Things to do in Epernay

Champagne Charles Mignon

Boat Champagne Valley Cumières

Champagne G. Tribaut

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in France

Ile de la Cite

Ile de la Cite is a natural island in the Seine River in Paris, and along with the adjacent Ile Saint-Louis to the east, it is one of only two natural islands in the Seine. This island is considered the birthplace of Paris—Gallic tribes settled here as early as the pre-Christian era, walls were built on the island during the Roman era, and King Clovis I of the Franks established a royal palace here in the early 6th century. For centuries thereafter, it remained the religious and political center of Paris. Today, strolling through the cobblestone streets of the island, you can still feel the layers of history. The island is home to several iconic medieval buildings. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris is located at the eastern end of the island and is a representative example of French Gothic architecture, famous for its facade carvings and rose windows. Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its towering stained-glass windows, which fill the hall with colorful light when the sun shines through. La Conciergerie was originally part of the royal palace and was converted into a prison during the French Revolution; today, it preserves its spectacular Gothic vaulted halls for visitors to explore. Between the cathedral and the prison, there is an open-air flower market that has continued since the early 19th century, with iron-framed stalls filled with colorful flowers all year round. The entire island can be explored on foot, making it perfect for combining with a stroll along the banks of the Seine.

Mercier

Welcome to the secrets of Messier's cellars. Here, some professionals will talk to you with passion and pride about the making of champagne, the art of blending wines from different regions, grape varieties and different vintages. In the wine cellar, they will tell you a series of champagne brewing process emotionally. What follows will be the holy moment of tasting, with moderation of course!

2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden borders the Louvre to the east, Place de la Concorde to the west, and the Seine to the south. It was originally commissioned by Queen Catherine de' Medici and later redesigned by the court garden master Le Nôtre as a formal French garden. A tree-lined avenue runs east-west through the center of the garden, flanked by symmetrically arranged, neatly trimmed flowerbeds and chestnut tree-lined walks. It is an important link in Paris's historic axis, which starts from the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel beside the Louvre, passes through the garden, and extends westward. Since the eighteenth century, various sculptures and vases have been installed in the garden, numbering over a hundred to date, and it is known as an "open-air museum." The sculpture subjects cover ancient Roman historical figures and Greek mythology; many are by celebrated masters, and some are replicas of works in the Louvre's collection. Beside the octagonal pond at the western end of the garden stands a group of sculptures themed on allegories and ancient Roman historical figures, with a fountain in the center of the pond where wild ducks often play on the water. The chairs placed by the pond can be moved freely, allowing visitors to sit and rest at ease and experience the Parisian way of relaxing in parks that has been passed down for hundreds of years. The garden is also home to two buildings, the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume, featuring Monet's Water Lilies and contemporary video art, respectively. The entire garden is ideal for strolling and viewing; walking along the tree-lined avenues or sitting for a while by the ponds are both classic ways to experience Parisian city life.

Champagne COLLARD-PICARD

Junga

Eglise Notre-Dame

Champagne Vollereaux