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TO PARIS FROM BIRMINGHAM, BEST THINGS TO DO
About BIRMINGAM
Birmingham is a major city in England’s West Midlands region, with multiple Industrial Revolution-era landmarks that speak to its 18th-century history as a manufacturing powerhouse. It’s also home to a network of canals, many of which radiate from Sherborne Wharf and are now lined with trendy cafes and bars. In the city centre, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is known for pre-Raphaelite masterpieces.
Ultimate Things to Do in BIRMINGHAM.
Aston Hall Gardens
Lady Holte’s Garden, Aston Hall – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Lady Holte’s Garden, Aston Hall – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Wander around the manicured gardens of a beautiful Grade I listed Jacobean Mansion.
Aston Hall is a magnificent 17th century red-brick mansion, one of the last great Jacobean houses to be built. The house itself is a beautiful piece of architecture and while entering the mansion is by guided tour only and requires an admission fee, visiting the café and the gardens is free. You might think this doesn’t sound like much until you see them! Lady Holte’s Garden, the South Garden for the Hall, is our favourite with its manicured symmetrical patterns and water feature.
Address: Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 6JD
Opening times: Wed to Thu 11am – 4pm and first Sunday of the month (except January) 11am – 4pm, but it’s highly recommended you check the calendar for closed days as the Hall also hosts private events and is closed to the public on these occasions.
More information: Lady Holte’s Garden at Aston Hall
BBC Birmingham Visitor Centre
Go behind the scenes at the BBC Birmingham Visitor Centre and you will even see Dr. Who’s Tardis and the Strictly Come Dancing judges’ desk! Who said you couldn’t be on TV?
Located at level 3 of The Mailbox building, the Visitor Centre offers interactive exhibitions and allows you to taste the best BBC has to offer on content and technology. You can even see the presenters in action via a viewing window. Paid guided tours are also available if you wish to delve further behind the curtains. Definitely recommended for families or anyone interested in communications and media.
Address: The Mailbox, 7 Commercial Street, Birmingham B1 1RF
Opening times: Mon to Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 11am – 5pm
Birmingham Cathedrals
Have a quiet moment admiring the beautiful architecture of Birmingham’s old Cathedrals. There are two main cathedrals in the city – St. Chad’s and St. Phillip’s.
Designed in a revived Gothic style by the same architect that designed Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, St. Chad’s has some serious credentials. It was also the first Catholic Cathedral to be built in the UK after the 16th Century Reformation.
Address: St. Chads Queensway, Birmingham B4 6EU
Opening times: Mon to Fri 7am – 5pm, Sat – 7am closing after Vigil Mass, Sun – 7am and closing after High Mass
Also known as Birmingham Cathedral and older than St. Chad’s is St. Phillip’s Cathedral, a Grade I listed building designed in English Baroque architecture. The stained glass windows are of particular note, having been designed by none other than the master of stained glass – Edward Burne-Jones.
Address: Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB
Opening times: Mon to Fri 7.30am – 6.30pm, Sat 8.30am – 5pm, Sun 8.10am – 5.15pm
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Visit over 40 galleries discovering the city’s history as you go along.
Located inside a Grade II* listed building, the building itself is a landmark. Home to art, social history, archaeology and ethnography exhibitions, permanent exhibits include the largest public Pre-Raphaelite collection of paintings in the world and the history of the Stafford Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. There is also a calendar of events, including family friendly activities.
Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH
Opening times: Mon to Thu 10am – 5pm, Fri 10.30am – 5pm, Sat to Sun 10am – 5pm
BOM – Birmingham Open Media
Visit art exhibitions and get involved in arty events.
BOM is one of Birmingham’s art initiatives. It tests pioneering ideas that investigate the transformative value of the arts across education, health and society. Inside their space, you will find workshops, talks, exhibitions and networking events. You can even learn how to code for computer programmes! Check the event calendar and join in! Most of their events are free of charge.
Address: 1 Dudley Street, Birmingham B5 4EG
Opening times: Wed to Sat 12pm – 5pm, closed Sun to Tue and during installation of exhibitions
RBSA Gallery – The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Explore different types of art through exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations.
The RBSA is an artist-led charity aiming to support local artists and promote engagement with the visual arts. Although charges might apply to particular activities, to visit the gallery and take part in some of the events is free. Check the calendar and get creative!
Address: 4 Brook Street, Birmingham B3 1SA
Opening times: Mon to Fri 10:30am – 5:30pm, Sat 10:30am – 5pm, Sun 1 – 5pm
Soho House Gardens
Soho House – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Soho House – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Visit the grounds, café and gardens of the beautiful Georgian home owned by Birmingham industrialist Matthew Boulton.
Boulton is one of the most important historic figures associated with the city of Birmingham. During his lifetime he was internationally famous for his engineering achievements. Soho House became his residence in 1766 when he moved to the Soho area of the city to be closer to his steam engine manufacturing business.
While there is a charge to visit the house itself, visiting the gardens and café is free. Once the Soho gardens expanded over hundreds of acres, today only a very small amount of it still exists and a reconstruction project has taken place to bring the 18th century gardens back to some of its formal glory, based on what record of the planting was found in the Boulton archive.
Address: 4 Brook Street, Birmingham B3 1SA
Opening times: Wed to Thu 11am – 4pm and first Sunday of the month (except January) 11am – 4pm, but its highly recommended you check the calendar for closed days as the Hall also hosts private events and is closed to the public on these occasions.
Symphony Hall
Listen to concerts and visit photography exhibitions.
Internationally famous, the Birmingham Symphony Hall is quite a spectacle itself – modern on the outside and breathtakingly beautiful inside. While it mainly offers ticketed paid-for events, there are also free performances and exhibitions on offer. Check the What’s on Guide below to see all the events available free of charge.
Address: Broad Street, Birmingham B1 32EA
Opening times: Mon to Sat 10am – 6pm, closed evenings, Sundays and Bank Holidays on non-event dates.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Visit exhibitions, go on guided tours and take part in music concerts all free of charge.
Housed in a celebrated architectural masterpiece and home to arts and music, The Barber Institute is definitely worth a visit. While they do host paid events, admissions to the gallery and all exhibitions are free. There are also free music concerns available. Definitely one for classical music and art lovers. Check the What’s On Guide for guided tour and concert dates.
Address: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS
Opening times: Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat to Sun 11am – 5pm
The Jewellery Quarter
Museum of Jewellery Quarter – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Museum of Jewellery Quarter – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
If you like a little bling or are a fan of British history, The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham is not to be missed.
Still responsible for 40% of all jewellery produced in the UK and home to Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery businesses, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter didn’t set out to be an attraction, but it became one.
Visit the website below and pick a themed tour. Each trail will tell you a particular part of the Quarter’s history. You can do the whole trail digitally, reading the story of each location as you go, then try to find them when you visit the Quarter in person. Or you can use it to establish if there are any landmarks or locations that you would like to visit.
In Vyse Street you will also find The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, a perfectly preserved jewellery factory workshop dating back to 1901. While the main and permanent exhibition is not free, visiting the Museum’s shop and temporary exhibitions is. Please check if a temporary exhibition is on before visiting.
Address: Area around Vyse Street.
Opening times: Anytime, but best during commercial hours 9am – 5pm
More information: Tours & Trails and The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
The MAC
Image courtesy of The MAC Birmingham
Image courtesy of The MAC Birmingham
Visit craft markets, browse art exhibitions and take part in events at The Mac.
Birmingham’s vibrant art centre, The MAC is home to music, art, theatre, dance and literature events for adults and children. While some of its performances are not free, there is an array of events that are. It’s definitely worth checking their calendar of events to see if anything takes your fancy. Meanwhile, there are food markets on the last Sunday and craft markets on the first Sunday of every month. There is also a gallery on the first floor which holds free exhibitions.
Address: Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH
Opening times: 9am – 9.45pm
Thinktank Science Garden
Thinktank Science Garden – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Thinktank Science Garden – Image courtesy of Birmingham Museums
Set big and little kids loose on over 30 hands-on exhibits exploring engineering, mechanics and transportation at the Thinktank Science Garden.
Part of Eastside City Park and located in front of the Thinktank Science Museum, the gardens are an outdoor discovery area packed with fun activates for the whole family. Harness renewable energy, go up the tower using a pulley and more! While entrance to the science museum itself isn’t free, the garden is open to the public free of charge from 3pm onwards.
Address: Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG
Opening times: Free from 3pm – closure depends on sunlight, please check website for details especially during winter.
More information: Science Garden information
Tolkien Trail – The Hobbit
Image courtesy of Birmingham Tourist Information
Image courtesy of Birmingham Tourist Information
Visit the places that inspired author JRR Tolkien to write the phenomenon that became The Hobbit.
Did you know Tolkien grew up in Birmingham and inspired parts of his book on places and people around the city? Pick up a copy of the Tolkien Trail leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre or download it from the link below and visit places where the author once lived, played and studied, as well as places he inspired parts of his fantasy books on. Some of the locations can only be visited at particular times of the year, but most are open all year around.
Address: Birmingham TIC (Tourist Information Centre), Birmingham Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ
Opening times: TIC – Mon to Sat 10am – 6pm. For locations opening times, please check the leaflet and the particular location.
Bullring Shopping Center
Free Things to do in Birmingham
Visit the iconic building right in the heart of the city and browse over 160 designer, high-street and department stores.
A visit to Birmingham would not be complete without a picture in front of the Bullring statue or a visit to the iconic building that has become the portrait of the city. Although rebuilt in 2003, retail at the Bullring area dates back to middle age. This part of the city has always been known as a trade and retail quarter from when the first markets were held here. The Bullring also holds several events throughout the year, so its always worth checking their social media feeds for the latest promotions and event information.
Address: Birmingham B5 4BU
Opening times: Mon to Fri 10am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 8pm, Sun 11am – 5pm
Custard Factory
Go shopping off the beaten track – the alternative and creative way.
While Birmingham has a wealth of shopping centres and they are all free, if you prefer more niche things, you really need to head over to the Custard Factory. Home to creative offices and arty shops, here you will find anything from art galleries and vintage shops to skater gear, craft beer tastings and a place where you can fix your Apple gadgets. There is a space dedicated to international graffiti! The ideal hub for any free-spirited creative soul.
Address: Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA
Opening times: Tue to Sat 10am – 6pm for the shops.
8. Eastside Projects
Production Slow: Prototyping/Discovery/Analysing – Image courtesy Eastside Projects
Production Slow: Prototyping/Discovery/Analysing – Image courtesy Eastside Projects
Admire art, take part in arty events or visit the art fairs.
The Eastside Projects is an artist-run art centre. Explore the exhibitions, get involved in workshops, talks and seminars or shop in their art fairs. They even have a book club and a summer camp! Check the event calendar to see what is on and get involved.
Address: 86 Heath Mill Lane, Birmingham B9 4AR
Opening times: Wed to Sat 12pm – 5pm, closed during installation of exhibitions
Ikon Gallery
Visit exhibitions as well as take part on talks, tours, workshops and seminars.
Featuring artist from around the world and using a variety of mediums such as sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and art installations, Ikon Gallery aims to educate and expose the general public to contemporary art as well as stimulate public interest and understanding of this type of art. They even have parent and toddler mornings! A must for any art lover or student.
Address: Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS
Opening times: Tue to Sun 11am – 5pm, closed Mondays and Bank Holidays
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Explore an array of fossils and minerals and discover what the Midlands region was like millions of years ago.
Reopened in June 2016 after a major refurbishment, the Lapworth Museum of Geology takes its name from the award-winning Birmingham geologist Charles Lapworth. It’s located within the University of Birmingham and children in particular might recognise some of curriculum they study at school. A very informative and interesting day out full of weird and wonderful discoveries. You might even be able to join an event at the museum if you check their What’s On Guide.
Address: Lapworth Museum of Geology, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham, 142 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2TT
Opening times: Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat to Sun 12noon – 5pm
More information:
Library of Birmingham
Admire the building’s amazing architecture and visit exhibitions as well as take part in readings, workshops, performances and family friendly events.
Opened in 2013 and described as “the people’s place”, the Library building itself is worth the visit as it showcases Birmingham’s love of modern and arty architecture. You can also check the What’s On Guide and take part in an event while you visit the building and its galleries. Highly recommended for families and architecture lovers.
Address: Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND
Opening times: Mon to Tue 11am – 7pm, Wed to Sat 11am – 5pm, closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Martineau Gardens
Explore the seasons and spot wildlife at the Martineau Gardens, a therapeutic community garden and organically managed landscape.
Vegetable patches, beehives, ponds, bird hides, wildflower meadows, children’s play area, bats, badgers and more! As far as our free things to do in Birmingham list goes, this is the activity we would pick for any gardening enthusiast. It is also brilliant for children, especially during spring and summer. The garden is open all year round and entry is free apart from when they host a special event.
Address: 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 7UG
Opening times: Mon to Sat 10am – 4pm. Closed on public holidays.
More information: Visitor’s leaflet and Martineau Gardens website.
Parks & Lakes
Take a stroll around one of Birmingham’s many parks and lakes.
Birmingham Council supervises nearly 600 parks and public spaces as well as 200 play areas in the city and surrounding regions. If this wasn’t enough, Birmingham enjoys a wealth of lakes, wildlife conservation parks and public sport and leisure facilities.
Visit the Council’s website and you will be able to choose a park that is not only near you but also right for the activity you intend to undertake, for instance, having a playground for the kids, facilities for a particular sport or even a model aeroplane flying field!
Address: Depends of what park you are visiting.
Opening times: Depends of what green space you are visiting.
Choose a green space to visit here.
Ultimate Things to Do in Paris
Champs-Elysees
Shop (or Window Shop) the world’s most expensive street
For a leisurely Parisian stroll where all the action happens, make your way to the Champs Elysees. This grandiose tree-lined avenue is one of the most famous and expensive streets in the world. In terms of tourist attractions, the Champs Elysees is where you will find popular landmarks such as the Arch de Triomphe in the west, the Palace de la Concorde in the east and the Grand Palace which lines the street.
The Champs Elysees is also the site of much celebration in Paris. On Bastille Day, Europe’s largest military parade marches down the avenue and the finish line for the famous Tour de France bike race is held on the Champs Elysees. Christmas on the avenue is also a fantastic time to visit as stores and the street are illuminated with festive lights.
With such notable landmarks lining the street, real estate along the Champs Elysees is amongst some of the most expensive in the world. As such high rent prices are limited to high end stores such as Louise Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Guerlain. Some of the world’s biggest chain stores also have their premier and flagship stores located along the Champs Elysees including Europe’s biggest GAP store as well as the world’s largest Nike store.
Dining on the Champs Elysees is also a quality affair with numerous five star restaurants boasting prime positions. For a taste of Champs Elysees on a budget, opt for just a drink at the famed Fouquet’s brasserie or order a box of delectable macaroons from the celebrated Laduree.
Metro station: Charles de Gaulle Etoile
Champs Elysees, Paris, Europe
Disneyland Paris
The happiest place in Paree!
Disneyland Paris is, without question, a well-known icon and the fifth most-visited theme park in the world, topped only by other Disneyland franchises across the globe. The theme park is the perfect place to visit for a day or stay onsite for an extended weekend. Disneyland Paris is located in the Parisian suburb of Marne-la-vallée and around 40 minutes’ drive from the city centre. You can also get here via several public transport methods, the best being by train. Disneyland Paris has its own train station, Marne-la-Vallee Chessy, which travellers should look out for when booking tickets.
With over 16 million annual visitors, this attraction sees more people than the Eiffel Tower, so picking the best time to go is key. To experience the most rides with the least queue times, it’s best to visit on a weekday and avoid school and bank holidays. During June, park visitor numbers are historically at their lowest and offers to extend stays at the resort are well worth checking out.
Special events also occur throughout the year and often include a magical display of fireworks featuring the fairytale ‘Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant’ – or the iconic Disney towers to you and me.
The following events that feature on the resort’s calendar are the most popular: the St Patrick’s Day annual celebration on March 17, Halloween celebrated between October 5 to 31, Mickey’s fireworks and bonfire at the beginning of November, Christmas festivities starting mid-November through to the start of January and, finally, New Year’s Eve on December 31. Be sure to book well in advance for these popular annual events!
77777 Marne La Vallée, Paris, France, Europe
The iconic tower of Paris
If ever there was a must-do in Paris it’s the Eiffel Tower. A must see, even just to say you saw it. For some, just a photo of it will do, while others will want to walk around it, climb it, eat on it and visit again and again.
The world’s most recognisable landmark was built in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. At its tallest the iron lattice measures 320 metres’ making it the tallest structure in Paris and at the time that it was built, the tallest in the world.
Due to such iconic status, the tower is not only the most visited monument in Paris, but the most visited paid monument in the world. Each day the tower is visited by thousands and is also one of the most photographed monuments in the world.
A visit to the tower can be done so in a range of ways. Most choose to climb to the very top to admire the view of the city, while others relax on the grass below or take part in a bike tour around the tower. If you choose to climb the tower there are three levels available for visitors. The 1st level can be accessed via a flight of 300 stairs or a lift and is home to 1 of 2 restaurants on the tower. The second restaurant is located on the 2nd level, which can be accessed via 300 stars or a lift. Access to the third level is only available via a lift.
While visiting the tower during the day is a must, it is also worth visiting it again at night for the light show and to admire the City of Lights from above.
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Metro station: Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, Paris, France, Europe
The hipster haven of Paris -Le Marais
Le Marais is a central district of Paris with a history more cobbled than the narrow streets that link the intricate urban landscape. Marais is sandwiched between St-Paul and République and has been one of the hippest parts of the capital city for the past 20 years, packing in modern hotels and vintage one-of-a-kind stores.
The area has a distinctive medieval touch with more intact pre-revolutionary buildings than any other Parisian district. The former residents of this area (who left soon after the French Revolution) were clearly wealthy; however they allowed the district to fall into a state of disrepair for many years.
Today, Le Marais is an unspoilt haven of awe-inspiring architecture, inviting cafés and quaint restaurants. The ‘classically French’ quarter features fashion and interior design boutiques along Rue Des Francs-Bourgeois and the creative culture sweeps through the maze of streets in the immediate vicinity. Sleek art galleries and cutting-edge fashion shops can be found on Rue Charlot, known to be one of Paris’ hottest retail areas, and people in the know take sharp notice of young, talented designers soon to hit the international fashion podium.
Visitors to this destination also love the quirky animated streets. Pristine mansions in Le Marais open their doors to showcase exhibitions of art, the story of its Jewish community and science among many other creative and historic categories. The bar scene and general nightlife in Le Marais is very gay friendly drawing in crowds from across the city to embrace the scene.
3rd & 4th Arrondissements, Paris, France, Europe
High art in Montmartre
Hilly Montmartre lies in the northern half of Paris’ central circle and was once the quiet location of sprawling vineyards and windmills, known locally as ‘moulins’. The Butte is Paris’s highest and most northerly point and has subsequently enticed building development over the years making the area densely populated, although it still provides some stunning views.
Montmartre is well known to be one of Paris’ most romantic stops with winding stairways that open out to fascinating views of historic leafy architecture and the cityscape. Take time out of your day to watch the world go by in one of the many atmospheric cafés, especially down Rue des Abbesses, which is notable for its typical French characteristics.
Historically, Montmartre has attracted artists and as influences have shifted through the years, a modern twist has emerged where photographers and musicians now descend on the ateliers of the quarter instead of the painters and sculptors of yesteryear. It’s also the setting of many popular French films.
As you’d expect of such a bohemian district, there’s some great nightlife venues in the area including La Cigale theatre, built in 1887, along the Boulevard de Rochechouart. Once a cinema, the venue took a drastic turn changing into a café then a live music venue specialising in indie and rock acts. Another venue going by the name of La Boule Noire or ‘Black Ball’ combines intimate gigs alongside massive bands such as Metallica and The Libertines, to name just a few that have performed on its iconic stage.
18th Arrondissement, Paris, France, Europe
Art on the Left Bank
The first piece of art you should observe when visiting the Musée D’Orsay is actually the building itself. Housed in a former train station built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, Musée D’Orsay has called the site home since 1986. The museum’s exterior and interior is breathtakingly intricate and could be passed off as a palace worthy to sit in the centre of France’s capital city.
Musée D’Orsay houses a huge collection of artwork spanning 66 years from 1848 to 1914 and featuring pieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Pissarro and Monet. Venture upstairs to find an impressive assortment of Impressionistic works including galleries dedicated to the post-1880s work of Renoir and Monet.
The museum is well worth a visit even for those with a limited knowledge of historic European art. Some of the world’s most famous paintings can be seen side by side and are instantly recognisable, even to the untrained eye. Sculptures are common throughout the building and a particularly notable one is ‘Small Dancer Aged 14’ by Edgar Degas. The sculpture sits within a glass cage, on Degas’ specification, asserting the Dancer’s status as a work of art.
Musée D’Orsay provides a number of different guided tours and the most popular (and permanent) is the 90-minute introduction tour that gives visitors a well-rounded overview of the museum with the opportunity to ask the knowledgeable guide any burning questions you may have. Also, there’s free entry on the first Sunday of every month and for under-18s at all times!
62 Rue de Lille, Paris, France, Europe
Palace of Versailles
Fans of Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and general lovers of pretty things must put the Palace Versailles on their to-do list. Once home to the infamous Queen of France, the palace is a stunning monument to French opulence and excess that was enjoyed by the royal family from 1682 to 1789.
Located 20 kilometres southwest of the city, the quickest way to reach the palace is by train, or better yet on a tour which includes entry admission and tour of the grounds themselves. Tours and audio guides (available for hire) of the palace are particularly recommended in order to grasp the history of the palace, with many guides giving you the history of the palace that King Louis XIV built, King Louis XV enjoyed and King Louis XVI paid for – with his head during the French Revolution.
While the history of the palace is fascinating, visually the building and its grounds are stunning. Inside the palace, the Hall of Mirrors is a highlight and amongst one of the most famous rooms in the world. Another room not to miss is the Queen’s Bedchamber where, amongst the decadent gold and floral decor, you can see a small door where Marie Antoinette escaped when a mob stormed the palace.
Outside of the palace, the palace gardens are expansive and magnificently maintained. Wander down to the canal and hire a row boat or pick up a coffee at the local cafe and soak up the serenity. The gardens also feature a large number of elaborate fountains which are turned on at various times from April to October and are set to classical music, making for a spectacular view and experience.
Hours: Sun, Tue-Sat 9am-5:30pm, Mon Closed
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Train station: Versailles-Rive Gauche
Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
The sacred heart of Paris
The Roman Catholic Church known as Sacré-Cœur sits atop Butte Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, offering glorious panoramic views stretching up to 30 kilometres away on a clear day. The literal English name for this popular landmark is ‘The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Paris’ and the religious site also serves as a monument to those who died during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
Sacré-Cœur is an incredibly well- known monument in Paris and one of the most-visited churches in Paris after Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914 with the consecration short time after World War I in 1919. The people of France helped fund the project by offering modest gifts throughout the years, and the names of each private donor can still be seen etched into the walls of the church.
Leading up to the main dome are some 234 spiralling steps each providing a clearer view of the expansive city. If stairs aren’t your thing, a regular funicular or cliff train frequents the summit throughout the day. The bell in the church’s tower, named La Savoyarde, weighs in at a whopping 19 tonnes and is the largest in France.
The basilica is a well-known place of pilgrimage and sees huge numbers of worshippers congregate here, particularly over key Christian calendar dates. The interior is awash with dated and intricate mosaics, including one of the largest in the world, making for a great photo op. The church and dome is open daily.
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 18th Arrondissement, Paris, Europe
One of the most iconic book stores in the world
Shakespeare and Company
Chances are if you’ve seen a movie set in Paris you’ve seen a glimpse of this iconic book store. Quaint, romantic and quintessentially Parisian, Shakespeare and Company is a writers dream. Housing great literary works from throughout time, the famous store is a bookstore, library and meeting place where talks, readings and meet ups are held regularly. The store even has sleeping facilities for writers, which have been used since the sixties by some of the world’s greats.
Over time the iconic book store has had two lives. The first was from 1919 to 1940 when it was owned by American expat Sylvia Beach and located, for the most part, on rue de l’Odéon. During this period the Shakespeare and Company book store was a hub for Anglo-American literature and was frequented by legendary writers such as Ernest Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and the painter Man Ray. Sadly due to the German occupation of France in World War II, Beach was forced to close her shop in 1940.
In 1951 however, an American expat called George Whitman opened an English book store on the Left Bank under the name Le Mistral. Much like the previous Shakespeare and Company, Le Mistral became a Mecca for artists, writers and the city’s bohemian culture. Customers who frequented the store included Allen Ginsberg, Henry Miller and Anais Nin. Following the death of Sylvia Beach in 1964, Whitman changed the store’s name to Shakespeare and Co as a tribute. Today the store is run by Whitman’s daughter, Sylvia Beach Whitman.
Hours: Wednesday hours 10am-11pm
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Metro station: Notre Dame
37 Rue de la B’cherie, 75005 Paris, France
The most visited museum in the world
If you were to visit just one museum in Paris – nay – the world, many would argue it should be the Louvre. The historic museum located on the right bank of the Seine is after all, the most visited museum in the world. Home to the famous Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and 35,000 other pieces of iconic works from prehistory to the 19th century, all set across 4 floors and a space of over 60,000 square metres.
With so much to see and so many people to compete with, the Louvre at times can seem overwhelming. The trick to beating the museum blues however is to go with a purpose. Do your research before you go and have a plan of attack to see what you want to see without getting lost and going crazy. Alternatively, art rookies may wish to join a tour, leaving their Louvre visit in the hands of an expert.
The actual building the Louvre is housed in what was once a palace built in the 12th century. During the French Revolution however it was converted into a museum to display the nation,s masterpieces. Underneath the Louvre is a modern shopping centre and food court, with escalators from the centre offering direct access into the museum. All together the Louvre has 3 entrances with the lesser known entrances being via the shopping centre entrance or the Porte des Lions. Avoid the main entrance at all costs, particularly in summer in peak tourist season. It’s also very important to buy your tickets in advance otherwise you will be forced to line up twice.
Once inside, head to the level and area that houses the collection that you want to see the most, whether it be the works of Leonardo Da Vinci (including the unexpectedly small Mona Lisa), Michel Angelo’s sculptures, Ancient Egyptian art or Napoleon’s grandiose apartments.
Hours: Sun-Mon, Thu, Sat 9am-6pm, Tue Closed, Wed, Fri 9am-9:45pm
Address- Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France
Metro station- Royal Musée du Louvre
Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France, Europe
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