Paris

Street art is now one of the major art movements that has been brought into the limelight by world stars such as the pioneer Jean-Michel Basquiat or the contemporary artist Bansky. Graffiti, tags and spray paintings characterise the cityscapes of European metropolises such as London, Berlin and Paris, especially the 13th arrondissement. Interested? Follow the Street Art 13 trail and embark on an exciting art scavenger hunt full of surprises and discoveries. Who will be the first to find the giant blue cat by Christian Guémy, alias C215?

hey are typical of Parisian architecture, these glass-roofed arcades, most of which were built in the 19th century. 20 of them still exist today. They are located between the Palais Royal and the Grand Boulevards. They house boutiques, delicatessens, tea rooms and restaurants. The Vivienne and Vérot-Dodat galleries outdo each other in terms of luxury and elegance, the Passage des Panoramas with its small restaurants is the oldest passage in Paris, the Passage Verdeau attracts fans and collectors of antiques and the Passage du Caire, the longest in the capital, offers fabrics galore. The Passage du Grand Cerf, on the other hand, impresses with its 12 metre high glass roof. An insider tip for a shopping spree in rainy weather, surrounded by historical charm.

Do you love the charm and cuisine of traditional Parisian brasseries? Then pay a visit to the Grand Colbert. The brasserie is located in the Galerie Colbert, one of the most beautiful covered galleries in the heart of Paris, and is a listed building. It enchants with its unique 19th century interior: mosaic tiles, mirrors, globe lamps and Pompeiian murals. Savour great classics of French cuisine, such as oysters, veal fricassee or crêpe suzette. Incidentally, the Grand Colbert has been used as a film set several times. Who knows, maybe one of the stars is a regular guest here?

At 158 Boulevard Haussmann, you will find one of the most beautiful 19th century Parisian city palaces. The former residence of Edouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, both art lovers and passionate collectors, is now a museum. It exhibits works by Bellini, Mantegna, Botticelli and other masters of the Italian Renaissance, as well as first-class temporary exhibitions. Don't miss the Café Jacquemart-André in the former dining room of the palace. With its Tiepolo frescoes and tapestries from the 18th century, it is one of the most beautiful tea rooms in Paris!

Patisserie is an art in France and Paris is its showcase. For some years now, the «Sweet Art»-wave has been sweeping across Paris: newly thought-out, technically and flavourfully refined patisserie creations at the highest level are offered in elegant confectioneries. A visit to Ladurée, Cyril Lignac, Christophe Adam, to the Champs-Elysées in the new parlour of Pierre Hermé, the «King of macarons», or to Le Meurice, where Cédric Grolet, the best patissier in the world in 2017, has elevated the apple pie to a work of art, is an absolute must! And what awaits you at Philippe Conticini's «Pâtisserie des rêves» patisserie? A land of milk and honey with dreamy delicacies...

Two talents in their field, Emmanuel Ryon, world champion pâtissier, and Olivier Ménard, are united by their immense love of ice cream. Since 2015, they have been creating ice cream and ice cream baked goods of the highest quality in their shops. The high-quality ice creams are made with carefully selected ingredients. The ultra-creative flavours also align with the seasons and are served in deliciously fragrant cornets. The frozen pastries offer all the pleasure of a cake with the freshness and lightness of ice cream. A must for all fans of French patisserie.

Discover the fascinating Atelier des Lumières in Paris: a mixture of museum and show that immerses you in the work of great artists. This innovative concept follows that of the Quarries of Light in Les Baux-de-Provence. Here in Paris, this immersive multimedia show brings the 10 metre high walls of a former foundry to life. The studio projects the works of world-famous artists. Experience how famous paintings come to life before your eyes, under your feet, with powerful music in the background!

Did you know that the Champs-Elysées becomes a pedestrian paradise on the first Sunday of every month? Ideal for enjoying the restaurants and boutiques on the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’, which are open on this car-free Sunday. Climb up to the Arc de Triomphe and see this unusual sight from above: the Parisian boulevard without car noise and exhaust fumes, populated by walkers, pushchairs, cyclists and skaters. The national museums such as the Musée d'Orsay are also free of admission on the first Sunday of the month, and the Louvre on the first Saturday evening. The great thing for shopping fans is that the shops in the tourist districts are now open 7 days a week. Take advantage!