (seems incredible, but it happens): some people forget booking their hotel, flights or other transportation, which will mean unexpected costs. Try creating a road map that lets you visualize your whole trip and make sure these two things are always covered: transportation and lodging.

As you can see, we added an 11th point to our list. It’s a subject that causes people a lot of anxiety, especially women. So here is our suggestion on how to pack your bags.

11. How to pack my bags?

Packing travel bags is its own subject. There are several key factors to keep in mind and we’ll share some ideas and suggestions that we hope will make your travelling a little lighter:

• Remember to always check the weather when you will be traveling: seasons may change as we mentioned earlier. This will directly impact the kind of clothing you should bring. If you will be coming towards the end of Spring or Summer you´ll be able to bring lighter clothes, but always bring a sweater or light jacket, closed shoes, and something to cover your neck. Believe us when we say that some European cities have chilly breezes, and global warming has made weather even more unpredictable.
• Across Europe there are laundromats where you can wash and dry your clothes and have it clean and ready in a couple hours. A washing cycle of 5-7 kilos (11-15 pounds) can cost 3-6€. You need to add the price of soap or detergent between 0,50€ to 1€ or more, and however many drying cycles you need (sometimes one isn’t enough). These can cost about 2€ for a 10 minute cycle. If you go this route you will need change for the machines.
• Try picking easy-to-match pieces, lightweight and that dry easily and match everything. It is very important to bring comfortable shoes (we can’t stress this enough), you will be walking a lot, a lot a lot. We suggest two pairs, so you can switch and let each rest for a day (really, the shoe needs to air out).
• Don´t forget an umbrella. A small, light one, hopefully so you never have to use it. It may sound like a joke but the moment you don’t have an umbrella on you is when it pours; when you have it with you nothing happens.
• – You can read our Before the Trip section for more suggestions on how to dress for each season.
• Regarding toiletries, remember that if you are travelling only with carry-on luggage you will need to be resourceful because of the restrictions on the amount of liquids allowed on board. Aerosols are not allowed, and neither are sharp objects. Organize all of your toiletries in a small bag so you can easily find them.
• Don´t forget a small first aid kit: if you have allergies or need to take medications it is best to keep them handy. Don´t forget a small first aid kit: if you have allergies or need to take medications it is best to keep them handy. You should also bring along something for headaches, stomach aches or diarrhea.
• Remember to bring enough face masks and antibacterial gel, it is mandatory in many places.

The post 10 Key Questions For Planning Your First Eurotrip appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.

This is one of the most beautiful places in the City of Light. The Musée d’Orsay used to be an antique train station built by the Paris-Orléans railway company, it was finished just in time for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Due to its location and the work it would require to update the railways it became “obsolete”, it was left abandoned for some years until it was declared a national monument in 1973 and, thanks to an initiative of President Georges Pompidou, it became the home of stunning artwork by impressionist artists such as: Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cézane, and even Van Gogh. Orsay is much smaller and easier to visit than the Louvre, but the beauty of its paintings has nothing to envy it. Don´t forget to admire the beautiful clocks found in the main lobby and on the east and west ends. As we like to do here in Descubre París, we have created a small guide to help you explore this museum. Of course, it all depends on how curious or passionate you are about art, but we believe this is a place worth visiting, which is why we give you the basic information and some step-by-step tricks to make the most of your visit.

Practical Information

Schedule:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 18:00 (6 p.m.) and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 21:45 (9:45 p.m.). It is closed every Monday, on May 1st, and on December 25th.

Best days to visit:

• Thursdays during the night shift: 18:00 (6 p.m.) to 21:45 (9:45 p.m.)
• Wednesdays and Fridays

Prices:

The full ticket costs 14€. Entry is free: the first Sunday of the month, for people under 18 years of age, for EU residents between 18 and 25 years of age.

Buying tickets beforehand will raise the ticket price, approximately, to 15,40€.

Making every cent count:

If you will be spending more than one day in Paris and are very interested in seeing other museums we recommend buying tickets in packages:

• You can buy ticket bundles (jumelé) with the l’Orangerie Museum, for 18€ (unbundled: 23€).
• You can buy ticket bundles (jumelé) with the Rodin Museum, for 21€ (unbundled: 26€).
• If you save your ticket you can use it during the following 8 days from day-of-purchase to visit, at a reduced rate, the Garnier Opera, the Gustave Moreau National Museum and the Jean-Jaques Henner National Museum.

To Eat:

The museum has several dining options and although in our Detailed Travel Guides we recommend another restaurant outside the museum, we also consider it important that you know of the available options.

• Café de l’Ourse (The Bear Café): gets its name from the sculpture of a polar bear right next to it. It is a small cafeteria with small plates like chips, salads, and ready to eat sandwiches. Prices start at 5,9€ for a sandwich. There are also breads, pastries, and drinks.
• The Bell Café: a restaurant located behind the impressionists gallery, on the fifth floor. Dishes here are a little more elaborate, and the prices a little higher; it’s more like a casual restaurant. Appetizers start at 9€, entrées between 14€ and 16€, and desserts between 6€ and 16€.
• Le Restaurant: located on the French First Floor (that is a second floor to everybody else) and it’s from the year 1900. It has fixed “Appetizer and Entrée” or “Appetizer and Dessert” menus for 24,5€ and a “Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert” menu for 31€. If that is not what you want, appetizers go from 12€ to 20€, main dishes from 17€ and 28€, and desserts from 8€ to 15€. Prices are pretty good for the type of restaurant. If you have the time and possibility there is a package that includes museum entry tickets and dinner at the restaurant for 63€ (reservation only).

How to visit the d’Orsay Museum

This is our suggested step-by-step guide:

• Once you get to the museum, if you already have your ticket, you should go to door C. If not, you should go to the ticket booth and buy your tickets. Remember that you can also purchase audio guides.
• Once you pass the security checkpoint you will have to validate your ticket (or buy it and then validate it) with the people at the access point.
• If you would like to put a back-pack or any bags in storage you can do it for free, turn immediately to your right after the ticket checkpoints. We suggest you go into to the museum with as little extra weight as possible so you avoid exhaustion.
• After that, go to the main lobby. You will find maps in Spanish or English to your right. If you need it, we suggest you take one to find your way more easily. If you bought the audio guide you should turn to your left.
• Return to the main lobby and you will be standing under one of the famous clocks inside this wonderful museum.

  

• We suggest you cross the Central Hall with the sculptures, taking them in, off course, but go straight to the end and look for the escalators. Go all the way to the fifth floor and begin your visit top to bottom.
• Before you reach the escalators you will pass a space dedicated to the Garnier Opera where there is a scaled model of the neighborhood this amazing building is located in. Take your time looking through it.

On the fifth floor:

• When you get to the 5th floor you will find another one of the famous clocks within the building. It is a well known spot in the museum, you can see the Louvre across the Seine and Montmartre in the back. Once you´ve enjoyed the view (and taken a picture), you can start your stroll on this floor.

  

• This floor has the Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism gallery: Cézanne, Degas, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, Seurat and many more.

  

• You can see each room in a circle and then move on to the next one.
• Right now there are some rooms recently renovated. Right now there are some rooms recently renovated. These are the rooms that housed the pieces by Van Gogh and Gauguin.
• At the end you can find the Bell Café, and the second clock.

On the 4th and 3d Floor:

• The fourth floor has a gallery of decorative arts of Great Britain and Austria, (right on the side where you arrive on the floor).
• The third floor is for Scandinavia and Germany.
• We recommend focusing on the 5th, 2nd, and 0 floors.

Keep Going Down to the 2nd Floor:

• On the second floor you will find a long hallway and, between the rooms, sculptures (from 1880 to 1900) by artists such as Rodin and Claudel, among others.

  

• There is a whole exhibition of Art Nouveau (from Belgium, Spain, France, and Italy).
• There is a hall for Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, and the different currents of Post-Impressionism.
• You can go turn around to see the other side and visit the gallery in front.

Now Keep Going Down to Floor 0:

• It is likely that after going to the Floor 0 or RDC in French (Rez-de-chaussée) you will find yourself once again under the clock. If that is the case, with the clock behind you, start in your right, following the map and starting in the room for Academic Art. If not, you can start with rooms 24 and 23 and keep going down according to the order shown in the map; there is an order to everything according to art history and/or styles. It is likely that you will be doing some back and forth. Let yourself be guided by the order of the rooms, that way you can rest a little between galleries.

  

• On this floor you will find decorative art from the Second Empire: Cézanne, Manet, Courbert among others.
• On this floor you will also find temporary exhibitions, you will have to pay a separate ticket to access them.

Finally:

• You exit through the gift shop and get a little souvenir if you wish to.
• Don´t forget to pass by the lockers (vestiaire) to retrieve your coats and belongings, if you left anything on your way in.
• On your way out, don’t forget to appreciate the animal sculptures found on the entrance plaza of the museum. They are very beautiful.

Whether you have one of our Detailed Travel Guides or not, we suggest taking a break (weather permitting), on the stairs in front of the museum which have a view to the Seine.

If you have one of our Detailed Travel Guides you can take some time to see what is next in your itinerary (probably where to eat if your museum visit was in the morning).

We hope this mini guide was useful and that you can make the most out of your visit to one of the most beautiful museums in the city.

Paris is waiting for you.

À bientôt!

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The Ópera Garnier is part of the Paris Opera, which has two buildings. One of them is the Opéra Bastille, completely modern but equally important, and the other one is the Palais Garnier also known as the Ópera Garnier. In addition to the five fun facts we will share about this wonderful and surprising building, you can also find more information in our Detailed Travel Guides of three, four, and five days.

1 . The Opéra Garnier was built after an assassination attempt

En 1858, Emperor Napoleon III and his wife, Eugenia, were subject of an assassination attempt on their way to the Opéra Le Peletier. The Emperors suffered no harm, but there were many injured and dead. Napoleon III noticed that it was hard to guarantee safety measures on the narrow streets of old Paris. This is why he decided to add to the modernization project by Baron Haussmann the construction of a new opera in the newer neighborhoods in Paris. A contest was held in place to select the architect and it was won by the young Charles Garnier, who was only 35 at the time. Construction lasted 15 years and the opera was inaugurated on January 5th of 1875.

Fun Fact: Charles Garnier was practically unknown before he participated in the contest to build the Opera of Paris. He went on to win the Prix de Rome in Architecture, and was chosen in the Institut de France, in the Fine Arts Academy

2 . The Opéra Garnier has a style of its own, inspired by the past

Garnier wanted to create a style of his own. He searched for inspiration in the great works of the past, and reworked them adding color, and visual and decorative richness. The grand staircase is of classic inspiration and the abundant decoration is baroque, but Garnier added color by using marble of different shades and origins. You can also see the influence of the Sistine Chapel and the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. Garnier merged the two architectural influences in one place by creating the impressive Grand Foyer. The ceiling was painted by Paul Baundry and it depicts themes such as the history of music.

Fun Fact: the lyre is one of the main objects present in the decoration of the room. The same lyre is held by Apollo in the high point of the theatre. Apollo is the Greek God of the arts, and in this case he is accompanied by Music and Poetry, represented by the two women on his sides.

3 . Garnier wanted to create a “theatre within the theatre”

Garnier was very aware of the kind of people that assisted to the opera. It was the rich and powerful personalities who went often. The architect took into account all details and every space was thought so that it showcased the assistants. For example, through the Pavillon des Abonnés, a circular room, he wanted the “subscribers” to feel as though they were entering a place filled with mystery and surprises. The Grand Staircase, of huge proportions and surrounded by balconies, had the purpose of allowing attendees to see and being seen. For women to parade in their dresses and feel like stars. The color of the room, for example, red and gold was selected by Garnier because he felt the reflection of the color would make the women look more beautiful.

Fun Fact: all throughout 2019 the piece Les Saturnales was on display, they were neon light circles distributed along the lower floors and giant golden wheels placed in the center of the Grand Staircase. The installation is a work by Claude Lévêque, a visual artist invited by the National Opera to celebrate its 350 years and the 30 years of the Opéra Bastille. Another thing to know about the National Opera is that its building is older than the construction of Opéra Garnier. It was Louis XIV who established the Royal Academy of Music, which preceded the National Opera and the Opéra Garnier. This is why above the curtain you can see a symbol of the Sun King.

4 .

Something that may cause a lot of surprise is that people used to go to the opera a lot more often. It was like hanging out in your house, talking and doing other things with the show as a background. Additionally, it was normal to arrive late, because the important people (supposedly) were very busy. This is why the main act (the ballet) was in the third place, to give people time to arrive. It was thanks to the influence of important characters, such as Wagner, that going to the opera took an almost religious importance, where silence was golden and punctuality expected.

Fun Fact: an opera can last between two and three hours (with two breaks), they are generally performed in Italian, French or German (with subtitles in English), and the music is played by the orquestra. In the Opéra Garnier, you can not only see operas but also ballet, concerts and recitals. Prices vary from 12€ to 160€ depending on location and type of show.

5 . The auditorium was designed for people watching

The auditorium has capacity for 2.081 people. It is shaped like a horseshoe, following Italian tradition, but it is French in its organization by category. As we mentioned before, Garnier wanted the assistants to also be part of the show which is the reason for the shape and color of the auditorium, and the placement of the chairs and boxes; of course without taking attention away from the stage.

Fun fact: the ceiling you can see today is not the original, which was damaged by the gas exuded from the gas lights. In 1960 it was replaced with artwork by Chagall, taking advantage of the low assistance to the opera during the post-war times. The inauguration of the controversial ceiling tripled assistance. The artwork recalls important artists in a symphony of colors that meant to usher in the new turn of the century.

We had to add an extra thing to our list…

6 . The Phantom of the Opera existed

At least that is what Gaston Leroux says in his fascinating book The Phantom of the Opera. This ghost is so famous that he has his own box, box number five. Leroux narrates with passion and conviction a tale of sadness and mystery that surrounds the phantom of the opera. In reality Leroux was inspired by the story of a pianist who survived the fire of the Opéra Lepeletier where his girlfriend died. It is said that the pianist took refuge in the underground lake of the Opéra Garnier until he died. All of this was used as material for Leroux´s creation, who intertwined several tragic events that actually happened in the opera (like the fall of a counterweight on top of a spectator) with an imagined character that came to life thanks to this book.

All you need to know to visit it

These are just some interesting facts about the Opéra Garnier, but the truth of the matter is that you should see this place with your own eyes. It is surprising and awe-inspiring. Do not hesitate to walk all of its corners, discover the Salón Du Glacier, the Avant-Foyer, the Foyer, Grand Foyer, and the Loggia, which is a large balcony from where you can see the Avenue de l’Opéra.

Don´t miss the Sun and Moon Auditoriums, two opposing rooms, between the Grand Staircase and the Grand Foyer. They are small, but we love their ceilings and infinity mirror.

Practical Information*:

To visit de Opéra Garnier you have to take into account if there are performances being held, if there is it is closed to the public. To know which days are open to the public you should visit the official website to choose your visiting day.

Going to a show is another way to visit the Paris Opera. On many occasions you can get tickets at a very low price (if there are seats available). Keep in mind that opera pieces can be very long.

We also suggest getting the audio-guide. It costs 5€ but it’s very worthwhile, they explain in depth all the details of the building and guide you every step of the way.

Prices:

Between 12€ and 14€ depending on if there is a performance at the time.

Audioguide: 5€

Visiting hours: between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except in cases of unexpected closure due to events.

Access:

Opera Stop, Lines 3, 7 and 8

Chaussée d’Antin Stop, Lines 7 and 9

Auber Stop, Line RER A

Visitor access is through one of the back corners.. First you go through a security check and then you access the ticket booth to acquire your tickets.

*All of this is just informative. Remember to always look for up-to-date information on the official Paris Opera website.

If you are coming to Paris and don’t know where to start, we can help you!

Paris is waiting for you. À bientôt.

À bientôt.

The post Five Things to Discover About the Ópera Garnier appeared first on UAT - DescubreParis.com.