One of the many benefits of being in an active research lab like the Pop Place is the incredible international connections and experiences you can make with the support of your supervisor. In the summer of 2024, thanks to the David Edney Research Travel Award, I had the opportunity to live in Paris for two and a half months while working out of the Géographies-Cités research lab. Having really enjoyed my experience, we created a plan to get me back to Paris for my third year of my PhD. I have been living in Paris since May 2025 and have been loving every minute of it.
I can appreciate a good museum or art gallery, but let’s be honest – they can be quite expensive in big cities like Paris. I tend to prefer admiring the external architecture of Parisian buildings anyhow, as it is vastly different from what I’m used to seeing in Canada. However, from time to time, I either splurge or get creative – entering museums for free before my 26th birthday, for instance.
Having visited dozens of buildings in Paris, there is always one thing that blows me away: the ceilings. If I worked in one of those buildings, I don’t think I would get much work done as I’d constantly be distracted by the artwork! Let me show you some of my favourites.
Petit Palais
Located across the street from the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, which was originally built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, now houses the city’s Museum of Fine Arts. It is free to visit and is incredibly gorgeous.
Musée Carnavalet
Another free museum! This local history museum is located in two mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau, which were both built in the 16th century. I highly recommend this museum – not just for the incredible architecture and artwork, but for the informative depiction of the city’s history. One could easily spend hours walking around and digesting all the information.
Palais Garnier
Built in the late 19th century, the Palais Garnier is easily France’s most prominent opera house. Much of its popularity can be attributed to Gaston Leroux, who used the Palais Garnier as the setting for The Phantom of the Opera. While I had seen photos and videos of the opera house online, seeing it in person was a surreal experience. To this day, it is the most beautiful building I have ever visited.
Hôtel de la Marine
Located just across from the Place de la Concorde, this 18th century building was originally home to the Garde-Meuble, which was the office that managed the furnishing of royal properties. It became home to the Ministry of the Navy after the French Revolution, which is how the building received its current name. Since reopening in 2021 after renovations, it displays restored apartments and the salons used by the French Navy.
Bibliothèque nationale de France à Richelieu
One of the items on my French bucket-list was to visit France’s national library. When I found out that the library would be having an open house during the European Heritage Days, I finally planned my visit. I’m incredibly happy I decided to go during this event, as it also gave me the opportunity to visit the museum housed within the library itself. The first picture is the Salle Ovale; underneath is the Galerie Mazarin.
Musée des Arts et métiers
I love learning about old technology, and how technology evolved into what we use today. Therefore, visiting this museum turned into a 2-hour session of me geeking out with every step I took. Computers, audio equipment, scientific instruments, transportation… they had everything. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the museum led me into the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs to look at a bunch of vehicles and planes. Another museum at the top of my recommendations list.
Musée des Archives nationales
The Hôtel de Soubise, built in the 1371 and rebuilt in 1705, is now the home of the Musée des Archives nationales. A bunch of documents from the government archives are put on display, including old reports and letters, to get a sense of France’s history through text.
Cour des comptes
This building may be newer than the others I visited – in 1911 – but it was certainly one of the most interesting. Only open to the public for special occasions (such as the European Heritage Days), the Cour des comptes is France’s supreme audit institution. One of their responsibilities is to generate reports on various social and economic subjects to create policy recommendations for the French government. They even have one on preventing older adults’ loss of independence! The building also has a fantastic view of the Tour Chicago, one of Paris’ first skyscrapers.
Institut d’études avancées – Hôtel de Lauzun
My most recent encounter with a beautiful ceiling was at the Hôtel de Lauzun, which is the home of the Institut d’études avancées. This beautiful building was built in the 17th century on the Saint-Louis Island in the 4th arrondissement. This was another special visit, as I was there to assist with a workshop on combatting older adult loneliness in Paris. It was a treat to attend and look around with Maxx, who gave a presentation that morning!
If there’s anything to retain from this blog post:
- Paris is more than the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre – the less popular destinations are often the most incredible.
- Always look up!