The Best Of Paris In May
If you’re planning to visit Paris this May, here are some tips to make your trip a success. From the Sacre-Coeur Basilica to the European Night of Museums, there’s something for everyone. This annual festival features a variety of events, from concerts to street food, and it is suitable for all ages. Plus, it’s free, making it an ideal family outing. But where to go? Here is a top list by Collection Models Paris agency.
Laduree
Laduree has been making desserts since the 1870s, and its stands are found in airports and department stores around the world. The company originated in Italy, and was consecrated in Paris during the 16th century by Queen Catherine de Medici. She enlisted the help of Italian pastry chefs to perfect the art of confectionary. She also gave the concept of combining cafe and patisserie a new life, introducing tea salons.
Paris’ famous macarons were born in Laduree, and the company is credited with creating the double-decker macaron. These tiny pastries feature two sides and a creamy ganache filling. The double-decker macaron was introduced around the mid-20th century, but the tradition of the one-sided macaron dates back to the 16th century. Today, there are several Laduree stores around the city. You can visit the Paris locations and enjoy their macarons.
Sacre-Coeur Basilica
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the central focus of this cathedral, and its interior features a mosaic of the same name by Luc-Olivier Merson. It is one of the largest mosaics in the world, and the apse behind the main altar is crowned with a golden dome. The cathedral’s three-arched peristyle is filled with bronze doors that depict scenes related to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The bells of the basilica are the largest in the world, and one of the tympanums, a large, dome-shaped space, is topped with a crucifix and a cross.
The basilica is best visited in the morning, when the sun is up. If you’d like to take photos of the domes and spires, the Sacre-Coeur is a great choice. Despite the huge size of the basilica, taking pictures is not a problem. You can even tilt your camera upwards and use this distortion as an added visual interest.
European Night of Museums
If you’ve never been to the European Night of Museums in Paris, you are in for a treat. The festivities begin at sundown and end around one in the morning, depending on the venue. Some venues serve food and wine, while others turn on the museum’s lights. There are also special guided tours and performances that draw locals and young people to the museum. But, regardless of your age or level of art appreciation, you’re sure to have a great time.
As part of the Night of Museums in Paris, you can visit museums all over the city at a discounted price. You can find out which ones are participating a few weeks before the event. There will be a list of participating venues on the website of the Cultural Ministry. The Night of Museums in Paris will feature exhibitions by contemporary American sculptor Andrew Wyeth. During the night, all of these venues will be open to the public.
Louvre
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting the Louvre. First, you should know that it is closed on Tuesdays. You can purchase tickets online, but you should note that they are not available at the museum itself. Also, you should consider booking your ticket ahead of time, as you’ll have to queue for security. Second, you’ll be paying EUR17 per person, and you’ll need to book a time slot in advance. Third, you’ll have to pay an additional EUR5 if you want to hire an audioguide.
You may be surprised to learn that the Louvre attracts millions of visitors each year. Hence, you will have to queue in line for a while in order to get into the museum. A good solution to avoid long lines is to purchase a guided tour. On a guided tour, you’ll be taken to the most important parts of the museum without having to wait in line. This way, you’ll have time to wander and absorb the various exhibits.
