Things to do in the Grand Palais district

The Grand Palais is one of the most spectacular among a number of monuments and museums that were built in Paris for the Universal Exposition of 1900. You will indeed feast your eyes on this admirable mix of classical and modern architectural features. The nave beneath the glass dome hosts some remarkable art exhibitions as well as various international sports meetings, like the Saut Hermès showjumping competition held here since 2009. The Nave of the Grand Palais has been unveiled for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, before being fully reopened in 2025. Indeed, fencing and taekwondo experts have honoured their favourite sports under the most beautiful glass roof in Paris.

Created in the same year as its neighbour, the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, home to the Fine Arts Museum of Paris, showcases the quintessence of artistic creation from Antiquity to the 20th century. Offering free admission to visitors, the permanent exhibition plunges you into the life and works of Courbet, Géricault, Monet, Delacroix and Cézanne.

Take a leisurely stroll to admire the exterior of the Petit Palais from its garden. Amid the columns, ornamental mosaic-lined ponds and elegantly nurtured exotic vegetation, the terrace of the café and restaurant invites you to admire this haven of greenery in the heart of Paris.

Close to the Grand Palais, the Palais de la Découverte is also getting a facelift, its very first since it opened in 1937. Designed by a painter and a winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics, the Palais de la Découverte is one of those museums where you go to enjoy yourself at the amusing and immersive exhibitions. Its purpose is both ambitious and straightforward: to put science within the reach of the general public. Now undergoing renovation, this grand museum offering temporary exhibitions, encounters, debates and other outreach activities is to reopen in 2025.

Close to the Champs-Elysées and the Grand Palais, you’ll find one of the most magnificent tributes ever paid to the fashion world. Indeed, the story of the man who created one of the world’s most beautiful names in fashion design is exhibited in the private mansion of Christian Dior himself. Housed in the same building as the boutique, the galerie Dior is an art museum featuring contemporary creations throughout the tour, and a fabulous example of the French flair for creation. The 2,000 m² exhibition displays collections that span more than 70 years. You’ll be both moved and dazzled by it.

From small perfumer to major brand… After initially opening on Rue de Rivoli in 1828, the historic Guerlain perfumery arrived on the Champs-Élysées in 1914, when the family decided to build a large private mansion at no. 68 on the world’s most beautiful avenue. It was a turning point in the history of this dynasty whose reputation began to spread across France, then the entire world. The Belle Epoque façade of the building, a listed national heritage feature, continues to attract local residents and passing tourists keen to take their senses on a journey like no other, via the famous fragrances.

Reinventing in-store retail in the digital era… such was the goal of Galeries Lafayette when, in 2019, they set up their latest shop in a beautiful Art Déco building on the Champs-Élysées. Goal achieved for this enormous shopping temple where historic names and iconic brands live out a harmonious existence alongside the latest digital trends. If you’re feeling peckish, head for the huge Food Court in the basement for a sweet or savoury snack.

Au 15, avenue Montaigne se dresse le grand et majestueux théâtre des Champs-Élysées… Et au dernière étage siège Gigi, sa voisine frivole et raffinée. Ne vous-y trompez pas : Gigi est l’un des restaurants les plus chics et tendances du Triangle d’Or… Gourmande est sa cuisine d’inspiration italienne, et élégante sa salle de restauration, aux délicieux tons crème et bordeaux. Une belle manière d’apprécier la Dolce Vita, avec une vue exceptionnelle sur la tour Eiffel.

What nicer way to explore the City of Light than on a Seine riverboat? A far cry from the oppressing atmosphere of the Paris metro, the Batobus boats offer a pleasant and dazzling alternative for a quick and affordable way to travel between the museums of Paris visiting one exhibition after another. Cycling fans won’t be disappointed either, as you can take your bike with you on the Batobus to explore different parts of Paris.