Paris sightseeing: must-see places near Hôtel R de Paris

The Fondation Louis Vuitton is a glass vessel designed by Frank Gehry: twelve translucent sails wrap around a white concrete "iceberg" hovering above a reflecting pool at the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. The building is a work of art in itself — 7,000 m² of curved surfaces that light transforms at every hour. What I love are the rooftop terraces: you stroll between the sails with a panoramic view across all of western Paris, and there's a permanent exhibition featuring the original model of the project by Gehry's Los Angeles team.

Why go: A top Paris art visit combining architecture + world-class shows.

Good to know: Tickets and time slots can sell out—book ahead, especially on weekends.

The Grande Galerie de l'Évolution is a legendary venue nestled in the Jardin des Plantes. What takes your breath away is the central nave: 55 metres long, 30 metres high, bathed in natural light, with over 7,000 specimens. On the ground floor, the famous African caravan of 63 taxidermied animals — elephant at the head, followed by giraffes, zebras, lions — advances in a spectacular staging. The work that always impresses me is this silent procession beneath the glass canopy, as if frozen mid-crossing of the savannah.

Why go: A top family-friendly museum in Paris with impressive displays.

Good to know: Go early to enjoy the main hall with fewer people.

Twenty metres underground, in the former quarries of the Montrouge plain, lies the world's largest ossuary: the remains of several million Parisians, transferred here from 1786 onwards from the Saints-Innocents cemetery. The bones are arranged in meticulously assembled walls — facades of femurs and tibias alternating with rows of skulls — following the museographic staging designed by inspector Héricart de Thury in the 19th century. Allow around 90 minutes for the 1.5 km route.

Why go: If you're looking for something completely different from traditional museums, this is one of Paris's most striking experiences.

Good to know: Booking a timed slot is strongly recommended. Expect stairs and a cool temperature; best avoided if you're claustrophobic.

Inaugurated in 1926 in tribute to the Muslim soldiers who died for France during the First World War, the Grande Mosquée de Paris is the largest mosque in France and one of the oldest. Its Hispano-Moorish architecture is directly inspired by the Qarawiyyin mosque in Fez: a 33-metre minaret, courtyards covered in zellige tilework, carved woodwork and marble fountains. The guided tour of the building lasts around 45 minutes. Adjacent to the mosque, the tea room serves mint tea and oriental pastries amid a décor of glazed tiles — a destination in its own right. The hammam (separate access, advance booking recommended) rounds out the offer.

Why go: For the architecture, the instant sense of elsewhere, and the tea room that is worth the trip on its own.

Good to know: Closed on Fridays (prayers). Open Monday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday 9 AM–6 PM. Visit approximately €3. Smart dress required (shoulders and knees covered). The tea room and hammam have separate hours and prices.