Paris, France: Exploring the City and Beyond

From famous monuments and world-renowned museums to palaces and historic towns beyond the city, Paris offered an unforgettable mix of culture, history and exploration.

After our last European Florence, Italy trip, we came to Paris with our minds set to take the time to explore as much of the city as possible and truly immerse ourselves in its streets, neighborhoods, history, and culture.

How to get from Charles de Gaulle International Airport to Downtown Paris

The easiest and fastest way to travel from the airport to Gare du Nord in Paris is by RER B, a train that operates between 4:50 am to 11:00 pm. The train can be take from either Terminal 2 or 3, and if you need to travel between terminals, connection is via CDGVAL shuttle which is free. To travel on this route, you need to buy a Navigo Pass which costs 2 Euros and to load it with a Paris Region- Airports ticket which costs 14 Euros. This can be done either at a staffed counter or at the ticket machine. For late arrivals there are also Noctilien buses which travel at night between any terminal and Gare de l’Est.

Public transportation in Paris

Paris has an extensive public transportation network: 14 major Metro lines, 5 RER train lines, 9 Transilien train lines, 14 modern tram lines and nearly 1,900 bus lines across the broader Ile-de-France region. Unlike the RER trains, which cross entirely through the center of Paris, Transilien lines are traditional commuter trains that mostly depart from and terminate at Paris's major mainline stations.

Using public transportation in Paris might seem overwhelming at first but once you figure it out is not that bad. There are also various type of tickets and passes depending of how much you need to travel in a day or week. Based on our travel plans we just loaded individual Metro-Train-RER tickets onto our Navigo passes and used only this type of transportation. You can get to any part of Paris using one or a combination of these trains for just 2.55 Euros if you finish your journey within 2 hours from first ticket validation. This type of ticket covers the entire Ile-de-France region, spanning all five transit zones. Traveling daily somewhere, when we could choose between Metro and RER we preferred the RER trains which had fewer stops and trip took half time compared to taking the metro.

Accommodations in Paris

Our accommodation in Paris was at Residhome Puteaux La Defense, an aparthotel, something between a traditional hotel room and a private apartment. Ours was a studio apartment with a fully functioning kitchenette but with standard hotel amenities such as 24-hour reception desk and housekeeping services. We liked it because it was a budget friendly option with us cooking our meals. And as a bonus, there was a Water Bar in the reception area where we could refill our water jug with plain or sparkling water whenever we need it. The hotel was in the La Defense area which is a big hub for public transportation.

Top attractions in Paris

Moulin Rouge

On our way to explore the Montmartre neighbourhood, we stopped to snap a photo of the iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge, nestled at the foot of Montmartre Hill in Paris.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

Perched on the highest point in Paris, the Sacre-Cœur Basilica is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its striking white domes and breathtaking views over Paris, make it a must-visit spot in Montmartre. And the best part, visiting the basilica is completely free.

Montmartre neighbourhood

One of the best ways to experience Montmartre neighbourhood, which surrounds Sacre-Coeur Basilica is to stroll down its picturesque streets and soak up the atmosphere. We started at Place du Tertre, the lively little square filled with artists and cafes, before strolling along Rue de L’Abreuvoir, one of the prettiest streets in the neighbourhood. Along the way, we stopped by the Buste de Dalida and discovered the colourful Wall of Love, where “I love you” is written in hundreds of languages. What we loved most, though, were the quaint houses, winding streets, and little corners that made Montmartre feel like a village tucked away in the heart of Paris.

Passage des Panoramas

Paris is full of charming covered passages, with their vintage atmosphere, little shops, and cozy cafes. The Passage des Panoramas is just one of these hidden gems, perfect for a leisurely stroll and a step back in time.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

This historic department store is a true Parisian shopping icon. Aside from shopping for luxury fashion, you can admire its stunning architecture and spectacular glass dome. And you can also enjoy the open-air rooftop, La Terasse, to get 360-degree views of Paris, including the Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower, completely free of charge.

Musee du Parfum

Dedicated to the history and art of perfume, this free hidden gem offers a glimpse into the world of fragrance and its secrets.

Place de la Madeleine

The square is dominated by the Madeleine Church, one of Paris’s most striking churches, designed like a grand ancient Greek temple with impressive Corinthian columns. Its imposing facade and elegant interior make it a memorable landmark in the heart of Paris.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is one of Paris’s grandest squares, known for its Egyptian obelisk, elegant fountains, and spectacular views stretching from the Champs-Élysées to the Tuileries Garden.

Champs-Elysees

Champs-Elysees is definitely Paris’s most famous avenue, lined with elegant shops, cafes, and iconic landmarks. Stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, a stroll along it should be included in everyone’s visit.

Grand Palais

Located near the Champs-Elysees and Pont Alexandre III, the Grand Palais is worth visiting for its spectacular Beaux-Arts architecture and enormous glass roof. A lot of cultural events and temporary art exhibitions also take place here throughout the year.

Petit Palais

Located just across from the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building housing an impressive collection of fine art. The museum is free to visit and also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso.

Arc de Triomphe

One of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées. The monument was built to honour those who fought for France and it offers spectacular views over the city from its rooftop.

Parc Monceau

A beautiful and elegant Parisian park, with lush gardens, charming pathways, and picturesque features - a perfect place enjoy a leisurely stroll.

La Defense

La Defense is Paris’s modern business district, a fascinating contrast to the city’s historic centre. Known for its impressive skyscrapers, contemporary art, and the iconic Grande Arche, it’s worth visiting to experience a very different, more modern side of Paris.

Tuileries Gardens

The beautiful historic garden is in the heart of Paris and stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. It is one of those places not to be missed when visiting the city.

Place Vendome

Place Vendome is one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, known for its grand architecture, high-end boutiques, and the iconic Vendome Column at its center.

Louvre Museum

Not long ago we visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the younger "sibling" of the French Louvre, during our Dubai trip. The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most visited attractions in the world and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Located inside the Louvre Palace, the museum houses comprehensive collections of art, sculptures, ancient artifacts and classic masterpieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, including the world-famous Mona Lisa. With so much to see, it takes at least 3-4 hours just to see the highlights while a comprehensive visit could easily take a full day. The price of a ticket is 32 Euros for visitors outside the European Union. The entrance to the museum is through the striking glass and steel Louvre Pyramid, which has become an attraction in its own right.

Musee d'Orsay

This beautiful museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station which was transformed into a museum by the French government. Its outstanding collections include Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by renowned painters such as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Degas, Cezanne among many other famous artists. One of the most striking features of the Orsay Museum is its original giant railway clock a reminder of the building’s past as a train station. Another highlight is the enormous transparent clock on the fifth floor, through which you can see the city of Paris and the Seine. Seeing this iconic clock in person had always been something we wanted to do, and it made our visit to the museum even more memorable.

Pont Alexandre III

When visiting central Paris, you cannot help but notice Pont Alexandre III, the most beautiful and ornate bridges in the city. Spanning the Seine between the Champs-Élysées and Les Invalides, the bridge is decorated with elaborate sculptures, golden details, and elegant Art Nouveau lamps. It also offers spectacular views of the Seine and some of Paris’s most famous landmarks.

The Hotel des Invalides (Musee de l'Armee)

This impressive historic landmark, the Hotel des Invalides, now houses the Musee de l'Armee one of the world’s largest military museums. Here you can see an extensive collection of armour, weapons, uniforms, and military artifacts covering French military history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The highlight of our visit was the Dome des Invalides, where Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb stands beneath the magnificent golden dome. The cost of a ticket is 17 Euros.

Eiffel Tower

There is probably little to say about the Eiffel Tower that everyone hasn’t already heard. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, this 330-metre iron landmark has become the unmistakable symbol of Paris. And regardless which part of Paris you find yourself you just feel compelled to take one more picture.

Trocadero Paris

This elevated area across the Seine offers one of the best spots in Paris to take few pictures of Eiffel Tower.

Père-Lachaise Cemetary

This beautiful historic cemetery, much like the Central Cemetery we visited during our Vienna trip, is the final resting place of many celebrated figures, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Balzac, Chopin, Moliere, George Enesco and Proust, making it as much a place of history as it is a peaceful green space to explore. To find the tombs more easily, we printed a cemetery map showing the location of each one and highlighted the graves we wanted to visit. At times we also used Google Maps on our phones for better accuracy. This helped us avoid unnecessary wandering and make the most of our time there.

Place de la Bastille

Place de la Bastille is best known as the site of the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. Today, the former prison site is marked by the July Column, a striking monument erected to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830 and topped by a golden statue known as the Spirit of Liberty.

Place des Vosges

Located in the historic Marais district, it is a lovely spot to stroll, relax, and admire the square’s charming architecture.

Carnavalet Museum

Housed in two beautiful historic mansions in the Marais, the museum is worth visiting for both its collections and architecture. Best of all, admission to the permanent collections is free of charge.

Saint-Paul Saint-Louis Church

A beautiful Baroque church we came across while walking through the Marais, known for its grand façade, ornate interior, and impressive dome.

Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is Paris’s historic botanical garden, with beautiful gardens, greenhouses, tree-lined paths, and a variety of plants and flowers. Its proximity to the National Museum of Natural History, the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology, and La Menagerie, the garden’s small zoo, makes it a lovely place to visit.

Hotel de Ville (City Hall)

Hotel de Ville is one of Paris’s most impressive historic buildings. We stopped to admire its richly decorated facade, covered with sculptures and architectural details, a striking sight from the surrounding square.

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is one of the world’s most famous Gothic cathedrals and one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. After the devastating fire of April 2019, the cathedral underwent five years of restoration before reopening in December 2024. Its beautifully restored interior and renewed appearance offer a remarkable reminder of this enduring symbol of Paris, although we could still detect a faint smell of smoke inside.

Eglise Saint-Sulpice

Considered the second largest church in Paris, it is known for its impressive Neoclassical façade, twin towers, a celebrated gnomon (astronomical line) and magnificent interior. It houses murals by Delacroix adorning the walls of the Chapel of the Holy Angels as well as one of France’s largest historic organs. The church is also known for its appearance in film The Da Vinci Code.

Luxembourg Palace, Gardens & Medici Fountain

Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Luxembourg Palace overlooks the extensive Luxembourg Gardens, one of the city’s most popular green spaces. The palace was commissioned in the early 17th century for Marie de’ Medici, and today serves as the seat of the French Senate. Within the gardens, the Medici Fountain is one of the garden’s most picturesque features.

Catacombs of Paris

Visiting the Catacombs of Paris was unlike any other attraction we had seen in the city. Located 20m beneath the streets of the 14th arrondissement, the Catacombs take you into a fascinating underground world of narrow tunnels and historic chambers. Created in the late 18th century, this vast underground network was transformed into an ossuary, where the remains of millions of Parisians were transferred from overcrowded cemeteries. Walking through the dimly lit passages, surrounded by carefully arranged skulls and bones, felt both eerie and strangely captivating. For us, it was not just a visit to a historical site, but an experience that revealed a much darker and more unusual side of Paris.

We purchased tickets online in advance for 31 Euros per ticket. The Catacombs of Paris do not have an on site ticket-booth so tickets must be purchased online. The booking system is quite dynamic: tickets are released seven days in advance and are time-slotted, with new time slots becoming available daily at 10:00 a.m. Paris time. Due to high demand, popular time slots can sell out quickly.

Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont

Located in the Latin Quarter, directly opposite the Pantheon, Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is one of the city’s most distinctive historic churches, featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, elegant spiral staircases, and colorful stained-glass windows. The church also houses the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, as well as the tombs of Blaise Pascal and Jean Racine.

59 Rivoli

Located on in the 1st arrondissement, near the Louvre, 59 Rivoli is a unique contemporary art space housed in a former bank building. What makes it particularly interesting is that it is not a conventional gallery: around 30 resident artists work in studios that are open to visitors, allowing you to see their creative process and sometimes interact with them directly. The building itself is colorful and artistic, with murals, paintings, and installations throughout the stairways and corridors. For us, it felt more like walking through a living, constantly changing art space than visiting a traditional museum. Entry is free, which makes it an easy and worthwhile stop while exploring central Paris.

Eglise Saint-Eustache

This beautiful church is the third largest in Paris after Notre-Dame and Saint Sulpice and is also known for its connection to famous figures who were baptized here, including Molière and Madame de Pompadour.

Passage du Grand Cerf

A quiet, elegant arcade with a beautiful glass roof, boutique shops, cafes, and artisan stores, offering a charming glimpse of old Paris.

Colonnes des Buren

Located in the Palais-Royal courtyard in central Paris, the Colonnes de Buren is a striking contemporary art installation made up of black-and-white striped columns of different heights. Created by French artist Daniel Buren in the 1980s, the installation became a distinctive and popular photo spot in Paris.

Galerie Vivienne

This is one of Paris’s most elegant covered passages. The gallery has a beautiful glass roof, mosaic floor, ornate architecture, and stylish boutiques offering a wonderful glimpse into 19th-century Paris.

Bibliotheque nationale de France (BnF) Richelieu

Located in the 2nd arrondissement, the BnF Richelieu is one of those places that surprised us with its beauty. The highlight for us was the magnificent Oval Room, with its huge glass ceiling, elegant arches, and rows of bookshelves creating an incredible atmosphere. Even better, entry to the Oval Room is free, making this a wonderful place to visit and one of the hidden gems of Paris.

Bibliotheque Mazarine

Housed in the historic College des Quatre-Nations, the Bibliotheque Mazarine is the oldest public library in France. It is known for its beautiful historic reading room, old books and manuscripts, and elegant 17th-century atmosphere. It is a charming stop for anyone interested in Parisian history, architecture, and literature, or simply for those who would like a glimpse of its beautiful reading room.

Self-guided visits are permitted for individual visitors after receiving a “visitor” badge from the reception of the Institute de France, theoretically in exchange for an identity document that is kept at reception. We were not asked to provide one.

Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris

Located in the 16th arrondissement, close to the Eiffel Tower, the Modern Art Museum in Paris houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Modigliani, Delaunay, and Dufy. We particularly enjoyed its spacious galleries, the variety of works on display and the fact that the permanent collection is free to visit.

Maison de Balzac

Among the free attractions in Paris is the former home of writer Honore de Balzac, now a small museum offering a glimpse into his life and work.

Day trip to Rouen

To get to Rouen we took the train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Rouen Rive Droite. We purchased our tickets in advance online from SNCF Connect website and our return trip cost 45 Euros. Prices can vary depending on the departure time and how far in advance you book. The journey took approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

If you're taking the train from Paris, your train will be listed on the electronic departure boards, so make sure you know the name of your destination. The platform number may not be posted until around 10-15 minutes before departure, so don't worry if you don't see it right away. One important thing to know about train tickets in France is that some paper tickets need to be validated (stamped) in the yellow validation machines on the platform before boarding. However, if you purchase an electronic ticket online, you generally don't need to validate it. Always check the instructions on your ticket, as the requirements can vary depending on the type of ticket and train.

Rouen Highlights: What to See and Do

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is known for its rich history and, among other things, for being the place where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried, and executed. Because of her connection to the city, there are many places throughout Rouen that commemorate her life and legacy.

Eglise Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc de Rouen

This a modern church is located in Rouen’s historic Place du Vieux-Marché, near the site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. Its striking curved design and beautiful stained-glass windows make it one of Rouen’s most distinctive landmarks.

Place du Vieux Marche

Rouen’s most charming historic squares, Place du Vieux Marché, is surrounded by colourful, half-timbered houses that give the area its distinctive character. This is also the place where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.

Le Gros-Horloge

Le Gros-Horloge is one of Rouen’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city. This magnificent 14th-century astronomical clock is built into the historic archway of Rue du Gros-Horloge and is a must-see when exploring the old town.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is one of the city’s most impressive Gothic landmarks. Made famous by Claude Monet’s paintings, the cathedral is not only a beautiful architectural masterpiece but also an important historical site. It is home to the heart of Richard the Lionheart, King of England, adding another fascinating layer of history to this iconic Rouen landmark. The entrance to the cathedral is free.

Abbatiale Saint-Ouen de Rouen (Saint-Ouen Abbey Church)

This remarkable Gothic church is distinguished by its imposing proportions, 80 enormous stained-glass windows, and an impressive organ. Once part of a powerful Benedictine monastery, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Rouen’s rich religious and architectural history.

Musee Secq des Tournelles

Just a short walk from the Museum of Fine Arts, we stumbled upon this unusual and completely free museum housed inside the former Church of Saint-Laurent. Inside, we discovered an extraordinary collection of wrought-iron objects, from intricate signs and everyday household items to elaborate religious pieces.

Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen

Free to enter, the museum is home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings, ranging from Old Masters to works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Modigliani, and Delacroix. It’s a great place to discover the rich artistic heritage of Rouen and Normandy.

Rouen is a city that deserves at least a day of your time. With its beautiful medieval streets, impressive Gothic churches, historic squares, and half-timbered houses, the city has a wonderful mix of history and charm. It’s also compact enough to explore on foot, which we prefer, making it easy to see many of its highlights in a single day.

Day trip to Palace of Versailles

Getting to Versailles from Paris is surprisingly easy, almost as simple as getting around the city itself. Depending on where you are staying in Paris, you can reach Versailles by RER C, Transilien Line L, or Transilien Line N. Since we were staying in the La Défense area, we chose Transilien Line L. The line actually starts at Gare Saint-Lazare in central Paris and takes you to Versailles Rive Droite train station. The journey by train was only 25 minutes and was also very affordable. Our ticket cost just 2.55 Euros, and we used a regular Metro-Train-RER one-way ticket.

From the train station, the Palace of Versailles is about 1.5 km (just under a mile) away. On our way to the palace, we decided to walk through the streets of Versailles and take also the opportunity to see the Versailles Notre-Dame Church, a beautiful historic church just a short distance from the Palace.

Palace of Versailles – The Main Palace

The Passport tickets we purchased in advance included entry to the Palace, the Estate of Trianon, the Gardens and to any temporary exhibitions. The cost was 35 Euro per ticket. We started our visit with the Palace as our tickets had a timed-entry. The Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and one of the most visited attractions in and around Paris, so it was no surprise that there were quite large crowds.

To properly explore everything inside the Palace, you should allow about 2-3 hours. The visit takes you through King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, War Room and Peace Room, Royal Chapel, Gallery of Great Battles and the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors is the largest and the most famous room of the Palace of Versailles and its name comes from the seventeen mirrored arches that face the 17 windows overlooking the Park. Each arch contains twenty-one mirrors for a total of 357 mirrors. The room is truly spectacular, with beautifully painted walls and an elaborately decorated ceiling

Palace of Versailles – The Gardens and The Grand Canal

The Gardens of Versailles were every bit as impressive as the Palace itself. Designed on a truly enormous scale, they stretched far into the distance, with perfectly symmetrical paths, beautifully manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures, and ornamental gardens. And at the heart of the gardens lies the Grand Canal, an enormous cross-shaped waterway stretching for more than a kilometre and considered to be the masterpiece of Andre Le Notre, the designer of Versailles Gardens.

Palace of Versailles – The Grand Trianon

Built by Louis XIV as a private retreat away from the main Palace, the Grand Trianon is a nice pink marble palace set within the gardens of Versailles, with nice furnished rooms and surrounded by beautiful gardens and shaded paths.

Palace of Versailles – The Petit Trianon

Built for Louis XV in the 18th century, the charming chateau was mainly used by Marie Antoinette, who used it as her private retreat away from court life.

Palace of Versailles – The Queen’s Hamlet

Designed for Marie Antoinette as a rustic village where she could escape the formality of court life, the Queen’s Hamlet has picturesque cottages, thatched roofs, gardens, a lake, and farm buildings that create a peaceful countryside atmosphere. It was one of the highlights of our visit.

A visit to Chateau de Chantilly

To get to Chantilly, we took the RER E from La Defense to Gare du Nord, and then a regional TER train to Chantilly-Gouvieux station. We purchased our tickets on the same day from the SNCF regional ticket machines.

If you arrive at Gare du Nord by RER, look for Hall 1 (platforms 15, 16, or 17) or follow the signs for the Grandes Lignes to reach the train platforms. Since Chantilly-Gouvieux is listed as a stop rather than the final destination, check the electronic departure boards for trains heading towards Creil or Amiens.

The journey takes about 25 minutes. The fare can vary depending on the date and ticket, so it’s best to check the current price when purchasing your ticket. We paid 9.80 Euros for a one-way ticket. TER trains do not have assigned seats, so once you have your ticket, simply find the appropriate train on the departure board and board.

From Chantilly-Gouvieux station, we took a lovely 2.5 km walking path through the green park and woodland to Chateau de Chantilly. It was a peaceful and scenic way to reach the chateau.

Chateau de Chantilly

Chateau de Chantilly is one of the most beautiful historic estates near Paris and makes a wonderful day trip from the city. Surrounded by extensive parkland and gardens, the estate offers a fascinating combination of history, architecture, art, and beautiful scenery.

We purchased the “Timed Entry Ticket – Library of the Castle” in advance, at a cost of 24 Euros per person. Entry to the library was time-slotted, so it is important to choose a time to fit your itinerary. There is so much to see and do that we recommend planning a full day for the visit will be best.

Chateau de Chantilly – The Art Galleries

After inheriting the chateau, Duke of Aumale, the fourth son of King Louis-Philippe I, who was a passionate collector of paintings, manuscripts, books, and other works of art designed the art galleries to showcase his collection. It is considered that here you can see the second largest collection of antique paintings in France, after Louvre Museum.

The visit takes you through a series of magnificent rooms displaying unique masterpieces of renowned artists: The Gallery of Painting and the Rotunda, the Santuario, the Tribune, the Clouet Room, the Giotto Room, the Psyche Gallery and the Stag Gallery.

Chateau de Chantilly - The Reading Room

The Reading Room is one of the most extensive libraries in France. Of the 60,000 volumes held at Chantilly, almost 19,000 books, manuscripts, and other printed documents are housed in this room.

Chateau de Chantilly – The Large Suites

The Large Suites are a collection of lavishly decorated rooms on the first floor of Château de Chantilly, once used as reception rooms by the Princes of Bourbon-Condé. Featuring elegant 18th-century décor, precious furniture, decorative arts, and Old Master paintings, they offer a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of life at the chateau. We walked through the Antechamber and the Guard Room, the Large Corner Room, the Prince’s bedroom, the Grande Singerie, the Music Room and the Gallery of Battles which was the most spacious room and one of the highlights among the rooms.

Chateau de Chantilly – The Gardens

After we finished visiting the château, we took a leisurely walk through its gardens, which are just as impressive as the chateau itself. Beautifully landscaped, they feature peaceful waterways, wooded paths, and picturesque views at every turn.

Chateau de Chantilly – “De Naples a Chantilly” Temporary Exhibition

Just before visiting the Great Stables, we stopped by the temporary exhibition “De Naples a Chantilly” in the Jeu de Paume, a historic 18th-century building that has been transformed into an exhibition space. The exhibition showcases art and antiquities collected by Caroline Murat, Napoleon’s sister and Queen of Naples, and was included in the price of our admission ticket.

Chateau de Chantilly - The Great Stables and The Living Museum of the Horse

The Great Stables are home to the Living Museum of the Horse, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history, art, and culture of horses, with displays of riding equipment, carriages, and equestrian traditions. So grand and elaborate that they look more like a palace than a stable, they are also home to the château’s horses and host impressive equestrian shows, making them a unique part of a visit to Chantilly. Originally built to accommodate 240 horses, the stables are now home to donkeys, ponies and around 40 horses, which are actively used in equestrian performances.

Day trip to Chateau de Fontainebleau

We took Metro Line 1 from La Defense to Gare de Lyon, where we caught a Transilien Line R train to Fontainebleau–Avon. Getting to the Château de Fontainebleau was very easy, and our regular Metro-Train-RER ticket, which cost just 2.55 Euros, covered the entire journey. From Fontainebleau–Avon station, you could either take Bus 3401 (also referred to as Bus 1), which departs from Quai 1 behind the railway station, or walk the 2.8 km to the château. We decided to walk and enjoy exploring the town along the way.

Chateau de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is a magnificent royal palace with more than 800 years of history and a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Unlike a palace associated with a single monarch, Fontainebleau was used and expanded by generations of French rulers, from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Originally a medieval hunting lodge, it was transformed and enlarged by successive monarchs. The chateau has distinctive Renaissance architecture that combines French traditions with Italian influences, making Fontainebleau an important landmark in the development of the French Renaissance.

Château de Fontainebleau - The Rooms

The ticket cost 17 Euros and included access to the Napoleon I Museum and the Grands Appartements. Our visit was unguided, but by following the general visitor route, we were able to see the Royal Chapels, Royal Apartments, Pope’s Apartment, Emperor Napoleon I’s Apartment, the 19th-Century Galleries, and the Renaissance Rooms.

We particularly enjoyed the Ballroom, one of the most spectacular rooms in Château de Fontainebleau. Its soaring vaulted ceiling, richly decorated walls, grand fireplace, and beautiful frescoes created an extraordinary sense of elegance and grandeur. It was one of the rooms that left the strongest impression on us.

Chateau de Fontainebleau - The Gardens

The chateau is surrounded by extensive gardens and green spaces, with formal gardens, fountains, tree-lined paths, and wooded areas. We enjoyed walking around the grounds after visiting the palace. It was a relaxing way to end our visit and offered a completely different perspective of Fontainebleau.

After exploring so many different sides of Paris, we can honestly say that this city has something for everyone. There are the iconic sights you come to see, but also countless hidden gems that make the experience even more special. Paris is a city that stays with you, leaving you with lasting memories long after your visit.