Culture in Paris

Atelier des Lumières immersion

Klimt ten metres tall on every wall. Book the first slot of the day.

Catacombs skull tunnels

Empire of the dead, timed entry essential. Chills guaranteed.

Le Marais gallery crawl

Small galleries, vintage shops and courtyard surprises between falafel stops.

Louvre Wednesday late opening

Mona Lisa with elbow room, Denon wing nearly empty after 6pm.

Musée Rodin garden hour

The Thinker outside, roses everywhere. One calm hour beats three rushed museums.

Musée d'Orsay clock view

Impressionists plus the giant clock window over Sacré-Cœur.

Opéra Garnier tour

The Phantom's chandeliered palace: grand staircase, Marc Chagall ceiling, velvet everything.

Pompidou rooftop Paris

Modern art inside, best free-ish panorama outside. Thursday late.

Père Lachaise wander

Chopin, Wilde, Morrison and miles of mossy stone lanes. Go early, bring a map.

Sacré-Cœur sunrise steps

Beat the crowds up the Butte steps; the city wakes below you. Aim 30 min before sunrise.

Saint-Germain jazz cellar

Medieval cellar, swing till 2am. Cash for the door, dance shoes optional.

Sainte-Chapelle light hour

Stained glass at 3pm in winter. Sit down, look up, stay.

Versailles hall of mirrors

Day trip to the palace that invented excess. First slot of the day beats the crowds.