While Paris is always a good idea, frequent visitors to the city might need a few new activities every now and again to keep the City of Light feeling fresh. For clients who find themselves saying, “been there, done that” when talking about Paris highlights, here are a few new ideas to help inspire them.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Instead of the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay, explore Paris’ contemporary art scene with a trip to Fondation Louis Vuitton, one of the latest art museums to open in the city. Designed by Frank Gehry, the space — which opened its doors in October 2014 — offers a wide array of cultural experiences, including the main collection, commissioned pieces, temporary exhibitions and multidisciplinary events.
The museum rises up like a series of whitewashed boulders, tucked within Jardin d’Acclimatation in Bois de Boulogne. The structure is a series of geometric curves and lines, and 12 glass sails catch the light and reflections of water from the basin in which the building stands. It’s a constant play between indoors and outdoors, and visitors can walk through a series of terraces and galleries for both an artistic and architectural experience.
The museum is currently in its third stage in the inaugural program of Fondation. The selection of this phase focuses on “popist” and “music/sound” themes.
Museum admission is 14 euros for full price, 10 euros for adults under 26 years old and 5 euros for guests under 18.
www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr
Paris by Mouth
If you’re craving something sweet and local, consider a walking tour with Paris by Mouth, which offers a series of gastronomic walking tours around Paris. The Sweet Paris itinerary skips everything savory and dives right into the wide world of French chocolate, pastries and other desserts. Taste macarons, truffles, mousses, eclairs and more. If you are craving something saltier, Paris by Mouth has a host of other itineraries, as well, from wine and cheese to cocktails and beer.
www.parisbymouth.com
The 11th Arrondissement
As in every other major metropolis in the world, hipsters have descended on Paris, specifically in its 11th arrondissement. Here, grit meets glam on streets lined with bars and restaurants, where Parisian youth smoke cigarettes and drink wine alfresco.
In this neighborhood, you’ll find Bones, a must-do, 21st century French dining experience. Inside the bare stone walls of the restaurant circles a wooden bar brimming with French wine and liqueurs, and the dining room seats no more than 50. The goal at Bones is to create a restaurant that focuses on raw materials. The no-choice tasting menu of approximately five courses is made up of dishes either made on premises or locally sourced.
www.bonesparis.com
