Paris

The Musée d'Orsay, once the magnificent Gare d'Orsay, a train station built for the 1900 World's Fair, today houses one of the world's most significant collections of French art from 1848 to 1914. Here you'll find masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism by artists like Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. The unique architecture of the former train station with its imposing glass structure provides a special atmosphere for the artworks. The collection includes not only paintings, but also sculptures, decorative arts, and photography. A practical tip: Visit the museum right after opening or in the late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. Don't miss the view through the large station clock on the upper floor, which offers an iconic perspective of the Seine and Sacré-Cœur.

The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair, is Paris's icon and an engineering marvel. Initially controversial, Gustave Eiffel's revolutionary design symbolized progress for Paris. From its three levels, enjoy panoramic views of Paris. Its fine iron structure, with over 18,000 parts, impresses up close. Our Tip: Book tickets online and in advance to avoid long queues. For prime evening views of the illuminated tower, we recommend Place du Trocadéro or Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, a Paris landmark, stands on Montmartre. Its construction began in 1875 as a votive church after the Franco-Prussian War, consecrated in 1919. Blending Romanesque and Byzantine elements, its style distinguishes it from other Parisian churches. The white facade, made of Château-Landon limestone, secretes calcite when wet, keeping it bright.Inside, the large apse mosaic depicting Christ in Majesty dominates. You can climb the dome for a fee and enjoy panoramic views over the city, which extend far on clear days. Even from the parvis, you can overlook large parts of Paris.Our Tip: Come early in the morning on a weekday, when Montmartre is still quiet. For a photo of the facade with the city in the background, stand on the lower steps of the parvis.

The Jardin du Luxembourg, laid out in the early 17th century for Marie de' Medici and inspired by Florence's Boboli Gardens, is one of Paris's most significant green spaces. Here you'll find a harmonious blend of a French formal garden with geometric flowerbeds and an English landscape garden, perfect for a stroll. At its heart lies the Palais du Luxembourg, today the seat of the French Senate, in front of which stretches the large pond, the Grand Bassin. Children traditionally sail model boats here, lending the park a lively, timeless atmosphere. Along the paths, you'll discover numerous statues of French queens and famous personalities, adding historical depth to the garden. Another highlight is the picturesque Medici Fountain, a hidden gem with its grotto and sculptures. The park not only serves for recreation but is also a cultural meeting point for chess players, students, and families. Our Tip: Visit the garden ideally on a weekday morning to enjoy the greatest tranquility and avoid the crowds. For atmospheric photos of the Medici Fountain, late afternoon is ideal when the light softens.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris has defined the Île de la Cité for over 850 years. Its construction began in 1163 and spanned nearly two centuries. The evolution of Gothic architecture is evident in its flying buttresses and grand rose windows.In the fire of April 2019, the roof structure and spire were destroyed. After a good five years of restoration, the cathedral reopened in December 2024, complete with a newly erected spire. The cleaned interior is now brighter than it has been for generations.Our Tip: The west facade with its three portals is best viewed from Pont au Double. The choir with its flying buttresses can be seen from Square Jean XXIII behind the cathedral. In the mornings, the crowds are thinnest.

Das Petit Palais, ein Meisterwerk der Beaux-Arts-Architektur, wurde für die Pariser Weltausstellung von 1900 errichtet und beherbergt heute das Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. Du findest hier eine umfangreiche Sammlung von Kunstwerken, die von der Antike bis zum frühen 20. Jahrhundert reichen, darunter Gemälde, Skulpturen und Kunstobjekte. Die prunkvolle Fassade mit ihrer Kuppel, den Mosaiken und den schmiedeeisernen Details ist ebenso beeindruckend wie die Kunst im Inneren. Besonders hervorzuheben sind Werke von Rembrandt, Rubens, Delacroix, Courbet und Monet, die einen tiefen Einblick in verschiedene Epochen und Stile bieten. Der idyllische Innenhof mit seinen Arkaden und Gärten lädt zum Verweilen ein und bietet eine ruhige Oase. Unser Tipp: Besuche das Museum an einem Wochentagmorgen, um die Menschenmassen zu umgehen und die Kunst in Ruhe zu genießen. Der Eintritt zur Dauerausstellung ist kostenlos, was dieses kulturelle Erlebnis besonders zugänglich macht.