Timeout in Paris
“We’ll always have Paris” – Casablanca
With the Paris 2024 Olympics in full swing many are looking for the perfect timeout from Olympic activities. The city of lights is home to the games this summer, but is home to stunning museums, gardens, and architecture year round. Both local Parisians and seasonal visitors, everyone needs the occasional break away from the festivities and events that have taken over the city. Certainly we at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques are enjoying watching the Olympics from afar, here are a few of our favorite places in Paris to get away. In essence, from gardens to markets, please enjoy these unexpected gems.
Food Market – Marché des Enfants Rouges
Looking for the perfect Parisian moment? The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris, the perfect spot for foodies to enjoy. Dating back to 1615, the market is a hub of sellers offering speciality items from around the world. This space is full of life, filled with locals and tourists alike. While not formal or traditional, the market is filled with the tastes and smells of Paris. The market is located in the Marais and looks small from the exterior. Yet, the interior is quite the surprise and is fairly busy all day long. It is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Museums
The Gustave Moreau Museum – Born in 1826 in Paris, Gustave Moreau was an artist from a very young age. He created many great works throughout his life and was a teacher to many well-known artists as well. At the end of his life he bequeathed his work and family home to Paris, turning it into a museum of his work. The Gustave Moreau Museum opened in 1903 and has been unchanged since. Distancing himself from reality, Moreau’s art is filled with imagination and beauty. This is a special, enchanting museum!
Musée Rodin – The collections of the great sculptor were donated to France in 1916. The site for the Rodin Museum was chosen by the artist himself and is located the a wonderful rococo mansion, Hôtel Biron. All of the stunning sculptures are bathed in natural light that enters through the large windows. The museum is one of the most visited in Paris due to the stunning gardens and exquisite setting.
Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet – The Carnavalet Museum is the oldest City of Paris museum which opened in 1880. Located in the Marais, the architecture alone is striking. The museum is comprised of two mansions. Dedicated to the history of the city, it is full of authentic objects and collections documenting Paris and famous Parisians. As a result, today it has over 618,000 items including artworks, coins and medals, photographs, furniture, and more.
Gardens
Square du Temple – This delightful garden is the perfect place to enjoy a book, people-watch, or sip a coffee. Surprisingly, it has a long history in the city, first opening in 1857. It is the site of a medieval fortress that was then used as a prison during the French Revolution. Today it is a beautiful space enjoyed by many, including fountains and over 200 species of plants. It also has several sculptures and a memorial to Jewish children living in Paris and deported. It was also honoring writer and activist Eli Wiesel.
Parc Floral de Paris – Opened in 1969, the botanical gardens of Paris changes throughout the year and is perfect for walking and socializing. There are many play areas for children, also mini golf, and is full of life! Additionally, the garden takes an environmental approach and is disability accessible.
Pools
Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles – If looking to escape the heat of competition, obviously the pools of Paris are the perfect place. Originally opened in 1924, the Butte-aux-Cailles pool is in the art nouveau style. There are pools inside and also an outdoor Nordic pool open all year long.
Molitor – First opened in 1929, Molitor Paris was the most popular swimming baths in the city. Part of a sporting complex, the space had an avant-garde culture. After closing in 1989, the space became an unexpected venue for concerts, fashion shows, graffiti artists, and counter culture. Finally, reopening in 2014 the swimming pools were restored as faithfully as possible to the originals while still keeping the graffiti and street art so much a part of the history. It is now a pool, hotel, spa, restaurant and more!
Finally, while we love Paris, we also appreciate bringing the Parisian aesthetic into our homes. Please check out our New Arrivals page to see all of our antique and vintage French finds.