Best views in Paris

By Go City Expert

Paris’ perspectives

The urban landscape of Paris ranges from the imposing French Gothic architecture to the opulence of the Beaux Arts – and everything in between – not to mention the meandering River Seine and modern skyscrapers that break up the silhouette of the city. Although Paris is stunning from the ground, if you head up high you get a completely different perspective. From unparalleled views and stretching horizons, we’ve listed our top 3 summits where you can get the best views of Paris. Sacre Coeur The Sacre Coeur is one of Paris’ most impressive religious buildings. Mounted on the top of the Montmartre hill, this pearly turn-of-the-century basilica benefits from uninterrupted views over the city from its vantage point at 130m high. Take a picnic and recline on the sloped front garden, looking down on the city and you can spot Paris’ most famous landmarks and monuments. It’s nothing short of romantic... While you’re in the area, explore the streets and cafes that were the old haunts of the bohemian artists who lived there, too. Montparnasse Tower From old to new, the Montparnasse Tower is the power house of Paris and one of the most expensive addresses in the city. At 209m high it’s the only skyscraper in Paris and with a viewing gallery on the 56th floor and a roof top terrace, you’re guaranteed unprecedented views over the city. Not great for those with vertigo, but if you’re not afraid of heights it’s not to be missed! Don’t forget your camera, you can even see up to 40kms away on a clear day. Notre Dame The Catholic Cathedral Notre Dame is one of Paris’ most famous French Gothic landmarks. With a history that dates back to the mid-12th century, it’s a goldmine of stunning architecture, stained glass and elaborate carvings (yes we’re talking about the gargoyles!) If you climb the two towers, you can get great views over Paris from this central spot, not to mention a great aspect of the River Seine. At 61m – and 387 steps – you can walk around the top of the famous cathedral and get up close with the chimera. Arc de Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is one of the nation’s most important monuments as a military symbol for both the past and present. Standing in the centre of the ‘étoile’, the star-like historic cross roads, it’s great for the best central views – especially at night when you can see the sun setting over Paris and see the city illuminate under dusk. At 50m high it’s not the tallest monument in the world, but it’s arguably one of the most influential in French history.

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Top 5 places for brunch in Paris

Paris is a much loved destination for foodies, as we previously looked at in a post dedicated to gastronomic affairs. Although brunch is a very American idea, it has prevailed over in Paris too, becoming a popular weekend occasion as any. We wanted to help you find the best spots to indulge in this leisurely routine. No matter the budget, there's something for everyone, even vegetarians! Un Dimanche a Paris 4-8 cour du Commerce Saint-André, 6e Calling all chocolate lovers, make sure this is on your radar. A restaurant dedicated to chocolate, cocao makes its way into most dishes served at this concept store. For brunch, there are set menus to choose from ranging in price, but it's well worth it if you appreciate the environment and high standard of service. Whether your tipple is champagne or juice for brunch, you'll also be served the best hot chocolate in Paris, too. We recommend you head over to their chocolate shop next door for some rich takeaways before you leave. Le table du huit 8 Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris 8ème If you like your chic and sleek then this place is one for you. Redesigned by Maison Martin Margiela it's a stylish take on brunch that includes the more modern, healthy dishes than your typical syrup covered blueberry pancakes. Think feta salads and quinoa tabbouleh, with signature omlettes. But don't worry there's plenty of sweet things too, including cakes and jams - even cream and lemon meringues. Delicious, and the perfect place for a modern, romantic breakfast for two. Casa Lola 12 rue Francœur, 18e Some something a little less flashy, Casa Lola is the place to go for an informal, quick and easy brunch. With a choice of sweet or savoury (we prefer sweet!) you'll be given jams, lemon curds, chocolate spreads and caramel with salted butter, followed by breads and cakes. Choose from freshly squeezed juices or a strong coffee if you need a pick me up. Should you want to go savoury, you can feast on onion rings, coleslaw and bagels with cold meats - great after a late night out. Bioboa 93 rue Montmartre, 2e If you believe in healthy eating even when you're away on holiday then perhaps you should make a beeline for Bioboa. A self-acclaimed 'food spa' everything served is fresh and organic. God forbid anything should be tinned or contain preservatives; at least you'll know what you're putting in your body is 100% pure. Don't expect to be gorging on buttery pastries or thick creamy lattes, but if you like things refined and clean then here's your spot. Try their poached eggs or tofu burgers and sip on a kale smoothie - it's one way to re-energise on a Sunday! St James Albany 202 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris 1e We love the area around the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens so much that we were thrilled to find out about St James Albany which is situated between the gardens and rue du Faubourg St-Honoré. You don't need to be staying at the hotel to dine in their restaurant, so we recommend you try it out. Expect high quality food and service - after all it is rated 4 stars - and tuck into blinis, Swedish breads, salmon as well as mini macarons, mini pancakes and mini burgers for the kids. The best thing about this place is that you can sit outside in the terrace-come-courtyard. Now you'll feel truly Parisian! Twinkie Breakfasts 167 rue Saint-Denis, 2e If you can't hold out until the weekend for your brunch kick, Twinkie Breakfasts has your answer. They loved their weekend habit so much that they made in into a business, serving it 7 days a week for their fellow brunch fiends. Think New York loft style meets IKEA and you've can image the set up. They don't serve your typical brunch either, instead you can choose from a range of breakfasts including American, French, Scandinavian and Greek - which shun all stereotypes with a Twinkie twist on each. Best visited mid-week when you won't be fighting over tables (it's that popular).

Bike tour of Paris: an itinerary on wheels

Every visitor wants the best experience of Paris, from the top city sights to museums and galleries it’s hard to plan everything into one trip. If you want to make the most of the dry spell at the end of the summer, we’ve decided to go off-piste. Well, on two wheels. Paris is a beautiful city to be explored by bike; with its cobbled streets and promenades along the Seine, it makes for some spectacular scenery. So ditch the map, hop on a saddle, follow our tailor-made touristy bike tour of Paris and take to the streets. Morning Why not start your day in one of Paris’ most notable landmarks, Notre Dame Cathedral. With a Vélib station (free bike scheme) just outside the religious monument it’s the perfect place to catch the attraction before it gets too busy. Take in the stunning French gothic architecture and marvel at the stained glass windows for which it’s famous. After Notre Dame, cross to the other side of the Île de la Cité to visit the Sainte-Chappelle. On par with Notre Dame for its importance as a religious landmark, this 13th century church was once considered the most important and holy place in the world – containing Christ’s crown of thorns. Take your bike and cycle over Pont Neuf – Paris’ most famous bridge marking the end of the Middle Ages and into modern design in the 16th century. As soon as you cross the bridge you will practically bump into the esteemed Louvre, a must-see when you’re in Paris. Lunch As you cycle along the Quai des Tuileries you will pass the Louvre on your right. With spectacular views of the Seine River to your left and the famous art gallery to your right, you can’t beat it. Just a few yards further is the Tuileries Gardens, the perfect place to stop off for lunch. We recommend you bring a picnic – the vélib have enough space at the front to carry plenty! – and relax on the manicured gardens. Across the river, in front of you, you’ll also notice the prestigious Orsay Museum, a reformed old train station, which sits on the left bank of the Seine – a fine example of the Beaux Arts architecture popular at the turn of the century. After lunch, cross to the northern side of the Tuileries Gardens and cycle up Rue de la Paix, passing Place de Vendome on your way. At the end of the road you’ll come to the impressive Paris Opera House. Another stunning Beaux Arts building, deemed one of the most opulent of all Parisian landmarks. Step inside and be transported back through time with crystal chandeliers and marble staircases, not to mention the huge stage upon which some of the most impressive ballets and operas have been performed – and the space which inspired Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Evening Next stop, Arc de Triomphe. Wind your way through the streets of Paris to this wartime landmark in the centre of the Charles de Gaule Etoile. This triumphal arch and monument is a testament to French victories and also to those who have lost their lives in battle. Constructed in the 1830s, its delicate engravings and neoclassical design make this monument one of Paris’ most famous – not least because of its symbolism. Discover the Tomb of the Unknown soldier beneath, and don’t leave without visiting the viewing platform and observation deck for sweeping views over the city. All the more spectacular at sunset. From there, head to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You won’t need any more guidance than just follow the steep point! Across the river, in the Left Bank, the Eiffel Tower is one to see, especially when it’s all lit up at night. With plenty of docking stations around the Champ de Mars you can either end your bike tour of Paris there or carry on exploring through the night... If doing a bike tour of Paris DIY is a bit daunting, the Fat Tire Bike Tours are a great way to take part but with some more guidance. You’ll be given a detailed tour of Paris and travel the streets safely, so for unseasoned cyclists perhaps this could be a recommendation. With the Paris Pass you'll get a 15% discount, too. All the more incentive!

The Palace of Malmaison

Translated as ‘the evil house’, the Palace of Malmaison is more charming than its name suggests. It was once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his partner Empress Josephine. The imperial couple spent as much time together as they could, and the beautification of the gardens was one of Josephine’s great joys. Join us as we take a look at the history of the palace, where we’ll explore how it became a vital part in the personal and political lives of one of France’s most famous power couples. Malmaison’s History Located approximately 15 km (9 miles) west of Paris, Malmaison is stately yet perhaps not one of the grand castles and palaces that you’d expect an imperial couple to reside. Compared to the Palace of Versailles, it almost seems like a country cottage. And that was exactly the point. Though the imperial couple took possession of the property in 1799, its history dates back to the Middle Ages. According to the Museum’s site, the first mention of Malmaison or ‘Malus Dominus’ (in Latin) appeared in 1244. However, historians are not exactly certain as to why. One theory is that the name could be linked to marauding Normans in the area who might have used the land as a hideout. What is known is that the land was bought by in 1390 by Guillaume Goudet, the Sergeant of Arms for King Charles VI. Remarkably, the property would remain in his descendant’s possession until 1763. Napoleon and Josephine: Love, Politics, and Roses Josephine and Napoleon were probably the unlikeliest of couples. To begin with, he was a serious and socially awkward General, who had already experienced some military success. Whereas Josephine was more refined, a widow with two children, who had been imprisoned and traumatized during the Terror of the first French Revolution. Josephine had friends in high places. In addition, she had social graces, beauty, charm and charisma outshone the awkward military man. They married in a quiet civil ceremony in Paris, March 1796. Josephine purchased Malmaison while Napoleon was away fighting a campaign in Egypt in 1799. Upon his return from Egypt, Napoleon wasn’t too pleased with his wife's purchase. The cost was immense and the Palace was in need of major renovations. And yet, he could refuse her nothing. A Country Get Away? Josephine yearned for her own little kingdom, close enough to Paris to be convenient and yet far enough away to get some respite from the pressures of public life, just as many royals had done even centuries before. In this respect, Malmaison was more than ideal. However, her expansion projects took on epic proportions and cost Napoleon an incredible fortune. For example, the original 60 hectares (148 acres) of land, was gradually expanded into a whopping 726-hectare (1,794 acres) estate after 15 years of ownership. In addition, Josephine had one of Europe’s largest greenhouses constructed. She was fascinated with botany and imported 200 plus never before seen species of plants to France, some of them from her native Martinique. Also, she grew pineapples and oranges. In addition, she favoured English styled gardens and had over 250 kinds of roses planted on the grounds of Malmaison, of which she took great pride. That wasn’t the end of it, Josephine built a sort of menagerie including black swans, llamas, a zebra, gazelles, ostriches, emus, etc. The creatures were free to roam the grounds, and it truly must have seemed like a paradise from another realm! Also, she had a ‘Temple of Love’ constructed in the park, which is still visible today. Politics Interestingly, Malmaison became the seat of government in France from 1800-1802. Napoleon convened in the Palace’s library with his generals, ministers and advisors, and it was there that major decisions of state were made. In addition, Napoleon had over 13,000 books in his library! Soon enough, life would change drastically for the couple, and for France itself. In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor and crowned Josephine Empress in a grand ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. “She Embellished My Life” At this time, the Napoleonic wars were in full swing. The Emperor would conquer Egypt, Belgium, Holland, most of Italy, Austria, most of Germany, Poland, and Spain. The ambitious ruler was intent on creating a dynasty of his own. Unfortunately, Josephine was unable to give him an heir. This resulted in the dissolution of their marriage in 1809. During the divorce proceedings and in front of the French court, Napoleon would state that Josephine, “embellished my life for 15 years”. There were many tears. Though heartbroken, Josephine was given the Palace as well as other properties and a pension of 5 million francs per year to console herself. Also, she was able to keep the title of ‘Empress’, even after Napoleon remarried in 1810. Not too shabby! After the divorce, she retired from public life, though she still continued to entertain guests. Josephine died at the age of 50 in 1814 at her home, just one month after her ex-husband’s defeat and abdication. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon visited the Palace before being exiled, for the second time. One can only imagine how sad it must have been for the ex Emperor. The Museum In 1896, wealthy philanthropist Daniel Iffla bought the property and its park, which by then had already been downsized to 6 hectares (14 acres). Seven years later he donated it to the French State. It was opened to the public in 1905 as a Museum. Important restorations works were undertaken in the early 20th century to the Palace under the direction of the architect, Pierre Humbert. Now it is part of the French National Museums and is classified as an important Napoleonic historical site. Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. the Museum hosts guided tours. In addition, they have children’s programming and host temporary exhibits. Don’t forget to check out their boutique on the way out! They have charming memorabilia, an immense selection of books, as well as many Napoleon and Josephine themed items. Interesting to Note: Josephine and her daughter, Hortense, are both interred in the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul Church in Rueil-Malmaison. Both tombs have ornate marble sculptures, and many people still leave roses for la belle Josephine to this day. Your Visit to the Palace of Malmaison Travel back in time to the splendour of the Napoleonic area. You will surely and see for yourself why Josephine favoured Malmaison above all of the other castles and palaces in France. In the warmer months, it is lovely to wander the grounds and see Josephine’s gardens where her roses still bloom. A visit to Malmaison is an unforgettable experience and a wonderful idea for a day trip! How to get there from Paris: Take the RER A train (direction Saint-Germain-en-Laye). Get off at the Rueil-Malmaison station, then board the 27 bus. After an eight-minute ride, the stop is: "Le Château”. Cross the RN13 and return to the crossroads. Walk for nine minutes, the Palace is located on the right. Address: Château de Malmaison, Avenue du Château de la Malmaison, 92500, RUEIL-MALMAISON Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Sunday October 1st - March 31 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. // 1:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. *Open until 5:45 p.m. on weekends April 1st - September 30 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. // 1:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. *Open until 6:15 p.m. on weekends Ticket price: 6,50€ Temporary exhibition price: 8,50€ Free Entry with the Paris Pass!

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