Grand Palais Tours and Activities

Grand Palais
Grand Palais
Grand Palais
Grand Palais featuring a statue or sculpture
Grand Palais


Appreciate art and architecture at this spectacular glass-roofed exhibition space, which hosts high-profile art exhibitions and retrospectives.

The Grand Palais is a Belle-Epoque treasure that is much loved by Parisians and tourists alike. Attend one of its regular events ranging in theme from sports to fashion to art.

The Grand Palais was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and was part of city-wide preparations for the Universal Exposition of 1900. Over the decades that followed, it hosted many art exhibits and served as a military hospital during World War I and a site for Nazi propaganda exhibitions during World War II, but was frequently plagued by construction issues. In 1993, the building was closed for restoration it reopened in 2007.

Before heading inside, admire the façade of this grand structure. Look for the elaborate Art Nouveau ironwork and the distinctive glass barreled roof, which sits atop the classical stone façade.

Visit the Palais de la découverte, a family-friendly science museum in the west wing of the palace. Make your way through the permanent exhibits, which are devoted to various branches of science including physics, astronomy, biology and chemistry. Enjoy the hands-on interactive experiments staged at various times during the day or watch a show in the planetarium.

Elsewhere in its various exhibition spaces, the Grand Palais hosts an eclectic and ever-changing series of events, with programs that frequently include dance, theater, cinema, art and even sports.

Check upcoming schedules in the National Galleries before you visit and purchase tickets well in advance. Major international exhibits are held here and the demand for tickets is high. Past events have included Edward Hopper and Robert Mapplethorpe retrospectives. After exploring a show, have a meal at the on-site Le Mini Palais restaurant.

The Palais de la découverte is open from Tuesday through Sunday. There is an admission fee. Separate tickets are needed to enter the National Galleries. Prices and opening times for the Grand Palais vary, depending on the exhibit showing. Use entrance three on Avenue du Général Eisenhower to access the National Galleries and take the entrance on Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt for Palais de la découverte.

Plan a trip to see Grand Palais

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Palais

Near the Grand Palais, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided tours of renowned museums and stunning attractions. The area is perfect for catching picturesque sunsets, exploring vibrant shopping malls, and experiencing captivating theatre shows. Whether you're interested in art, shopping, or entertainment, the Grand Palais region offers an enriching blend of cultural experiences for every tourist.

Shopping

For shopping near Grand Palais, visit Galeries Lafayette, a vibrant shopping mall just 1.6km away, offering a mix of family and entertainment vibes. Le Bon Marche and Marche rue de Buci, both also 1.6km away, provide unique finds in a charming atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of sports at Parc des Princes, only 4.8km from Grand Palais, or immerse yourself in the romance and entertainment of La Machine du Moulin Rouge, just 3.2km away. For live music, head to Paris Olympia, located a mere 1.3km from the Grand Palais.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum's skiLift, located 3.2km from Grand Palais, offering stunning views and ski vibes. For family fun, ride the Montmartre Funicular, also 3.2km away, or hike the scenic Sentier du Douanier, just 1.6km away, for an outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Grand Palais! Visit the Grevin Museum for a cultural theatre show, or dance the night away at Palais de Tokyo's trendy nightclub. For a thrilling evening, try your luck at Casino de Paris, where romance and excitement await in the heart of the city.

Find the best attractions near Grand Palais

When visiting the Grand Palais in Paris, immerse yourself in its rich cultural offerings, including art museums and vibrant squares. Explore nearby attractions that cater to family experiences and cultural enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the immersive exhibitions at the Grand Palais and the charming streets around it, perfect for leisurely strolls. With so much to see and do, the Grand Palais serves as an excellent base for discovering the artistic heart of the city.

  • Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark, located 1.6km from the Grand Palais, offers breathtaking views of Paris. Standing tall at 1,083 feet, it's a must-visit for those wanting to experience the city's romantic allure and rich history.
  • Louvre Museum: Also 1.6km away, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. Its impressive glass pyramid entrance and vast collections make it a cultural treasure trove.
  • Arc de Triomphe: Situated 1.6km from Grand Palais, this monumental arch honours those who fought and died for France. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Champs-Élysées and the city beyond.

Best time to go to Grand Palais

Visitor numbers around Grand Palais is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Grand Palais can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Palais falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Grand Palais falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Palais

To save money during your visit to Grand Palais, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Luxembourg Gardens. Plan your trip in January, February, or August for lower accommodation rates. Booking a hotel one month in advance can yield the best deals, while Monday stays are typically cheaper than Fridays. Use Expedia for price comparisons, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute deals for potential discounts!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grand Palais are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Grand Palais is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Palais is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Palais is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Grand Palais hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.