Monet to Marvels: Free Things to Do Near the Orangerie

Who says Paris must be pricey? Soak up culture for free near the Orangerie Museum!

Couple Looking at Monet's Water Lilies

You might arrive at the Orangerie Museum for Monet’s water lilies, but there’s a whole world of free Parisian experiences just beyond those stately doors. Coveted by visitors for its location in the heart of the city, the area buzzes with elegant gardens, riverside strolls, and Parisian scenes straight out of a movie. Whether you’ve got extra time before your museum visit or just want to stretch your euros, we’ll show you the ultimate free things to do near the Orangerie Museum. Ready to fill your Paris adventure with gorgeous views, unexpected art, historic squares, and all the French atmosphere you can handle—no ticket required? 

Our favorite free things to do near the Orangerie Museum include: 

  • Jardin des Tuileries 
  • Place de la Concorde 
  • Walk along the Seine 
  • Pont de la Concorde Views 
  • Galerie Vivienne Window Shopping 
  • Palais Royal Gardens 
  • Strolling Rue de Rivoli 
  • Eglise de la Madeleine 
  • Place Vendôme 
  • Paris Plages (Seasonal) 

Jardin des Tuileries 

There’s no better introduction to Parisian leisure than the Jardin des Tuileries. Stretching right outside the Orangerie Museum, this legendary public garden invites you to bask under chestnut trees, pose by regal fountains, or watch sailboats skim across the pond. Lounge on those signature green chairs and you’ll soon see why this is the city’s favorite backyard. 

The Tuileries is more than just a green space—it’s also alive with Parisian drama. Local kids run wild in the playground, elderly friends catch up over pétanque, and visitors stroll wide gravel avenues laid out in the grand French style. Don’t miss the sculpture trail, where contemporary works mingle with old-world statues—bonus points for finding the playful “Le Bel Costumé” by Jean Dubuffet near the Place de la Concorde end. When the sun dips, the gardens glow golden—a dreamy backdrop for photos or a sunset picnic. Best of all, the garden is completely free—grab a pastry, claim a chair, and live la vie parisienne. 

Place de la Concorde 

Just a few steps from the museum, Place de la Concorde buzzes with grandeur. Flanked by gilded lamp posts and fountains, and crowned by a towering Egyptian obelisk, this iconic square feels like the true crossroad of Paris. Stand in the center and you’ll spot the Arc de Triomphe up the Champs-Élysées, straight ahead; the Seine glimmering to one side; and the city’s grandest hotels to the other. 

The best way to enjoy it? Take a leisurely loop and soak in the details: ornate fountains, sweeping city views, and elegant architecture. Snap some epic selfies or simply people-watch as locals and tourists parade by. History buffs will love brushing up on the square’s past—look for plaques that detail its wild history, from royal pageantry to Revolution-era drama. Stop at sunset to see the entire plaza bathed in magical golden light—there’s no better way to enjoy Paris’s grandeur for zero euros. 

Walk along the Seine 

Hop across the street from the Orangerie and you’ll find yourself on one of the world’s most picturesque riversides—the Seine. Here, the right bank’s quays become a living promenade, perfect for wandering at your own speed. Start by the Pont de la Concorde and follow the river east towards Pont Alexandre III for iconic views of Paris’s bridges, boats, and grand architecture. 

This stretch is ideal for daydreaming, sketching, or even impromptu dancing as street musicians serenade the stroll. Keep an eye out for the famous bouquinistes—those classic green bookstalls filled with vintage prints and quirky finds. In summer, you might stumble on pop-up music, garden benches, or open-air art. Night or day, the riverside always brims with romance and energy. And the best part? The beauty and bustle are completely free. 

Pont de la Concorde Views

Pont de la Concorde

Architectural fans won’t want to skip this graceful stone bridge, perfectly situated between the Orangerie Museum and the Assemblée Nationale. What makes Pont de la Concorde special isn’t just the elegant curves—it’s what you can see from here. Pause mid-span for spectacular panoramic views: look back for the Louvre floating over the river, up for the Eiffel Tower peeking between trees, and onward to the gleaming dome of Les Invalides. 

Parisians use this bridge as a quick crossing, but the real reward comes when you linger. The light changes constantly, making this a favorite for photographers. Early morning and sunset both offer dazzling cityscapes, with the Seine reflecting clouds in painterly style—Cézanne himself would have approved. Plus, it’s an unbeatable backdrop for travel selfies and just soaking in the city’s scale. 

Galerie Vivienne Window Shopping 

Ready to swap greenery for a splash of Parisian glam? Head north from the Orangerie to Galerie Vivienne, one of Paris’s loveliest 19th-century covered passages. Step inside for instant time-travel—think mosaic floors, elegant glass roofs and quaint boutiques (with zero-pressure to spend). 

Window shopping here is pure pleasure. Marvel at hand-lettered shopfronts, glittering antique books, vintage fashion, and quirky toy shops. You’ll often stumble on seasonal window displays worthy of a visit all on their own. The calm, light-filled corridor is great for a rainy day or simply for soaking in Paris’s timeless style—tablet in one hand, curiosity in the other. With its peaceful hush and visual treats at every turn, Galerie Vivienne lets you sample Parisian chic absolutely free. 

Palais Royal Gardens 

Hop a few minutes further and the Palais Royal Gardens will welcome you with a peaceful, formal embrace. Less crowded than the Tuileries, this elegant oasis feels like a secret, with its symmetrical rows of chestnut trees, manicured box hedges, and bubbling fountains. Locals come here for chess games, lovers sit side-by-side on classic benches, and photographers adore the photogenic contrast of bright flowers against black-and-white arcades. 

One highlight? The striped columns of Daniel Buren’s “Les Deux Plateaux”—kids can’t resist climbing them, while adults queue for that perfect picture. Wander under the arcades for cool shadows, peek into galleries or admire art installations. Whether you’re after tranquility or Instagram snaps, Palais Royal Gardens makes you feel like you’ve uncovered a private slice of historic Paris—for absolutely nothing. 

Strolling Rue de Rivoli 

If Paris had an official shopping catwalk, Rue de Rivoli would be it. Stretching steps from the Orangerie, this lively boulevard blends historic arcades with chic storefronts and a uniquely Parisian bustle. Our advice? Forget your wallet and just walk! The people-watching is unmatched—stylish locals, outfit inspirations, and the unmistakable vibe of a city that loves fashion. 

Take in the Haussmann-style façades, dramatic arches, and enticing window displays (you’ll spot everything from cult skincare to bonbon shops). Don’t miss the elegant Hôtel de Ville farther east—its grand exterior is worthy of a detour and free admiration. At night, twinkle lights and shop windows bring fresh energy to the avenue. Even without shopping, this slice of Paris will keep you inspired—all at zero expense. 

Eglise de la Madeleine

Eglise de la Madeleine

A short, scenic stroll from the Orangerie leads to Eglise de la Madeleine, one of Paris’s most dramatic and memorable churches. The neoclassical design looks like it was plucked from ancient Greece, complete with stately columns and a wide grand staircase—ideal for a moment of serene people-watching above the city. 

Inside, sunlight streams through stained glass onto gold leaf and marble statues. Entry is free, and the ambiance is quietly awe-inspiring. Many afternoons feature free choral or organ concerts—an ethereal soundtrack to your Paris wanderings! The scent of flowers and beeswax (thanks to the church’s ongoing flower market) adds an extra note of charm. Between the visual drama outdoors and the peaceful hush inside, Eglise de la Madeleine is the kind of place where history, art, and community all feel very much alive. 

Place Vendôme 

For pure Parisian splendor, few sights match Place Vendôme—a dazzling octagonal square rimmed by elegant facades, golden street lamps, and high-end boutiques. The first thing you’ll notice is the soaring Vendôme Column, wrapped in bronze reliefs celebrating Napoleon’s victories. Take your time circling the square: you’ll spot the legendary Ritz Hotel, peek in at chic jeweler storefronts (Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more), and see locals with an unmistakable air of Parisian cool. 

Even if you’re not shopping for jewels, Place Vendôme offers plenty for the soul—you’ll find history, romance, and impeccable photo ops at every turn. Early morning and twilight are especially magical, when the creamy limestone glows and the square feels like a private set for a classic French film. It’s hard to imagine you’re in the midst of a bustling city when you’re soaking up this much symmetry and serenity—without even reaching for your wallet. 

Paris Plages (Seasonal) 

If your Paris trip falls in the summer months, you’re in for a free treat that locals eagerly anticipate: Paris Plages! When warm weather arrives, sections of the Seine’s banks transform into sandy “beaches,” complete with deck chairs, palm trees, and vibrant entertainment. Join Parisians sunbathing, people-watching, and enjoying riverside concerts or pop-up art installations. 

Perfect for a picnic or simply resting your feet, Paris Plages gives you a front-row seat to the city’s river life: watch boats cruise by, catch art workshops or fitness classes, or float with a book and a cool drink. There are even spots to challenge your friends to a round of pétanque. It’s a slice of French summer joy, all without spending a cent. 

 

So, there you have it—Paris’s most delightful and wallet-friendly gems just a short stroll from the Orangerie Museum. Whether you’re perched in a garden chair, wandering elegant squares, or soaking up the city’s riverside vibe, every moment near the Orangerie proves you don’t need to spend a lot to experience a lot. With leafy escapes, hidden galleries, classic Parisian style, and seasonal surprises, you can fill your Paris itinerary with memories (and envy-inducing photos)—all for free. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Orangerie Museum or Musée d’Orsay vs. Orangerie Museum 

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View of the Eiffel Tower across the River Seine
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Week in Paris

Planning a holiday in Paris? First off: lucky you! Secondly, although a week may seem like a lot for a city break, there’s just so much to see and do in Paris that, in fact, seven days is just about the right length of time needed to see the sights and fall in love with the place. Remember that time spent traveling between and queueing for some of the more popular attractions adds up. So, decide which are your must-sees, remember that skip the line tickets are your friend and dive into our suggested itinerary for a week in the City of Love. Day 1: Seeing the Sights Start your break with a bang by ticking off some of the biggest hitters in town. A trip up the Eiffel Tower is essential on any visit to Paris and, with a whole week to spare, you really have no excuse not to. Climb the steps (all 674 of them!) to the second floor for one of the world’s most unforgettable workouts, or take it easy and cruise up in the great glass elevator. Afterwards, head across elegant Pont d'Iéna to the Jardins du Trocadéro with their eye-catching fountain display, then onwards to the Arc de Triomphe, where committed climbers can again take the stairs to the viewing platform up top – 284 this time, fact fans. From here, the view along the Champs-Élysées, with the Luxor Obelisk, Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre’s glass pyramid all perfectly aligned is nothing short of remarkable. Day 2: Art and Culture We recommend picking one or other of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay and spending an entire day in your chosen museum. These, after all, contain some of the finest art on the planet, so there’s no sense in rushing. The Louvre, with its distinctive pyramid is huuuuge – it’s estimated that it would take around 200 days to see every piece of its 35,000-strong collection so, again, it’s important to plan your must-see masterpieces (Mona Lisa, anyone?) before you go. The relatively bitesize Musée d’Orsay is set inside the beautiful former Gare d’Orsay railway station and contains some huge original station clocks as well as the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including Monet, Manet, Degas and Renoir. If you do find yourself with time on your hands afterward, there’s plenty to do within strolling distance of both museums. Take a wander into the stunning Jardin des Tuileries by the Louvre and relax by the lakes or ride the old-fashioned carousel there. From Musée d’Orsay wander east along the Seine to shop the riverside book stalls and pause for a coffee and pastry in the boho Latin Quarter. Day 3: Gently Does It After two days of serious sightseeing it's time to kick back and slow the pace a little. Take a gentle amble through the authentic cobbled lanes of the Marais district, with its cute independent boutiques, delightful sidewalk cafés and – at the Marché des Enfants Rouges – some of the best street food in town. People-watch with a picnic in the gardens of the 17th-century Place des Vosges and while away an hour or two admiring the paintings and sculptures in the Picasso Museum. Cross one of the picturesque arched bridges to Île de la Cité. This tiny island in the middle of the Seine packs in an impressive number of big-hitting attractions including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie and medieval Saint-Chapelle with its extraordinary stained-glass windows. Pick up some fresh blooms at the daily flower market (which magically transforms into a bird market on weekends) and cool down with some of the best ice cream in Paris at the Berthillon store. Day 4: Shopping! Paris is an absolute mecca for shoppers, from the luxury designer names that line the broad Champs-Élysées boulevard to bargain antiques and knick knacks at the world’s biggest flea market in Saint-Ouen, just north of the 18th arrondissement. You’ll find historic 19th-century shopping arcades scattered throughout the city center. Inside, beneath elegant glass-and-iron canopies, you’ll find everything from chic fashion boutiques to watchmakers, wine cellars and old-fashioned antique stores selling unique period pieces. Passage du Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement is one of the most popular, and features Instagram-tastic geometric tiling, an ornate stucco clock and even a tiny 150-year-old wax museum! Head to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for high-end department store shopping beneath opulent galleries and a soaring stained-glass dome. This landmark Paris mega-mall has around 65,000 square meters of big-name boutiques to explore, plus a Decléor spa and more than 20 cafés and restaurants. Day 5: Rest and Relaxation Holidays are all about relaxing, right? And green spaces are some of the most relaxing places on the planet, yes? Great news: Paris has over 400 public parks and gardens to explore, many within short walking distance of the city’s premier attractions. Pick up a picnic from the local boulangerie and make for the Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can sit and idly watch kids sailing toy boats on the lake in front of the Palais and see locals competing on the pétanque courts. Or stroll the flower-filled gardens of nearby Jardin des Plantes, which also contains a small zoo and natural history museum. Further afield in the 16th arrondissement, you can take an old-fashioned rowboat onto the lake in Bois du Boulogne, where a forest trail and botanical garden will also help you recharge. Not relaxed enough yet? Paris also boasts dozens of excellent spas, with facilities to be found in the likes of ultra-luxe La Réserve Paris as well as the Latin Quarter’s exquisite Mosquée de Paris, with its beautiful byzantine-style hammam and leafy courtyard. Keep it zen with a champagne cruise along the Seine in the evening, admiring the city sights as the sun goes down. Day 6: Highs and Lows The Paris Catacombs surely rank as one of Paris’s most interesting – and most macabre – attractions. Here, deep beneath the unassuming streets of the 14th arrondissement lies a labyrinth of tunnels, where curious souls can come face to skull with some six million long-dead Parisians, their mortal remains displaced here from overflowing Paris cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Take the 1.5-kilometer walking route through these hushed and dimly lit tunnels for a bone-freezing experience you’ll never forget. Afterwards, shake off the chill with a quick whiz up the nearby Montparnasse Tower, where the uninterrupted 56th-floor views across Paris are considered some of the best in town. You’ll find locals to be especially effusive about these views because it's one of few vantage points in the city where you can’t see the Montparnasse Tower itself – it’s considered to be a bit of a blight on the skyline! Day 7: Montmartre No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to Montmartre. You can easily spend a day here, exploring the maze of cobbled streets that are home to world-famous attractions including the Moulin Rouge cabaret and Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Save your legs by taking the funicular up the steep butte (hill), then find your bearings on a walking tour of the main sights. Afterwards, grab lunch in one of the adorable cafés or splash out on famous restaurants such as the Café des Deux Moulins of Amélie fame and Moulin de la Galette, part of the famous windmill immortalized in art by both van Gogh and Renoir. Then keep the arty theme going with a stroll to the Place du Tertre to have your portrait painted in the shadow of the basilica by one of the resident artists. Stroll the picture-perfect Rue des Abbesses – great for people-watching and home to the Sunday flea market where you can pick up antique bits and bobs as well as jewelry and art from local designers. And don’t miss sunset from the basilica steps where, as the sky turns pink and orange and a carousel wheels into motion below, you’ll truly feel like you saved the best for last. Save on top attractions during your week in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
View of Pont Neuf and Île de la Cité in Paris
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Where To Stay in Paris

Paris is so densely packed with amazing things to see and do, and so very well connected, that it’s impossible to pick a straight-out winner when it comes to deciding which arrondissement (neighborhood) to stay in. Rather, it’s best to choose based on the type of break you want to have. Traveling with kids? Book a stay in the 5th and 6th arrondissements. Looking for romance and great nightlife? That’d be Montmartre in the 18th. Check out our short guide to where to stay in Paris below. Best for Seeing it All Perched on the Seine’s Right Bank, Paris’s 1st arrondissement is premier by name and premier by nature. This compact little neighborhood is bang in the heart of the action and makes a fantastic base from which to explore the city. The jewel in the 1st’s crown is of course the Louvre – home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Stroll through Catherine de Médici's Jardin des Tuileries, a huge formal garden in the Italian Renaissance style, and spot Aristide Malliol’s larger-than-life female nudes among the park's hundreds of sculptures and statues. You’ll also find the Musée de l’Orangerie here, where several murals from Monet’s Water Lilies series rub shoulders with fellow Impressionist and Post-Impressionist greats including Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and Modigliani. Just over the 17th-century Pont Neuf – one of Paris’s most photogenic bridges – lies Île de la Cité, the tiny island in the middle of the Seine. It’s here you’ll find Notre-Dame Cathedral and medieval Sainte-Chapelle with its incredible soaring stained glass windows – as well as some of the best ice cream in Paris, at the Berthillon shop. The 1st also has you covered for shopping, with the huge Les Halles mall, plus 19th-century covered shopping arcades (and many more next door in the 2nd arrondissement) and big-name jewelers including Chanel, Bulgari, Cartier and Dior in and around Place Vendôme and Rue de la Paix. On top of all this, you’re also just a hop and a skip from most of Paris’s other bucket-list attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the cute Marais district. And yet staying in le premier needn’t come at a premium. Alongside uber-luxury hotel brands like Mandarin Oriental and the Ritz are plenty of comfortable mid-range options. Best for Living Like a Local The largely residential nature of the 11th arrondissement makes it great for affordable Airbnb stays, meaning you get to live your best life in your very own Bastille apartment. Venture out to wander among the heady aromas of Marché Bastille and pick up freshly baked breads and pastries, fragrant fromages, local wines and more from the dozens of stalls here. This enormous open-air market runs from Place de la Bastille all the way down tree-lined Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday. Being on the fringes of the main action needn’t mean missing out. Bars and restaurants are just as plentiful here as anywhere else, and you’ll find that brasseries, cafés and crêperies have a pleasantly local feel. You’re also within easy strolling distance of the Marais district, and there’s nothing more Parisian than waking on a Saturday, and wandering into its cobbled lanes for a morning coffee and a bag of sugary chouquettes from the boulangerie, as you window-shop the area’s cute independent shops and boutiques. Alternatively, a stroll south over Pont de Sully, with its picturesque views of tiny Île Saint-Louis, will take you straight to the boho Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and Latin Quarter. Best for First Timers First time visiting Paris? The 8th arrondissement provides a solid base for ticking off as many attractions as possible. A stay here places you within strolling distance of the Arc de Triomphe and vast Place de la Concorde, with its regal monuments and fountains, skyscraping Luxor Obelisk, and sweeping views across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. Indulge in some luxury shopping on the Champs-Élysées, where you’ll find top-end brand names including Louis Vuitton and Chanel, as well as some of the poshest macarons in town at Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. It’s also from the 8th that the city’s Bateaux Parisiens set sail for sightseeing cruises along the Seine. These tours are a fun way to find your bearings and see a stack of attractions, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Grand Palais and Instagram-tastic Pont Neuf and Alexandre III bridges with minimal effort. Best with Kids Though all of Paris's arrondissements are well connected, the 1st to the 8th are the most central and therefore particularly well suited to families. A stay in any of these neighborhoods will minimize time spent zipping between attractions, as well as making it easier to nip back to the hotel when you discover you’ve left the diaper bag behind. There’s much to recommend the 5th and 6th for family breaks. Set on the Left Bank, these boho arrondissements are home to the historic Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhoods, where you’ll find stacks of family-friendly hotels and restaurants, as well as a legendary English-language bookstore and a fab Parisian candy shop, both sure to keep the little ones happy for a while. This is also the place for some of the most kid-friendly public parks in town: the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes. Kids can enjoy puppet shows, pony rides and one of the biggest playgrounds in Paris in the Jardin du Luxembourg, while the stunning formal gardens and pétanque courts ensure there’s enough to keep the grown-ups happy, too. For a perfectly charming activity that you can all get on board with, there are old-fashioned wooden toy boats to rent and sail on the Grand Bassin lake in front of the Palais de Luxembourg. Nearby Jardin des Plantes is home to one of the world’s oldest zoos, which specializes in the preservation of endangered species including such cute critters as red pandas and giant Aldabra tortoises. You can also visit the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution on the park’s edge. This natural history museum showcases some incredibly lifelike taxidermy animals alongside meteorites, massive dinosaur fossils and several thousand plant species. Best for Couples Ah, the City of Love with its gorgeous monuments, cute sidewalk cafés, beautiful gardens and swoonsome, soaring bridges... Where better to go on a romantic break with your significant other? Even the most jaded of couples won’t fail to be seduced by Montmartre, the 18th-arrondissement butte (hill) that can lay legitimate claim to being the city’s most romantic spot. Here, among gently sloping cobbled alleyways and colorful, ivy-clad buildings, lie dozens of adorable bistros, sultry bars and gourmet food shops to help you plan your perfect picnic. Get your bearings on a walking tour then taking in the flamboyant hilltop confection that is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Head round the corner to have a cutesy couples’ portrait painted by one of the Place du Tertre’s resident artists and snap a selfie at the wildly romantic-sounding mur des je t’aime (that’s right: the wall of love). The 18th also boasts plenty of great nightlife, with world-famous entertainment including La Cigale concert hall and, of course, the magnificent Moulin Rouge cabaret. Step inside for high-kicking can-can dancing and risqué burlesque from some of the city’s finest performers. You can’t miss it: it’s the one with the neon-lit red windmill. Save on things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
A couple relaxing in the Jardin des Tuileries
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Relaxing Things to do in Paris

What could be more idyllic than a restful break in the City of Love, with its multitude of parks and gardens, tranquil canals and cute pavement cafés, perfect for watching the world go by? Check out our guide to the 10 most relaxing things to do in Paris... Go Boating in the Bois du Boulogne Over twice the size of Central Park, Bois du Boulogne is one of the biggest parks in Paris. Its location a little off the beaten track in the 16th arrondissement also makes it one of the least busy. Rowboats are available to rent on the Lac Inferieur (Lower Lake), meaning you can while away a pleasant hour or two bobbing gently on its tranquil waters. Afterwards, take a stroll through the forest to smell the (many) roses in the beautiful Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden. If you’re lucky you might also encounter the park’s resident peacocks and elusive red squirrels along the way. Have a Hammam Stunning, intricate mosaics and an epic 33-meter-high minaret are not the only reasons to pay a visit to the Grande Mosquée de Paris in the Latin Quarter. There’s also a beautiful byzantine-style hammam with a marble steam room and babbling fountain. Book an exfoliating scrub or vigorous massage for a near-religious experience and complete your transition to a zen-like state by lingering for baklava and mint tea in the leafy courtyard. For religious reasons, there are separate times for men and women to visit the hammam. Walk the Coulée Verte Nothing soothes the soul like a bit of greenery and this central Paris walkway – literally ‘the Green Corridor’ – is no exception. A disused railway line that runs across a viaduct in the heart of Paris, it has been converted into a peaceful elevated walking route that’s alive with lush vegetation and foliage. Enjoy views of the Paris skyline from your verdant vantage point and refill your bottle with sparkling water (yes, really!) at the free fountain in Jardin de Reuilly, one of just a handful of its kind dotted around Paris. Visit a Garden You’re never very far from a park or garden in Paris, so it’s easy to take time out from the hubbub of the city streets and pause to smell the roses – literally. Handily located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the 17th-century Jardin des Tuileries is a peaceful formal garden with two ponds, statues by the likes of Rodin and Giacometti, and plentiful seating. You can also put your feet up in the sculpture garden at the Rodin Museum, where ornamental ponds, perfectly manicured box hedges and a variety of famous pieces by the celebrated sculptor, make for a relaxing place to while away an hour or two. People-Watch at a Café For Parisians, the act of sitting at a pavement café, slowly sipping espressos and peering at passers-by over dark glasses, is something of an art form. Pull up a chair, order a croissant or three and join the locals in a spot of people-watching. Your server won’t bring the check until you ask for it, so you have all the time in the world to sit back, relax and watch what some would say is the best show in town. Save on relaxing things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a Paris pass and save while you sightsee!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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