To visit the City of Lights is to immerse yourself in the ubiquitous art on nearly every corner, meaning that there is something here to appeal to everyone, regardless ofbudget or personal taste. In this article, we will introduce you to the most interesting cultural spots in the French capital.
1. Paris Art Galleries
The Pompidou Centre
Discovering Paris’ artistic side begins with its art galleries and it is worth knowing that under 26s often have free admission to many of the city’s galleries and museums, regardless of their student status. One of the most recognisable buildings in Paris is definitely the Centre Pompidou, a colourful, postmodernist building with iconic installation pipes lining the outside of the building.
This is Paris’ museum of contemporary art, and the city’s main public library. The building was built in the 1870s on the initiative of the then-president Georges Pompidou and was designed by an Italian-British duo, Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. Centre Pompidou is one of the most popular centres of contemporary and modern art in the world, with more than three million people visiting every year to view the permanent collection and other interesting exhibitions and monographs.
59 Rivoli: art gallery
For more contemporary art in Paris, you definitely cannot miss the unique artists’ tenement house at 59 Rivoli Street. Until 2006, this place was an illegal squat, which developed an artistic reputation over many years. Now it is an officially recognised art gallery with over 30 permanent artists exhibiting who create works here every day in their on-site studios. At the weekend, concerts and other events accompanying exhibitions are also held here.
Entrance to Rivoli 59 is free for everyone.
2. Paris street art
Art in the street of Paris
Paris is a city famous for its beautiful and well-preserved architecture. However, as befits the diversity of such a big city, Paris’s streets are also full of colourful street art by the best artists, who are unafraid to reference current political or social topics in their works.
The most famous Parisian street art districts are:
- Buttes-aux-Cailles,
- Belleville
- Ménilmontant.
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Street artists in Paris
- In addition to graffiti art, Paris is also home to colourful mosaics from creatives including: Mr Djoul – you can easily recognise his work by his characteristic aliens on the walls of buildings.
- Invader – check out his own app to learn more about his work. Wabi Sabi – an interesting artistic duo. They use Scrabble to make endearing messages on the walls of buildings.
- Aydar – Another iconic artist who creates black-and-white portraits of tattooed characters.
- Seth – whose works typically depict children playing from behind.
3. Paris as Europe’s fashion capital
Paris is also the capital of another art form – fashion and fashion here is freely intertwined with high art. For example, the latest collaboration between French fashion house Louis Vuitton and the 94-year-old Japaneseartist, Yayoi Kusama. As part of this collaboration, two spectacular sculptures of the artist have been unveiled in Paris.
Paris Fashion Week is by far the most important fashion industry event, attracting crowds to the city twice a year. Do note that you can only attend designer shows and events by invitation. Originally, Paris Fashion Week was a purely commercial event, now it is a huge media event that shows new themes and styles each year, evolving according to the current situation, such as online shows during the recent pandemic.
4. Paris Cabarets – the Moulin Rouge and more!
The Moulin Rouge
Another artistic side of the French capital is cabaret, of which Paris is its hometown. It is most likely here that the first cabarets, which used to be closed meetings of artistic bohemians, were established in the 19th century. One of the most popular is undoubtedly the Moulin Rouge. A cult and universally loved place, whose name and famous red mill, are also often used in pop culture. This is a must-see on the map of the French capital and a symbol of its nightlife.
Other famous cabarets in Paris include Paradis Latin, Lido, and Crazy Horse.
Book tickets online for the Moulin Rouge and other Paris attractions!
5. French cuisine
French food is an integral part of French culture and one of the most appreciated cuisines in the world, full of art and flair. Paris is the heart of France’s best restaurants, pubs and cafes.
In 2022, three restaurants in Paris were included in the 50 best restaurants in the world. The three are:
- Septime – a new take on French cuisine in a modern setting at 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
- Le Clarence – an exclusive, elegant restaurant, located in the luxurious area known as the golden triangle – 31 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris
- L’Arpège – colourful, seasonal French cuisine, whose dishes are based on vegetables from their own garden. These light, sophisticated dishes can be found at 84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
It is no coincidence that the world’s most beautiful branch of Starbucks is located in Paris – it is worth a visit just to admire the impressive interiors of the sumptuous establishment.