OUR BLOG

The Olympic Games, a legacy from ancient Greece initiated about 3,000 years ago in Olympia, were a celebration of athletic excellence and piety towards the deities. Reinvented in 1896 in Athens, the modern Games now embody global harmony through the prism of sport. Over time, this competition has become a major international event held every four years, gathering athletes from around the world in a spirit of fraternity. Continuing to excite crowds, the Games combine respect for ancient traditions with modern ideals such as diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

This edition will be held in France, from July 26 to September 8, with Paris leading the charge. The French capital has set itself the mission of orchestrating remarkable Olympic and Paralympic Games, emphasizing self-respect, respect for others, and the environment. Major renovation initiatives are already underway to ensure the excellence of this event. Paris is thus preparing to shine on the world stage.

Located in the heart of Paris, Hotel Lumen is in close proximity to iconic sites such as the Louvre, the Opera Garnier, and the Palais Royal, thus offering added value to its guests, whether they are here for the competitions or to explore.

The left and right banks of Paris are bounded by the Seine, which flows through the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the Quays of the Seine are a must-see stroll in Paris. Numerous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, the Hôtel de Ville, the Museum d'Orsay, the Conciergerie... line the quays, offering some of Paris's must-see sights. And let's not forget the bridges linking the two banks. Whether they are medieval stone bridges or elegant modern creations, they alone are the pillars of Parisian charm.

The Museum d'Orsay, just a stone's throw from the hotel, is a former railway station now housing works from the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. These include iconic works by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Rodin. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions.

Paris's covered passageways, built in the 19th century around the main boulevards, are veritable historical gems. Originally built to protect shoppers and passers-by from the rain and inclement weather, most of these passages are covered by a glass roof, letting in natural light. These elegant passages captivate visitors with their timeless charm and singular ambience.

Among the many passages in Paris, the best known are:

Passage des Panoramas (IIe arrondissement)

Galerie Vivienne (IIe arrondissement)

Passage du Grand-Cerf (IIe arrondissement)

Passage Brady (Xe arrondissement)

Passage Choiseul (IIe arrondissement)

Passage Verdeau (IXe arrondissement)

Passage Jouffroy (IXe arrondissement)

Passage Vendôme (IIIe arrondissement)

Galerie Véro-Dodat (Ie arrondissement)

Passage des Princes (IIe arrondissement)

Galerie Colbert (IIe arrondissement)

Galerie de la Madeleine (VIIIe arrondissement)

Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of Gothic architecture and one of the city's most precious treasures. Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX, it was intended to house religious relics, the most famous of which is the Crown of Thorns believed to have been worn by Christ. The breathtaking stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle are considered one of the greatest achievements of medieval art, bathing the interior of the chapel in colorful light. The delicate motifs and biblical scenes depicted on the windows tell a captivating visual story. Visiting the Sainte-Chapelle is immersing oneself in a world of sacred beauty and medieval history, where majestic architecture and enchanting stained glass come together to create an unforgettable experience.

The Panthéon in Paris is an iconic monument that embodies France's intellectual greatness. Located in the Latin Quarter, it houses the tombs of illustrious figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. This temple of national glory showcases their exceptional contributions in the fields of philosophy, science, and literature. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon's architecture beautifully combines classical and neoclassical styles. Beyond its symbolic significance, the Panthéon is a vibrant venue for celebrating French culture, hosting exhibitions and cultural events. It is a must-visit destination to explore French history and heritage.

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world. It is located in the heart of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine, in the 1st arrondissement. The Louvre was founded in 1793 and has become one of the largest art museums in the world, with a collection of more than 38,000 works ranging from antiquity to the contemporary era. The museum's most famous works include Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Victory of Samothrace.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre is a Catholic church located at the top of the hill of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is one of the most famous and most visited monuments in the city, attracting millions of tourists every year. In addition to its religious function, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is also a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Catholic resistance to the secular Republic. It also offers a breathtaking view of Paris from its terrace.

The Luxembourg Garden is a public park located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. It covers about 25 hectares and is surrounded by wrought iron gates. The garden was created in 1612 by Queen Marie de Medici, who wanted to have an Italian-style garden in the style of those in her native Tuscany. The Luxembourg Garden is known for its beautiful flowerbeds, shady paths, statues and fountains. It is also surrounded by a number of historic buildings, including the Palais du Luxembourg, which houses the French Senate.

After the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned down on April 15, 2019, the building is closed to the public due to restoration work. The church, which was under construction from 1163 to 1345, was always a favorite monument for tourists and Parisians. Despite the fact that the cathedral is under reconstruction, it has not lost its magical beauty and you can taste it from different locations around Notre Dame.

The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument located in Paris, France. It was built in the early 19th century to celebrate the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte and the French army. The monument offers a magnificent view of Paris. From the top of the Arc de Triomphe you can see panoramic views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and the Seine. It's a great place to learn more about the history of France and Paris. Inside the Arc de Triomphe, there is a museum that displays objects and documents relating to the construction of the Arc and its history.

The Paris National Opera is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious classical dance companies in the world, known as the Paris National Opera Ballet. Its history dates back to 1661, when Louis XIV founded the Royal Academy of Dance. In 1669, at the request of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the corps de ballet was integrated into the Royal Academy of Music.

Enjoy numerous performances of the Paris Opera Ballet throughout the year by reservation.

The catacombs of Paris originally consist of part of the former underground quarries located in the 14ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. These quarries are connected by inspection galleries, forming a network of tunnels that are now called "catacombs". A visit to the Paris catacombs is considered one of the most frightening attractions Paris has to offer. Visitors can walk through miles of tunnels lined with six million femurs and skulls of dead Parisians, offering a unique and fascinating experience.

Located in the heart of Paris, Le Marais attracts us with its rich architecture. With its lively streets with bars, restaurants, hotels, high and low fashion boutiques, trendy designers, art galleries, this area gives us a sense of fulfillment. However, in addition to being a historic district, Le Marais is also known for its instagrammable buildings. We have chosen the 5 best places in the Marais where you can take beautiful pictures.

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. So, we took a tour around to find the best locations to take photos for your social media accounts. We therefore suggest the best "spots" for photographing the Eiffel Tower.

"Célébration Picasso, la collection prend des couleurs !", at the Musée national Picasso-Paris

From 7 March to 27 August 2023 The Musée national Picasso-Paris is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso by offering visitors the opportunity to rediscover his permanent collection.

"Ramsès et l’or des Pharaons" at the Grande Halle de La Villette

From 7 April to 6 September 2023, an exhibition dedicated to ancient Egypt presents an impressive collection of jewellery, royal masks, intact tombs and other remarkable objects from the archaeological site of Tanis. Egyptian art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire 3,000-year-old treasures, including the famous coffin of Ramses II.

"Chagall, Paris-New York" at the Atelier des Lumières

From 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024, monumental projections are organised to allow visitors to rediscover the works of this cosmopolitan artist. Among the works projected are La Maison Bleue, Paris par la Fenêtre, Le Loup et la Cigogne, and the famous ceiling of the Opéra Garnier.

"Avant l’orage" at the Bourse du Commerce

From February 8 to September 11, 2023, the Pinault Collection is organising a series of exhibitions entitled "Avant l'orage" (Before the storm), offering visitors an artistic journey from shadow to light through fifteen artists. Installations and emblematic works will be presented, some for the first time, occupying all available spaces in the Bourse de Commerce.

"Basquiat x Warhol, à quatre mains", at the Fondation Louis Vuitton

From April 5 to August 28, 2023, Basquiat and Andy Warhol created 160 "four-handed" paintings, of which a hundred will be exhibited in Paris.

The Museum des Arts Décoratifs was created in 1882 when collectors who were interested in different types of arts started forming an organization. It is located in Rivoli street and was first developed in the Louvre palace. This Parisian museum has the objective to promote fine arts and to develop links between industry and culture, creation and production. You will be able to see sculptures, paintings, textiles, and many more unforgettable art pieces.

The Palais Royale Garden is a spectacular garden created after the French Revolution. It is situated in the first arrondissement and is free to visit. The garden was built by a French Architected names Lemercier who also designed the Sorbonne. Located inside the Palais Royale where King Louis XIV lived is full of history. The Palais royale then became a vast gambling house in the 18th century.

This Garden is located between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. The Garden is 3 minutes walking from the hotel, and you will be able to discover the history of Catherine d’ Medici who created the Tuileries Palace in 1564. After the French revolution, the Park was opened to the public in 1667.

The Tuileries Garden has a unique event happening during Summer between the 25th of June and the 28th of August. It’s the second largest Parisian (funfair) after the Foire du Throne.

Located right in the heart of Paris in the prestigious setting of the Hôtel national des Invalides, the museum is home to one of the largest military history and art collections in the world, offering a unique overview of the history of France. It is one of the 10 most visited museums in France. The Dome church, has been home to the monumental tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, its golden dome reaching up into the skies of Paris at over 110 meters high.

The Musée de l'Armée is open every day of the year, from 10am to 6pm.

In Paris too, you can take off! If you are looking for an original idea to enjoy the beautiful days in the capital, then hard close friends sailors because you have found a super nice plan to cast off and navigate the waves: boats without a license.

We go to Band of boats, the boat rental platform, where we can discover the fleet of freshwater Marin who has invested the basin of Villette. Three types of electric boats without a license are available with a maximum capacity of 5, 7 or 11 people for rental by the hour or by the day.

You have the possibility to choose supplements: basket aperitif, bottle of champagne or wine, game of mölkky or petanque, in sum, all that it is necessary to take full advantage of the art of living way 19th district. Booking is highly recommended! Moreover, we advise you to come with a little advance to also enjoy a charming small terrace at the edge of the water while waiting for your car.

In 1981, the city elected a new Director of Music and Dance. His name was Maurice Fleuret, and he is best remembered for his “Music everywhere, concerts nowhere” slogan.

His main goal was to bring together all kinds of music - “music lacking hierarchy in terms of genre and origin.”

Teaming up with Jack Lang and Christian Dupavillon, he decided to organize a grassroots event where all musicians could express themselves and make their music known.

So the very first World Music Day (“Fête de la Musique”) took place on June 21, 1982, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Every year since, on this same day, the city abounds with a variety of different musical acts, allowing everyone to find the style that suits them best: jazz, electronica, classical, middle of the road, pop, rock, etc. The festivities are organized both by professionals and amateurs alike, by musicians who share a love for music.