The Good Life France Magazine Autumn 2017 | Page 57

Museums museums museums

With around 200 museums in the city to choose from, you’re truly spoiled for choice.

20 museums are free all year-round including the Petit Palais which is home to 1300 works of art. Other museums are free on the first Sunday of the month and some open late which makes for a special ambiance, such as the Palais de Tokyo which is open until midnight daily (except Tuesdays). Museums are less crowded in autumn and good for days when it’s raining or a little bit chilly out.

Hot Chocolate à la terrace

And, if it is a bit chilly out then what could be nicer than wrapping up warm and sipping a hot chocolate while you drink in a wonderful view. One of the most beautiful spots is by Notre Dame where you'll find plenty of cafés where you can sit outside and watch the sun set and listen to those famous bells toll – it’s priceless.

Hit the book stores and chill

There are loads of book stores with English language books in Paris and lots of them have cafés and even wine bars so you can sit and read in an ambient atmosphere.

Two of the best are Shakespeare & Co. near Notre Dame Cathedral, it' has a lovely café alongside the book store, and WH Smith, an institution for Brits, in rue de Rivoli with its upstairs “olde English” style tea room.

Exhibitions Galore

Catch Hockney at the Pompidou featuring more than 160 artworks (ends 23 October); Gauguin at the Grand Palais (11 October 2017 – 22 January 2018) and see a once in a lifetime exhibition of Picasso’s “year of wonders” artworks from 1932, with more than 100 paintings and sculptures at the Musée Picasso (10 October 2017 – 11 February 2018).