Maison de la Revolution is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, under a 5-minute stroll from the Panthéon in the heart of the much-loved Latin Quarter on the left-bank. The nearest metro station (line 7) is just over 500m away.
This is a fantastic neighbourhood with an authentic ambience. As well as several city supermarkets around a 5-minute walk away, the bustling Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’ oldest streets, is a short stroll away with excellent boulangeries selling organic bread and specialist pastries, a number of cheese mongers and other wonderful food shops offering fish, meat and organic produce. Not to mention a superb range of restaurants – this quarter is known for its atmospheric restaurants, inviting bars and overall student vibe with the Sorbonne being close by.
As well as Place du Panthéon so near, one of Paris’ most charming squares, Place de la Contrescarpe, is a couple of minutes away with its pretty fountain and lively cafes and restaurants, a much-loved spot in the Latin Quarter. Then there’s the wonderful gardens of Paris – the Jardin du Luxembourg is a 10-minute walk away whilst Jardin des Plantes is only 800m heading east.
Follow the footsteps of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simon de Beauvoir amongst others in the 6th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, easily reached on foot. Alternatively, wander over to Île de la Cité and Notre Dame, 1.5km away, and then on to Le Marais, a historic quarter of Paris with trendy stores, amazing restaurants as well as the Picasso National Museum and Le Centre Pompidou. Pick up delicious falafel from Rue des Rosiers, then head back towards the Seine and find a pretty place to perch near Île Saint-Louis.
Then of course there’s the major sights of this grand city from the Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay to the Louvre, Jardin Des Tuileries and Place de la Concorde. Continue along Avenue de Champs-Élysées, passing impressive stores such as Galeries Lafayette and other high-end shops, then hop on a metro to the modern La Défense, the end of the Axe Historique.
The enchantment of Montmatre should also be experienced. Step away from Place du Tertre and Sacré-Cœur to get lost in the warren of cobbled lanes and steps across the romantic 18th arrondissement. On the way back, stop off for a coffee in the fashionable Canal Saint-Martin district.
As well as a great city transport system, there are some brilliant walks and jogging routes, either through the many gardens or along the Seine. Passing Quai Saint Bernard and the Jardin des Plantes, reach the Docks en Seine in the 13th arrondissement, a newly created cultural centre with rooftop bars, clubs and art exhibitions. For more classic surroundings, amble along the riverside promenade in Rives de Seine Parc, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a number of park activities for every age.
The Region
Fall in love with la ville lumière during your time in Paris, one of the most famous capital cities in the world.
Everyone has different reasons for visiting this beautiful city. Perhaps you hope to visit some of Paris’ fine museums and art galleries, climb the Eiffel Tower or shop to your hearts content along the iconic boulevards. You may prefer to simply wander around the city parks, enjoy leisurely lunches on the left bank before strolling across Pont Neuf to admire the grandeur of the Louvre.
Discover the many charming neighbourhoods of Paris following the footsteps of famous writers, artists and philosophers. Start off on the right bank in Le Marais, the Jewish quarter, with its boutiques, old bakeries and kiosks selling delicious falafel (expect a queue!) – take a guided walking tour to learn all about this neighbourhood’s heritage. On the other side of the river, soak up the student ambience of the Latin Quarter, home to La Sorbonne, and sip coffee on a café terrace on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a truly iconic Parisian experience.
Meanwhile, a walk around Jardin du Luxembourg is a must, especially for families who will adore the little boats by the fountain, donkey rides, carrousel and a popular new playground (with an entry fee). Pack a picnic and sit on a bench beneath the shady trees as you people watch Parisians and tourists alike making the most of this atmospheric park.
Keen shoppers will appreciate the likes of Galeries Lafayette as well as the luxury stores of the Champs-Elysées. If you are visiting Le Centre Pompidou, you could also walk up to the vast Forum des Halles for recognisable brands in central Paris. Not forgetting the many markets from the twice-weekly Bastille Market selling delicious food to the sprawling weekend flea market at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen that dates back to the late 19th century.
Embrace the romantic ambience of Paris when you walk by the river on La Rive Droite with beautiful views as you pass Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. It’s especially lovely as evening nears with vibrant bars by the riverside whilst children will love the play areas and climbing walls as you stroll. Look out for the Eiffel Tower in the far distance which sparkles so magically on the hour from dusk.
