Paris Things to Do

The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the world’s great places. They’re beautiful and iconic of Paris, they’re full of history and contain plenty to do and see. Built along with the Palais du Luxembourg in the 17th century by a heartbroken Marie de Medicis, after the assassination of her husband Henry IV, the park is typical of the time with its formal layout of avenues of trees, the central fountain and vista of the palace.

Living history and written history, the famous Parisian bookshop Galignani has both. With family roots going back to the first printing presses in Venice in the 16th century when Simone Galignani published a Latin grammar book, Galignani has been an important name for books since they became mass produced.

It would be a big mistake to think of the Louvre as only a storehouse for the past. Although the collection is an historic one and is set in the magnificent ex-palace building which has been an art museum since the late 18th century, contemporary directors of the museum have their feet firmly planted in the 21st century as shown by the new Islamic wing due to open in summer 2012.

Can you imagine going halfway around the world, finally catching a train to Versailles to see the massive palace and gardens that you’ve studied in art history and seen in films such as Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, and then finding the gates locked and the place shut for the day? I don’t have to imagine it because that’s what I did.

The Pont Neuf is one my favourite bridges in the world. Although the stone doesn’t lend itself to vibration, this means I can take a break from making experimental sound art, and simply revel in the elegant arches and curved love-seats which offer a gorgeous view of Paris and a perfect location for a picnic.

Listen, I know when you go to Paris, you’re probably going to want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc De Triomphe and Napolean’s Tomb. And you should, because those are probably the most famous of Paris’ attractions, and if you miss out on them, your friends at home might think you’re weird. So go check those sites out, but don’t forget to check out some others, too.