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.

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Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

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citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

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L’Hôtel du Collectionneur Paris

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Hotel Saint Dominique

Hotel Saint Dominique

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Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

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Libertel Montmartre Opéra

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Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées

Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées

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Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Dorchester Collection

Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Dorchester Collection

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Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Dorchester Collection
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

When visiting the Grand Palais in Paris, be sure to indulge in a sightseeing tour to soak up the stunning architecture and vibrant art scene. Enjoy the captivating exhibitions and take in the breathtaking sunsets that illuminate this iconic landmark. With so much to do, the Grand Palais promises an enriching experience that showcases the best of Parisian culture.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is Galeries Lafayette, just 1.6km from Grand Palais, offering a vibrant mix of fashion and entertainment. You can also visit Le Bon Marche and Marche rue de Buci, both within 1.6km, perfect for souvenirs and local flavours.

Recreation

At Roland Garros Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying tennis matches. La Machine du Moulin Rouge offers a captivating blend of dance and romance, perfect for an entertaining night out. Paris Olympia showcases an array of music concerts, ensuring an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment.

Adventure

The Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum features a thrilling skiLift experience, located 3.2km from Grand Palais, perfect for adventure seekers. Enjoy the Montmartre Funicular, also 3.2km away, offering outdoor family fun. For a scenic hike, explore the Mare a Mare Nord trail, just 1.6km from Grand Palais.

Nightlife

In Paris, Theatre Mogador and Comedie-Francaise offer captivating performances, blending culture and romance. For a lively night out, head to Palais de Tokyo, where the vibrant atmosphere and city vibes create an unforgettable experience just a short stroll from the Grand Palais.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grand Palais

When visiting the Grand Palais in Paris, you'll find an array of cultural experiences, from art museums to charming streets and lively piazzas. This vibrant area offers family-friendly activities and access to nearby attractions, including the Palais Royal and stunning rooftop views of Paris. Don’t forget to browse for accommodation options in the vicinity to make the most of your stay in this iconic city.

  • Eiffel Tower: A world-renowned symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands 1.6km from Grand Palais. Marvel at its iconic iron lattice structure while enjoying stunning views of the city from its observation decks. The cultural atmosphere surrounding the tower is enchanting, especially at dusk when it's beautifully illuminated.
  • Louvre Museum: Located 1.6km away, the Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world, housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Its vast collection and historic architecture offer a unique cultural experience, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Champs-Élysées: Just 483m from Grand Palais, this famous avenue is known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling city vibes. Stroll along the tree-lined boulevard, indulge in high-end shopping, or relax at a café while soaking up the Parisian charm.

Best time to go to Grand Palais

The best time to visit Grand Palais is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 HighAverage
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 on your visit to Grand Palais in Paris, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January, February, or August. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure better rates, especially if you look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Thursdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the area to further cut costs!

  • 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 May to June and September, 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Palais is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Palais is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Grand Palais hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.