1ST ARRONDISSEMENT OF PARIS
While Paris is definitely a walkable city, it is quite large, and sometimes the museums or monuments you want to visit are very far from each other. If you would like to stay in one place perhaps for the day, the 1st arrondissement has a lot to offer! This area is in the very center of Paris, primarily on the Right Bank of the Seine River, and includes the western part of the Île de la Cité. Here are some of my go-to restaurants, shops, and museums that belong to this charming, bustling arrondissement!
Maslow Restaurant
Maslow is a bustling completely vegetarian restaurant, so that is enticing to a lot of people off the bat. However, as we lactose-free humans know – not everything vegetarian is dairy free. Luckily, Maslow’s menu clearly points out when something is vegan and bonus: when something is gluten free. Please note that menu items change, as Maslow likes to reflect what is the freshest in that particular season.
Église Saint-Eustache
Église Saint-Eustache is a Catholic church that was originally built in 1532 and then restored in 1840. It is a behemoth of a church, with a stunning Gothic façade and Renaissance and classical interior styles. The organ of the church is the biggest pipe organ in France, and can be enjoyed on Sunday afternoons (for free!)
Sainte-Chapelle
Just a few steps from the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the Sainte-Chapelle, a gothic royal chapel famous for its 1,113 stained glass windows (it will take your breath away!) Built in only seven years, the Sainte-Chapelle is made up of two different chapels, so make sure you walk up to see the kaleidoscope of windows! While I again strongly suggest you purchase your tickets in advance, you will still have to wait in a very long line. Therefore, arrive early in the day, around 9 in the morning when it opens.
Louvre Museum
Probably the world’s most famous museum and certainly the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre (Musee du Louvre in French) is a historic landmark in Paris. Not only are there about 35,000 artworks at the museum, but also the structure itself is something to appreciate. The Louvre was once a fortress and then a royal residence. Because the museum welcomes about 15,000 people a day, it is of utmost importance that you purchase your tickets in advance. (Keep in mind; the museum is not open on Tuesdays, and I would avoid the weekend entirely.) Your ticket will say a specific time, and it is important not to be late!
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
This is a private, nonprofit museum that is in a wing of the Louvre, with a focus on design. The first museum dates back to 1882, when a group of like-minded individuals in the applied arts formed the initial organization. Their collections are constantly changing and evolving, with a collection called Fashion and Sport on the docket when I visited. Though there was a medieval section which I enjoyed, I personally didn’t love this museum. That is because the majority of exhibitions that I saw were very modern and that is just not my taste, while my friend absolutely adores this institution. Check their website for their most current list of expositions to determine if something piques your interest!
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de l’Orangerie is one of my absolute favorite museums, and that is because it houses works from some of my most favorite artists: Cézanne, Renoir, Pissarro, and Matisse. The big draw is, of course, the glistening water lilies of Monet. Eight large Water Lilies murals line the walls of two rooms, and it is positively breathtaking. Pictures do not do these rooms justice, though there will be plenty of people trying to capture the essence of Monet in photos and videos all around you. With that in mind, try to secure a museum ticket in advance for the earliest timeslot. Even then, get to the museum 20-30 minutes earlier than when it opens, as there will be a line. Once in, make a beeline to the Monet rooms! Though there will be many people, my experience has been quite positive. Everyone is very respectful of the art, and people generally sit or stand in the middle of the room, allowing unobstructed views of the wraparound art that envelops you. It is a relatively small museum, but it is located in le Jardin des Tuileries, so after your visit, you will be close to other iconic things to see in Paris such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Petit Palais, and more.
Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection
The Bourse de Commerce is a building that hosts contemporary art exhibitions. However, this was not always the case. In the 18th century, the building was built as a grain exchange, and the now-iconic large dome (which is classified as a historical monument) was used to protect the grain. Then in the 19th century, the building was renovated and turned into a stock market for goods and commodities trading. Then when commercial activities stopped, the building began to house contemporary art. Check out the website to see if you are interested in the current exhibitions!
Tuileries Garden
The Louvre as well as the Place de la Concorde act as bookends to the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries in French), created by Catherine d’Medici in 1564 for the Tuileries Palace. It was opened to the public in 1667 and then became a public park after the French Revolution. Grab a baguette and sit under the perfectly cut square trees or stroll around to see a number of gorgeous sculptures, including a few of Rodin’s work in bronze. A notable sight within the Tuileries Garden is the Arc de triomphe du Carrousel, crafted to celebrate the victories of Napoleon.
Jardin du Palais Royal
Jardin du Palais Royal is one of my favorite gardens in Paris. It is open every day and I have found that there are not as many people here compared to some places like Jardin des Tuileries. The three wings that flank the gardens date back to the 18th century, and nowadays you will find coffee, clothing, and sweets being sold there! If you do indeed find crowds, they will most likely be taking pictures at the southern end of the garden, as there is a lovely art installation there by Daniel Buren called, “Colonnes de Buren” or “Les Deux Plateaux.” The art has caused quite a stir, with many people disliking how contemporary the art is, in juxtaposition to the Palace that provides the backdrop. Have a look for yourself and tell me what you think!
