Iconic Architecture
The cloud-piercing wrought-iron Eiffel Tower, the huge Arc de Triomphe guarding the opulent boulevard des Champs-Élysées, the flying buttressed Notre Dame church, lamplit bridges across the Seine, and the wicker-chair-lined terraces of art nouveau cafes are all iconic Parisian symbols. Despite appearances, Paris' cityscape isn't static: from the inside-out, industrial-style Centre Pompidou to the Musée du Quai Branly's vertical garden, the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary-art centre's glass sails, and the gleaming steel egg-shaped concert venue La Seine Musicale, there are some stunning modern and contemporary icons.
Painting and sculpture
For centuries, artists from all over the world have flocked to Paris to learn and be inspired by the city's broad array of art facilities and galleries. As a result, Paris earned the moniker "City of Art." In the 16th and 17th centuries, Italian painters had a significant influence on the development of art in Paris, particularly in sculpture and reliefs. During the French Baroque and Classicism periods, the royal family of France commissioned several Parisian artists to beautify their residences.
Theatre
The 19th-century Opéra Garnier (historical Paris Opéra) and the modern Opéra Bastille are Paris's two main opera theatres; the former focuses on traditional ballets and operas, while the latter offers a mix of both. The Opéra-Comique (which still exists), Théâtre-Italien, and Théâtre Lyrique (which has since changed its profile and name to Théâtre de la Ville) were three other active and competitive opera theatres in the mid-nineteenth century. In January 2015, the Philharmonie de Paris, Paris' modern symphonic concert venue, opened. The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, where Diaghilev's Ballets Russes were first performed in 1913, is another musical milestone.
Artistic Treasures
Renoir, Rodin, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Dali, and Van Gogh are just a few of the great artists that have lived and worked in Paris over the years. In addition to the incomparable Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay's exceptional impressionist collection, and the Centre Pompidou's cache of modern and contemporary art, there are scores of smaller museums that showcase every imaginable genre, a diverse range of venues mount major exhibitions through to offbeat installations, and the city's vibrant street art.
Stylish Shopping
The adjective 'Parisian' is synonymous with style, and the city's speciality is fashion shopping. Paris is at the cutting edge of international fashion and visiting emerging and renowned designer stores and flagship haute couture companies is a must-do on any trip. Along the riverbanks, you'll also find the hip concept and homewares stores, as well as a plethora of vintage shops and flea markets, atmospheric bookshops and dark-green bouquiniste stalls stocking secondhand titles, adorable children's wear and toy shops, art and antique dealers, venerable establishments selling professional cookware, and, of course, gourmet food and wine shops galore. Paris has long been regarded as the world's fashion centre, particularly in the field of haute couture (clothing hand-made to order for private clients). It is home to some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Dior and Chanel, as well as a slew of other well-known and modern designers, including Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Christian Lacroix. The Carrousel du Louvre, among other iconic metropolitan venues, hosts Paris Fashion Week in January and July.
Glorious Food
Whether you're looking for a cosy neighbourhood bistro or a triple-Michelin-starred shrine to gastronomy, you'll discover that every institution prides itself on impeccable preparation and presentation of exceptional ingredients, invariably accompanied by wine. Attractive patisseries, boulangeries (bakeries), fromageries (cheese shops), and bustling, colourful street markets are ideal for assembling a picnic to take to the city's gorgeous parks and gardens. Culinary classes are available for all schedules, skills, and budgets, and are held anywhere from home kitchens to the world's most prominent cookery schools.
