This district remains well known thanks to the presence of the Eiffel Tower, symbol of the capital and the most visited element of the city. The programme offers you the opportunity to discover many other treasures. Book this Parisian getaway that you can happily share with family, friends or in a group.

Located between the Invalides Esplanade and the Champ de Mars on the left bank, the 7th arrondissement allows you to admire the beautiful neighbourhoods, official or political institutions, embassies, and mansions. Prepare to be amazed!

Among the magnificent museums and galleries, the Orsay Museum, located in the heart of Paris, along the Seine, is one of the must-see places to visit. Valéry Giscard d´Estaing decided in 1977 that this magnificent building would replace the old railway station built in 1897 on the ruins of the Palace built under Napoleon in 1810.

Today it has become a unique and exceptional place that welcomes many visitors each year. One of the finest collections of illustrious impressionist works such as Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Courbert, Garnier and Guimard is exhibited there.

If you are passionate about the arts and civilisations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, you can opt for an in-depth tour of the museum!

As you go along, you will discover magnificent buildings and mansions of different styles, such as rococo, Louis XVI and neoclassical, in the company of your state-certified Parisian guide. Admire the Hôtel de Matignon, the Hôtel de Lassay, the Hôtel de Gallifet, the Hôtel de Matignon, the Hôtel de Seignelay and the Hôtel de Bésenval, amongst others.

Do not miss the Invalides Hôtel, built in the 17th century at the request of Louis XIV to accommodate wounded soldiers. Assigned to the Ministry of Defense, this emblematic monument continues its initial function as a hospital-hospice for wounded or mutilated combatants.

The buildings now contain 3 museums, the Museum of Relief Plans, the Order, the Liberation and 2 churches: the Dome Church with the tomb of Napoleon I and the Saint-Louis of the Invalides Church.

Close to this marvelous building hides a jewel of Baroque architecture, nestled in the heart of a green space of 7 hectares. The Palais Bourbon, or Rodin Museum, a former private mansion erected in 1727 by Jean Aubert Architect for Abraham Peyrenc de Moras, a wealthy financier, will amaze you!

Several owners will follow one another in this sumptuous residence, in particular Marshal Louis Antoine de Contaut Biron in 1753. Then many artists set up their workshops and the hotel will see illustrious characters such as Jean Cocteau, Henri Matisse and Auguste Rodin pass by. Abandoned, the state bought the old hotel at the start of the 20th century. Rodin wanted to donate his collections, but in exchange he demanded the creation of a museum dedicated to his works.

The famous sculptor will not have time to enjoy it or participate in the inauguration as he passed away in 1917 before the museum opened its doors.

The Palais Bourbon, seat of the National Assembly and the center of parliamentary life, forms with the Quai d’Orsay an island located between the rue de l’Université and the Seine.

Built in the 19th century, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development stands out from neighboring buildings designed for the nobility of the old regime. Its peculiarity comes from the fact that the garden and the courtyard are on the Seine side, while the hotels built in the 17th century in the Faubourg Saint-Germain are located along the river.

This former mansion, with its large main building framed by two side pavilions, its Doric and Corinthian pillars, its windows and its central rotunda form a harmonious whole.

There is still so much to discover, but this trip through the 7th arrondissement allows you to discover most of the architectural splendours and monuments of Paris that are part of the history of France. Lovers of old stones or not, you will love it!

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The population continued to grow over the centuries, the market began to become too small and unhealthy. Victor Baltard, renowned architect, was entrusted in 1853 with the construction of the new Baltard pavilions in glass and cast iron.

In 1960, traffic and hygiene problems led to the transfer of the market to Rungis, in the southern suburbs of Paris in Val-de-Marne. In 1979, the Forum des Halles took place.

In 2010, the site was completely renovated to give birth to La Canopée, bordered by a garden, a true architectural feat of glass, steel and plant inspiration.

This essentially pedestrianised, modern and dynamic environment now houses the Châtelet underground station, the large shopping center; restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas, library, conservatory and swimming pool.

Nearby, you can admire the Saint-Eustache Church, built in the 16th century, rehabilitated in 1840 to replace the old 13th century chapel. It is illustrated by its size, the richness of the works of art it contains and its different styles: Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance and Classical.

This high place of music is renowned for the organ it has, one of the most beautiful organs in France, with 8,000 pipes, and for having hosted many celebrities such as Louis XIV, Molière, Richelieu, Madame de Pompadour…

Your guide will direct you to Beaubourg, the Georges Pompidou National Center of Art and Culture, built in 1972 in the Saint Merri district, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

Nestled between the Marais district, the Ile de la Cité and the Halles district, this modern and emblematic 42m high building houses a museum, a library, multiple exhibitions and festivals.

Did you know that this building was erected in place of a huge parking lot and a crate destruction shed from Les Halles?

This project, which Georges Pompidou, President of the Republic, wanted to materialise in 1969, in place of the plateau, had some setbacks. Public opinion rejects the idea of ​​this construction as a whole, which it considers to be completely incongruous and offbeat.

Finally, the construction of the building was entrusted to young architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchin. Valéry Giscard D’Estaing inaugurated it in 1977.

You will, then, set off to explore the Le Marais district located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Originally, these were simple swamps and market gardens, occupied as early as the 12th century. Today it is part of one of the oldest and most visited districts in the capital.

Over the centuries, the neighborhood has taken on a whole new look, became more modern and the atmosphere changed completely. Residences replaced the fortifications and the bourgeoisie settled in the 17th century.

You will love its cobbled streets, its magnificent 17th century mansions, emblematic places, shops, art galleries … A true relaxation area that the inhabitants preciously preserve, the Marais remains a village where it is always pleasant to live and walk.

Some hotels are classified as historical monuments! That of Sully, Soubise, or even the 17th century Hôtel Salé, now the Picasso Museum, which has the particularity of housing Honoré de Balzac.

The Marais reveals many treasures that you can contemplate during your journey.

A little further on, you will discover the Place des Vosges, built during the Renaissance. This square, intended for the manufacture of precious fabrics and tapestries, was built at the request of Henry IV.

Work began in 1605 and ended in 1612. This new district quickly attracted the nobles who took possession of the apartments originally planned for the workers. This enthusiasm led to the closure of the factory in 1607.

Louis XIII and Anne of Austria celebrated their marriage there in 1615. In 1632, the statue of Louis XIII was installed in the center of the square. You will notice that the King’s Pavilion on the south side and the Queen’s Pavilion on the north side differ from other buildings whose height is uniform and harmonious.

The royal square lost its title and its statue during the French Revolution. His name was constantly changed until 1800! The current name

It comes from the Vosges department, the first department to pay the tax defined by the Revolution. The garden and its sumptuous buildings, steeped in history, nowadays represent Parisian elegance.

Book as a family, as a couple, in a group or among friends and enjoy this extraordinary route in the capital to understand part of its rich historical past.

The post From Saint Eustache To Canopée Des Halles, The Heart Of The Marais appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

Originally, the building was placed between the Saint-Eustache church, the Louvre, and the Beaubourg plateau dates from the Middle Ages.

In 1572, Catherine de Médicis (1519 -1589) acquired the buildings and the Hôtel d’Albret and had a prestigious hotel built, according to the plans of Jean Bullant, Architect, as well as an astronomical column 31 meters high for her astrologer. Como Ruggieri.

After the death of the queen, Charles de Bourbon, Comte de Soissons bought the Hotel, which would later remain in the same family. In 1720, Victor Amédée de Savoie, Prince of Carignan, owner of the premises, established the Paris Stock Exchange.

Ruined by Law’s bankruptcy, he was forced to part with the property. The city of Paris destroyed the buildings in 1748. Only the Medici Column sold separately to Louis Petit de Bachaumont is still visible today.

In 1763, the city of Paris decided to build the Halle au Blé dedicated to the storage and trade of cereals. The work was entrusted to the architect Nicolas Camus de Mézières. His plans call for a circular building with a central open-air courtyard and a dome.

The establishment closed its doors in 1873. La Halle became the Bourse de Commerce from 1889 until 2016. François Pinault, a businessman in the luxury industry, restored the building to its initial appearance (1889) and made it into a museum to exhibit part of its contemporary art collections.

It is in this emblematic place that the first 12th-century market wanted by Louis VI in the Halles district was born. Then in 1183, Philippe Auguste added wooden halls. In 1853, Victor Baltard built new pavilions mixing glass and cast iron, the famous “Pavillon Baltard”.

The building was demolished in the 1970s, the Forum des Halles replaced the pavilions. In 2010, the City of Paris deemed it useful, for security reasons, to renovate the site, especially the highest part. The project presented by Jacques Mangin, Architect, consisting of designing a canopy bordered by a garden was approved.

Nearby, the Saint-Eustache Church, built in the 16th century in place of the old 13th-century chapel, restored in 1840, offers an exceptional view. This building stands out for its different architectural styles: Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical.

You will be impressed by its silhouette, its dimensions, its imposing flying buttresses, its heart-shaped stained glass windows, and its nave.

You will then head to the Royal Palace for a change of era. Get ready to live an unusual experience! You are in Paris in 1841 in the midst of a criminal case.

Accompanied by a professional actor, you will lead the investigation into the murder of the murdered Duchess Blanche de Condrie at the foot of the stairs leading to the agency of the famous private detective Vidocq. Through a treasure hunt, you must find the culprit of this drama!

This investigative visit allows you to discover all the secrets and cultural riches of the Vivienne Palais Royal district in a different way.

The estate was built in 1628 by Cardinal Richelieu, then the magnificent Galerie Vivienne, with its colorful mosaics and superb glass roof, was added in 1823.

Its flamboyant appearance and the various boutiques make it one of the most emblematic of Paris. While continuing your investigation, you can admire the sumptuous gardens with their beautiful alleys of lime trees, the arcades of the Royal Palace and the Place des Victoires.

Each year, the gallery sees many visitors passing by, appreciating the calm that reigns in this enchanting setting.

With family, friends, in a group, or for your professional events, take advantage of this historic Parisian getaway embellished with a treasure hunt for the least surprising.

The post THE PARIS BELLY, THE HALLS & AN INVESTIGATION AT THE ROYAL PALACE appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

You will discover the functions of this mysterious heritage, the values, the great periods, the esoteric traditions and the influence brought on the society and the citizens. Whether you are initiated or not, the centuries-old history of the Freemasons will fascinate you and help you understand their philosophy of life.

The origins of Freemasonry, coming from Great Britain, go back to the 18th century. At that time, masons, workers, stonemasons, contractors and various trades gathered in lodges (meeting link).

In 1717, in London, four lodges joined together to create the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster. Several of them will be formed in Great Britain under the Masonic obedience of the Grand Lodges of Scotland. The first French lodges in Paris appeared during the years 1725-1737.

The museum, established in 1889, was stripped of its property during the German Occupation of World War II. Following the trauma caused by this event, an imposing construction with metal protection replaced the small building.

This place of history and culture reopened its doors in 1973, gradually rebuilding the looted heritage and enriched with new pieces. Named the Museum of Freemasonry in 2000, it was awarded by the Ministry the title of “Museum of France” in 2003.

This site has several spaces, 400 m2 for permanent exhibitions, 200 m2 for temporary exhibitions, a library of 400 m2 and a reception area of ​​350 m2.

The building contains an impressive collection of 18th century earthenware, seals, jewelry, medals, paintings, engravings, photographs… You will be able to admire the objects presented chronologically to allow you to fully understand the evolution of Freemasons over the years and centuries.

Among the symbolic pieces treasured by the Museum, you will discover a full-length portrait of the Grand Master, the Count of Clermont from 1723 to 1771, the aprons of Jérôme Bonaparte and Voltaire or even the sword of “Venerable” by Lafayette

The original edition of Anderson’s 1723 Constitutions and unique manuscripts are among the rarities you will be privileged to behold. A real fascinating historical journey awaits you!

By coach, you will reach the Tuileries Gardens, the oldest and largest in Paris, located along the Seine, between the Louvre Museum, once the palace of the kings of France and Place de la Concorde.

This unusual visit takes you on an incredible investigation. Take up the challenges! Riddles, magic and myths; this historic landmark arouses the curiosity of many visitors every year.

Thanks to captivating treasure hunts led by a professional actor, young and old will have the opportunity to discover the history of this magnificent park in a fun way.

Did you know that a legend has it that a ghost, the red man, with obscure appearances, haunted the residence? Indeed, a butcher, who worked near the Palace, a little too curious discovers the secrets of Catherine de Medici. The Queen orders his execution and the latter would have promised to return for revenge!

Its name comes from the old tile factory where the construction of the Tuileries Palace would take its place in the 16th century at the request of Catherine de Medici. Multiple rulers occupied this home before the destructive 19th century fire following attacks during the Paris Commune.

Some vestiges remain, it’s up to you to find them!

In 1664, André Le Nôtre, renowned gardener to Louis XIV, gave it its current appearance of a French-style garden, classified as a historic monument, and became a place for strolling where Parisians and tourists mingle.

This beautiful 23 hectare green setting is home to ponds, statues dating from 1716, wide alleys lined with lime trees or elm trees, the Orangery building from 1892, freestone benches, the Jeu de Paume Gallery, etc.

Experience this original activity with family, group or friends in the heart of this romantic masterpiece and reserve this day punctuated by highlights and surprising encounters.

The post THE MUSEUM OF FREEMASONRY & THE LEGEND OF TUILERIES appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

Your guide will meet you for a historic and unmissable day.

You will discover one of the most pleasant parks of Paris, where Parisians and tourists often gather. A surprising place filled with delicacy! As soon as you arrive, you will be in awe of the huge wrought iron gates adorned with gold.

Louis-Philippe d´Orléans, Duke of Chartres (1747-1793) acquired a large piece of land on the outskirts of the capital and, in 1769, decided to build a pavilion surrounded by a French garden.

To do this, the Duke called on the painter Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle and the architect Colignon to create a garden different from the others. Middle Ages, antiquity and exoticism will form an unusual decorative association. Carmontelle and Colignon will describe this elaboration as “La Folie de Chartres”.

Later, this green setting, transformed into an Anglo-Chinese style, expands to accommodate factories and events. In 1784, a wall called the Wall of the General Farmers surrounding Paris was built to prevent smuggling.

Several buildings then house the offices of the Ferme Générale. Of this set, only the Rotonde, the work of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux Architecte, can still be seen today at the entrance to the park.

During your walk, you will be able to contemplate many statues of artists, the old Town Hall of Paris, a Japanese lantern dating from the 18th century, and sumptuous trees over 170 years old.

Your guide will lead you to the Naumachie colonnades of Monceau Park erected with the columns that Madame de Medici had commissioned for the unfinished tomb of Henri II. These pillars harmoniously surround a large pool.

Some elements have since disappeared such as the gardens, the Dutch mill, the minaret, the Sycamore pavilion, while other vestiges such as the false Egyptian pyramid and the small Palladian bridge over the river still remain.

Did you know that the first parachute jump from a hot air balloon was made here by the aeronaut Garnerin in 1797?

At the end of the 19th century, the Pereire brothers and Baron Haussmann revisited the district. Magnificent mansions and luxury buildings rise from the ground to accommodate the bourgeoisie of the Second Empire. This district becomes the little Venice of Paris.

Several museums line the park: the Nissim Museum, formerly the Moïse de Camondo hotel, recalls the Petit Trianon, the Cernuschi Museum, neo-renaissance housing collections of Asian art, and the Jacquemart-André museum and its works of art.

Nearby, the Russian Cathedral of Saint Alexander in Nevsky reveals all its charm. This remarkable neo-Byzantine style building, erected at the end of the 19th century and classified as a historic monument, attracts many visitors every year.

This Orthodox place of worship celebrated the marriage of Pablo Picasso with the Russian dancer Olga Khokhlova in 1918, in the presence of witnesses Jean Cocteau, Max Jacob and Guillaume Apollinaire!

Appreciate its architecture, its domes, the large central fresco and the five pyramids adorned with golden bulbs that adorn this building.

Your visit will continue with a tour of the famous Champs Élysées, located between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, an emblematic monument commissioned by Napoleon in the 19th century. If you feel like it, you can climb to the top on request for a breathtaking view of Paris.

Former uninhabited marshland, this artery has today become the most beautiful avenue in the world and one of the most explored sites in the capital!

In 1670, Louis XIV entrusted Le Nôtre, architect and gardener, with the layout of this space. It creates a large tree-lined driveway. This avenue will have many names: Le Grand Cours, Grande Allée du Roule, avenue de la Grille Royale or avenue du Palais des Tuileries, to finally adopt the current name in 1694 and final in 1709

It was only in the course of 1791, during the French Revolution, that this axis as it appears today gained momentum and importance. Restaurants, cafes and luxury boutiques replace the guinguettes, which arouses the envy of famous figures. During the Second Empire, buildings and mansions were established.

You will not be able to remain unmoved in front of the Grand Palace, built in 1900 and listed as a Historic Monument since 2000, for the Universal Exhibition. Its architecture combining stone, steel and glass is a true masterpiece. The facade, the dome, the ironwork, the statues… form a sumptuous whole. Opposite this jewel, the Petit Palais, a prestigious building, houses the Museum of Fine Arts of Paris.

Book now this organised tour that we have carefully prepared for you. An extraordinary moment to share with family, friends or in a group!

The post FROM THE MONCEAU DISTRICT TO THE CHAMPS ELYSÉE AVENUE appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

Located on the right bank, in the 5th arrondissement, the Plants garden, covering an area of 24 hectares and the historic heart of the National Museum of Natural History, is home to 4 centuries of history!

Every year, many visitors, researchers, naturalists and the curious come to discover this remarkable place of preservation and research.

This vast green strength where mense botanical and zoological gardens, buildings, statues, alleys, geology and mineralogy gallery, amphitheater and menagerie, are a veritable open book on nature.

In 1626, Louis XIII order to create a royal garden dedicated to the cultivation of medicinal plants and confide this task to his doctor-botanist, Guy de La Brosse ( 1586-1641)

In 1636, Guy de La Brosse continued to decorate the park and after years of work, the space was inaugurated in 1640 and was opened to the public. It would be a great success and would become an educational cradle, thanks to the courses in anatomy, plant biology and pharmaceutical chemistry given free of charge in French.

Georges Louis Leclerc, naturalist, better known as the Comte de Buffon (1707-1788), who held office until his death, remains one of the most renowned directors of the Royal Garden. It is thanks to his dedication that the scientific research center would become the most important in Europe. In 1793, by decree of the convention, this establishment was made a National Museum of Natural History.

All the buildings bring together the gallery of evolution, the zoo opened in 1794, living plants, insects, vertebrates as well as various prehistoric pieces, rocks, minerals, fossils, etc.

During your walk in this green setting you will discover various and varied plant species, historic trees such as the pistachio tree, over 300 years old, the Wollemi pine, the square greenhouses built in 1834-1836, the tropical forest greenhouse 1935-1936…

Enjoy a rich, sensory experience and a world tour in the heart of Paris with specimens from China, America, Asia, Japan, Lebanon, Crete and several continents! This outing will delight young and old alike.

Nearby and as an extension of your route, you can admire the Great Mosque of Paris, located in the Latin Quarter. Its Hispano-Moorish architecture, its colours and mosaics reveal a breathtaking whole!

Built by craftsmen from the Maghreb from 1922 to 1926 in honour of the Muslim soldiers who died for France during the First World War, this place of worship will captivate you!

You have the possibility, on request, to continue your visit to admire the interior and discover all the beauties that this Mosque hides. From Persian rugs, to the gigantic cedarwood door, library, the garden of delights through history, this oriental building takes you on a fabulous cultural and intellectual journey.

Accompanied by your guide, you will head to the Arènes de Lutèce, built in the 1st century AD. These Gallo-Roman remains, listed as Historical Monuments, are part of one of the oldest buildings in the capital.

Destroyed during the barbarian invasions, some traces of the Roman Empire are still visible: the lodge of the actors, the stage platform where the fights of gladiators and beasts took place, the niches…

Destroyed, Victor Hugo intervened with the President of the Municipal Council of Paris in 1883 so that these archaeological remains, witnesses of the past, could be restored and brought to light.

You will, then, arrive in front of the Pantheon, crowned by a dome 83 meters high, the first stone of which was laid by Louis XV Jacques-Germain Soufflot, Architect, began work in 1757.

Did you know that this neo-classical building was originally a church intended to keep the chest of relics of Saint Genevieve, patron saint of the capital?

This republican monument has undergone many upheavals, a temple of the fatherland and then a new church, to finally obtain the status of Pantheon in honour of the great personalities of the French nation.

Illustrious characters from yesterday and today rest in the Panthéon such as Victor Hugo, Pierre and Marie Curie, Voltaire, Émile Zola, Louis Braille, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Jean Moulin, Simone Veil, in November 2020 Maurice Genevoix …

Book this tailor-made day filled with cultural and original effervescence with family, group or friends. A great adventure awaits you!

The post GUIDED WALK FROM THE PLANTS GARDEN TO THE PANTHÉON SQUARE appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

The Latin Quarter, located on the left bank of the Seine owes its name to the cluster of grandes écoles and prodigious universities such as the Sorbonne in the area, and for many decades classes were taught only in Latin.

Your guide will take you to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, between the Invalides and the Jardin du Luxembourg. This district has always attracted the great writers, photographers, painters and artists of yesterday and today. The literary and intellectual atmosphere is still felt.

You will discover surprising places like the Café de Flore dating from 1885, meeting place of Guillaume Apollinaire, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway and Albert Camus, the Café des Deux Magots of 1873 frequented by Verlaine, Rimbaud, Elsa Triollet, and not to mention the famous Lipp brewery of 1880 which hosted important literary and political figures.

Many theaters and major brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Cartier and Hermès have set up in this chic and renowned district.

Apart from these mythical places, the 6th century Abbey of Saint Germain des Prés, better known as Saint-Denis, is surely worth a look! This building, a former royal necropolis, erected at the request of Childebert, 1st son of Clovis and Merovingian King, has experienced many setbacks.

In the 9th century, the Normans looted and burned the Abbey. After being destroyed, it would then be rebuilt in the 10th and 13th centuries. In the 12th century. A new Gothic-style choir was built. At the same time, not far from there, the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral began.

During the French Revolution, the buildings served as a refinery and saltpeter.  After returning in 1803 into a dismal condition for worship, the architects Godde and Baltard undertook major restoration work while retaining the original Romanesque style elements.

Whether you are passionate about history, art, beautiful stones, culture or the world of fashion, Saint-Germain satisfies all the curiosities of visitors!

Your guide will direct you to the place Furstemberg, with its discreet charm with its lamppost with five globes, the rue de Buci opened in the 13th century in memory of the first President of the Parliament Simon de Buci, the rue Saint-André des Arts, historic and unusual.

You can admire the Place de l’Odéon, where the Théâtre de l’Europe is located, and where the Procope, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, is established. Founded in 1686, this palace had the privilege of welcoming Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau, Robespierre, Benjamin Franklin…

This route specially designed for you will take you to the Saint-Michel district, steeped in history and heritage, where you will contemplate the Senate, the Luxembourg Gardens and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The fountain in Place Saint-Michel, listed as a historical monument, remains a must-see in the 6th arrondissement of the capital. Its huge statue representing the Archangel Saint Michael, the marble columns and the two chimaeras offer a spectacular view.

Did you know that this work was produced by Gabriel Davioud, Architect at the request of Georges Eugène Haussmann Baron and Prefect of the Seine?

At the crossroads of Boulevard Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain is the National Museum of the Middle Ages founded in 1843, called Musée de Cluny. Close to Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, this museum is a flagship of medieval architecture.

Along the way, you will not miss the Pantheon located on the Sainte-Geneviève mountain, erected on the site of the reconstruction of the Sainte-Geneviève church by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, Architect on the orders of Louis XV. Work began in 1756.

The republican temple is 110m long and 84m wide and of different styles, namely, Gothic, Byzantine, classical, ancient Greek. Since the French Revolution, it honours the memory of great figures of the nation and figures of the Resistance. This place contains many burials including that of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie and Pierre Curie, Braille, Zola, Malraux, Simone Veil …

Treat yourself through this day open to everyone, family, group of friends, association perfectly suited to children! You will experience an instructive adventure, intense and thrilling.

The post WALK FROM SAINT GERMAIN DES PRÉS TO SAINT MICHE appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

You too can take advantage of an organised Parisian getaway to discover emblematic places of the City of Light.

National library of France

Located in the 13th arrondissement, quai de Tolbiac, the National Library of France, built according to the plans of the architect Dominique Perrault, inaugurated in 1995 by François Miterrand is the largest and most important in the world!

After the transfer of a large part of the collections from the rue Richelieu site, the library opened its doors to the public at the end of 1996. The four angular glass towers representing open books impose their grandeur on the landscape.

This vast space, which has known a rich and turbulent history, contains a panoply of royal collections gathered from the end of the Middle Ages as well as 15 million books, ancestral manuscripts, photographs, coins, medals… or even works from 1537.

It all began in 1368, when Charles V decided to set up his books in a room in the Louvre. Thereafter, the kings of France would keep this tradition.

By a decree of December 28, 1537, François 1st forced printers and booksellers to store books, printed and sold in the kingdom. Under the reign of Louis XIV, the library, which developed considerably, opened its doors to the public in 1720.

In the 17th century, this site included several buildings: the Palais Mazarin, the Hôtel Tubeuf, the Galerie Mansart, etc. The new library would be installed in the 18th century.

From room to room, your guide will introduce you to the origins, architecture, mission and organization of the library and then lead you to the famous globes of four meters in diameter.

Created in 1683 by Vincenzo Coronelli, Venetian cosmographer, offered to Louis XIV, these true masterpieces represent the celestial sphere, the terrestrial sphere and symbolise power.

This enriching cultural visit in the bowels of this unique place which will delight adults and children alike.

From the esplanade of La BNF, a breathtaking view of the Seine awaits your eyes. You can admire the Ministry of the Economy and Finance and Bercy Park on the right bank. The Simone de Beauvoir bridge for pedestrians allows you to cross the river to reach Bercy Park.

Bercy Village

The guided tour of Bercy Village, also called the Cour Saint-Émilion, located in the 12th arrondissement, will enchant you. This once residential district, owned by Baron Viollet-le-Duc, has one of the most beautiful parks in Paris.

Established on old wine halls, this picturesque place, where the largest wine market in the world was held, exudes a special atmosphere, exotic and different from other districts of Paris.

Indeed, Bercy, devoid of buildings, houses small white stone buildings with pointed roofs, shops, restaurants, cinemas …

You will discover the restored 19th century cellars, classified in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments! A central paved alley separates these old cellars. The old rails where the circulating trains filled with barrels are still visible.

This marketplace alone supplied all the cafes in the capital! Alcohol enthusiasts flocked to buy the untaxed wines and liquors at the time until 1860.

Bercy had dark years because of fires and floods, in particular that of 1910 which submerged the warehouses. In 1960, the latter were deserted due to the production of good wines bottled at the château. The rivalry is such that the neighborhood is gradually dying out.

43 hectares within the city walls are abandoned. Town planners and architects recover the places. It was not until 1970 that Paris began building a new district and the Palais Omnisport was born. The Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Recovery moved to Bercy in 1988.

Bercy, which has known the incessant ballet of many handlers, traders, customers, merchants and seen the Seine filled with boats for deliveries, has now become a peaceful district.

Come and discover Bercy and its remains! A real journey through time and culture to share with friends, family, alone or with your partner awaits you.

The post DISCOVERY OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF FRANCE & THE BERCY DISTRICT appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

Your qualified local guide, passionate about the history of Montmartre, will accompany you throughout this discovery tour to teach you everything you need to know about this legendary district.

Did you know that a large part of Montmartre was not incorporated into Paris until 1860? This annexation was carried out following a law on January 1st 1860, ordering the extension of the limits of Paris.

As soon as you arrive in Montmartre, you will be amazed by the new art style of the metro station, Place des Abbesses. The aedicule designed in 1900 by Hector Guimard (1867 – 1942), a famous architect-designer, is today a symbol of an entire era in the City of Light.

Discover Montmartre differently!

Among the surprising places, you will discover on the hill: Le Clos Montmartre, the oldest vineyard in Île-de-France. The production and bottling of the “Clos Montmartre” cuvée take place within the vineyard itself.

The notoriety of Montmartre has continued to grow over the centuries. Moreover, each year millions of visitors and tourists from all over the world come to admire this authentic, multi-faceted village.

Montmartre was the favourite place of several artists, impressionists, writers, stars… Jacques Prévert, Boris Vian, Vincent Van Gogh, Cézanne, Pissaro, Joséphine Baker and many others! From 1860 to 1960, The montmartrois song made an astounding impression.

Today, this cultural and artistic district attracts and still delights all kinds of celebrities. Several cinematographic works have been shot in Montmartre, including the fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain.

Walkthrough the Lepic street, made famous thanks to this film, and let yourself be seduced by the pretty facades as well as the café des 2 Moulins referring to the two emblematic mills of Montmartre: the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette.

The old center of the Montmartre village called Place du Tertre, with these painters, portrait painters, restaurant terraces…. will captivate your attention!

At the foot of La Butte Montmartre overlooking Paris, 130 meters above sea level, the admirable Basilica of the Sacred Heart, in accordance with the Romano-Byzantine architectural style, built-in 1874 stands proudly in front of you. A breathtaking panorama of the entire city awaits you.

Not far from this building, the hill is home to other equally remarkable monuments: the Church of Saint Pierre de Montmartre, in Romanesque and early Gothic style – one of the oldest in Paris built in 1134 – and the church of Saint Jean de Montmartre, neo-Gothic, art nouveau built-in 1894.

This artistic setting hides countless gems and Parisian residences where illustrious characters have lived: the magnificent house of Dalida, located in the rue d’Orchampt, the boat-wash house, place Émile-Goudeau, the former guinguette and then the artists’ city, frequented by Pablo Picasso, Guillaume Apollinaire, Modigliani, Juan Gris….

The district is teeming with architectural and gastronomic riches, artists’ residences and hidden corners to discover with friends, family, groups or lovers. If you want to explore Montmartre in-depth, just let us know to establish a personalized tour for you.

Book this route and visit this neighbourhood as you’ve never seen it before!

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Enter the backstage of the stained glass house and the Paris Mint for an unique experience in these artistic workshops! 

The stained glass house was founded in 1973 by Christiane and Philippe Andrieux and is situated in Paris in the 15th arrondissement, which is rich in industrial heritage and an ancestral savoir-faire recognized worldwide. 

The parents of Emmanuelle Andrieux have passed on the passion for crafting stained glasses to her. She has taken this familial business in her hands and offers her services to restore and create stained glass windows from the simplest to the most complicated form.

The technique of blowing glass was initiated long ago by the Roman Empire ! The savoir-faire never stopped progressing over centuries. During the Middle-Age, the stained glass would experience a golden age thanks to the building of many edifices. 

Today, even if this noble job of crafting this material has not changed much since the Middle Age, this job, registered since 2019 in the repertoire of the immaterial cultural heritage inventory, remains uncommon. That is why, the visit of the Stained-glass House, certified Living Heritage Company, is a good way to discover or rediscover this complex art. 

Philippe Andrieux, speaker and Master Glassmakers president, redrew the history of the most beautiful works and creations of the stained glass windows around the world. In the workshop, you will be able to admire the talent of the craftspersons who master perfectly the technique of lead stained glass and that of Tiffany joints executed with copper wire soldered with tin.

These artists will unveil to you the different phases of production; how they cut, polish and assemble each piece of glass with an extreme rigour until the painting or dyeing. You will be enthralled by these beautiful pieces which are exposed in the gallery. 

Thanks to the fame which it has acquired, the Stained-glass House was entrusted with the restoration of an exceptional piece: the cupola built in the 19th century by Gustave Eiffle which is contained by the Vernet hotel to Paris. 

The Stained-glass House demonstrates a wish to safeguard and preserve the integrity of the job. That is why it organizes introductory courses open for everyone. Let yourself be charmed by this visit and enjoy this exemplary savoir-faire.

The Paris Mint : A strongbox accessible for public 

The Paris Mint, created on the 25th June 864, is the oldest business of the world and the oldest institution of France, and is still functioning. Visit the 11 Conti of the Paris Mint, its 12 centuries of fascinating histories and its remarkable architectural heritage ! 

Charles le Chauve (823-877), the king of the western Francie, grandson of the emperor Charlemagne, promulgated an edict : the Edict of Pitres. This action stipulated the denarius production rules as well as the list of the taping places, including the Paris workshop. 

The building of the edifice, both a Palace and a factory which you can still admire today, started in 1771 (foundations of 1769). King Louis XV gave the mission to Jacques-Denis Antoine, architect, to design a new coin hotel in front of the Louvre and the Nine Bridge. 

That is how the establishment, officially set up on the Conti quay in the 6th arrondissement on the 20th of December 1775, is born. From september 1796, it was linked to the ministry of the economy, the finances and the Industry. 

In January 2007, the Paris Mint became an Industrial and Commercial Public Establishment and obtained, in 2012, the label of Living Heritage Company.

This palace of neoclassical style with rectilinear forms and garnished with wonderful ornamental sculpture has kept all its splendour. The building contains, from now on, a museum devoted to the metal art, a shop of art products, currency collections and a variety of workshops, where a collection of coins, honour medal jewels and objects are created.

Since 2017, the Paris Mint has opened its doors to present you its production secrets through a ludique and interactive experience around metal work. Discover also the work of many trades: engravers, modellers, chiselers, minters, stampers…

You will be able to admire the historical devices, the currency collections, art products, works, french and foreign medals, paintings, sculpture… From metal mining to hammering, the mechanical press and the techniques evolutions, currency production will have no more mystery to you. 

This fascinating, fun and didactic day will offer privileged moments to share in family, couple or group, in must-see places. 

The programme is defined as follows :

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