Paris in harmony: the best Activities and sights for a weekend or week-long escape
The 8th arrondissement : your launchpad for exploring the City of Light in 2 days or over a week
Maison Orphée, our 4-star hotel, is a tranquil haven in the heart of Paris, ideal for a whirlwind weekend or a leisurely extended stay. Nestled steps from Place de la Madeleine, in the very soul of the 8th arrondissement, it opens the doors to a city that never sleeps, where every street corner whispers a story.
Whether you’re seeking an effervescent weekend or a deeper immersion for a week or more, you’ll find yourself just moments from Paris’s must-sees: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Opéra Garnier, the Grands Boulevards, the Olympia concert hall, the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Gardens, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde. With metro stations just 2 to 3 minutes from the hotel, the entire city is within easy reach.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece overlooking Île de la Cité, is the spiritual heart of Paris. Its soaring towers and vibrant stained glass, crafted since the 12th century, tell stories carved in stone. Every element of this architectural gem breathes life into the city's legends. A must-see landmark where sacred beauty meets centuries of history, and leaves an indelible impression on every soul who visits.
Monuments & historic landmarks
Notre-Dame Cathedral
A symbol of Paris’s spiritual soul.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece overlooking Île de la Cité, is the spiritual heart of Paris. Its soaring towers and vibrant stained glass, crafted since the 12th century, tell stories carved in stone. Every element of this architectural gem breathes life into the city's legends. A must-see landmark where sacred beauty meets centuries of history, and leaves an indelible impression on every soul who visits.
Bastille & the July Column
An emblem of the French Revolution.
The Bastille, a powerful symbol of the French Revolution, may no longer stand, but its spirit lives on. Today, the July Column rises proudly where the fortress once loomed, honoring those who fought for liberty. This vibrant district pulses with history and modernity alike, blending bustling cafés, street markets, and a dynamic nightlife. Here, the echo of revolution still resonates, infusing every corner with a timeless energy.
Place de la Concorde & the Obelisk
Historic site of major executions.
Expansive and majestic, Place de la Concorde holds centuries of French history in its stones. At its heart stands the Luxor Obelisk, a silent witness to the grandeur and tragedies of the past. Once a stage for the French Revolution’s most dramatic moments, today it’s a lively crossroads at the foot of the Champs-Élysées. A place where grandeur, solemnity, and beauty meet, linking Paris’s monumental past to its vibrant present.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica of Montmartre
Breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.
Crowning the hill of Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica glows with serene majesty. Its white domes stand as a beacon of peace and devotion, and from its steps, the entire city unfolds beneath you. Built in the early 20th century, it’s a haven of stillness amidst the bustling, bohemian neighborhood below. With winding alleys, artist corners, and timeless charm, this is where Paris reveals both its spirit and its soul.
Conciergerie
Former prison of Marie-Antoinette.
On the banks of the Seine, the Conciergerie rises, a majestic medieval palace turned revolutionary prison. It once housed Marie-Antoinette before her final days, and its solemn halls echo with the tumult of history. Gothic arches, dimly lit cells, and thick stone walls tell tales of power, upheaval, and sacrifice. A hauntingly beautiful journey into the past, where history speaks in whispers and shadows.
Arc de Triomphe
A panoramic view over Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the heart of Place de l’Étoile, a timeless tribute to French military glory. Commissioned by Napoleon, it’s both a monument to history and a gateway to beauty. From its rooftop, Paris stretches in all directions, a sea of rooftops, monuments, and grand avenues. More than a landmark, it’s a moment suspended between past and present, offering one of the city’s most unforgettable views.
Panthéon
Final resting place of French legends.
Rising in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is a neoclassical marvel dedicated to the memory of France’s greatest minds. Beneath its soaring dome lie the tombs of Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and others who shaped a nation. A temple to knowledge, heroism, and the Republic, its solemn corridors invite deep reflection. Here, the legacy of genius endures, etched in marble and time.
Les Invalides & Napoleon’s Tomb
A majestic site of remembrance.
Les Invalides is an iconic complex honoring France’s military past. Beneath its golden dome lies the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, a striking and solemn tribute to the man who forever changed the nation’s destiny. Beyond the mausoleum, museums and exhibitions explore centuries of warfare, bravery, and innovation. It’s a place of grandeur and reverence, where French history comes vividly and dramatically to life.
The Musée d’Orsay invites you into the world of Impressionism, a major movement that transformed painting in the 19th century. Set in a former railway station, the museum’s architecture is a masterpiece in itself. Inside, you’ll discover works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas and many others who shaped the course of art history.
Not far away, the Musée de l’Orangerie offers a serene encounter with Monet’s Water Lilies, an immersive moment of contemplation in the heart of the Tuileries Gardens.
Museums & cultural landmarks
From the hotel, embark on a journey to two of the world’s most iconic museums: the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. The latter, a true temple of art, houses nearly 35,000 masterpieces, from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo, symbols of artistic excellence through the ages. Just a few minutes’ walk away, the Louvre immerses you in centuries of history and culture.
Modern art lovers will enjoy the Centre Pompidou, with its bold architecture and remarkable 20th-century collections. Nearby, the Musée Rodin presents iconic sculptures such as The Thinker, surrounded by a peaceful, elegant garden.
For those drawn to Cubism, the Musée Picasso in the Marais houses a rich collection of the artist’s works. A short ride away, the Petit Palais and Grand Palais regularly host major temporary exhibitions, from classical arts to contemporary creations, sure to delight any art enthusiast.
For a more unexpected visit, head to the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Tucked away in a Marais townhouse, it offers a unique journey through art, history and nature. This singular museum blends classical paintings, hunting trophies and contemporary installations, all exploring the relationship between humans and animals. A surprising address that captivates both the curious and the passionate.
From the Madeleine district, step into a world of contrasts as you explore Parisian neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere and charm. In Montmartre, a bohemian spirit lingers. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica overlooks the city with breathtaking views, while Place du Tertre comes alive with artists showcasing their talents.
Wander cobblestone alleys and discover a timeless Paris, full of life and inspiration. Not far away, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is famed for its literary and intellectual heritage. Its legendary cafés, historic bookshops and hidden gardens create a refined and creative escape.
The Marais blends history and modernity with elegant mansions, contemporary galleries and fashionable boutiques. It’s ideal for a walk through the covered arcades like Galerie Vivienne, where every corner whispers a story.
A short distance away, the Canal Saint-Martin offers a poetic escape from the city’s bustle. Père-Lachaise Cemetery, both a place of memory and serenity, and the Latin Quarter, with its singular charm, are also must-sees for those eager to soak in the soul of Paris.
Neighborhoods & strolls
Luxury & Shopping
Staying in the Madeleine district places you in the heart of Parisian shopping bliss. Just steps away lies Boulevard Haussmann, home to Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann. Beneath their stained-glass domes, discover fashion, beauty and gourmet delights in grand style. For haute couture, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, only 500 meters away, offers creations by Chanel, Hermès and Prada in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Nearby, Rue Cambon, the historic cradle of Chanel, invites you into the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and her revolutionary vision of style.
Our hotel is also the perfect starting point to explore the beauty of Paris. Just minutes away, Place Vendôme immerses you in the sparkling world of high jewelry, with houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron displaying their treasures in opulent salons. One kilometer away, the Champs-Élysées invites you to stroll among prestigious boutiques and flagship stores of global brands. A perfect blend of luxury, elegance and Parisian flair.
Unforgettable Parisian Experiences
Create lasting memories in the City of Light. From the Madeleine district, set out to discover experiences you can only live in Paris.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower offers breathtaking views of Paris, whether you ascend to its summit or admire its graceful silhouette from the Trocadéro. This architectural icon embodies French ingenuity, and every view becomes a moment to remember. A sensory journey where history and beauty meet.
A cruise on the Seine reveals the city from a magical new angle. As you drift past the Louvre, Notre-Dame and other landmarks, Paris unfolds in elegance and light. This peaceful voyage blends history, romance and wonder.
An evening at the Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse is a truly Parisian experience. One dazzles with feathers, cabaret and glitter. The other seduces with bold staging and artistic light. Both promise an unforgettable night in the beating heart of Paris.
Tour Eiffel
Seine river cruise
Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse show
Day trips from Paris
Whether you’re here on business, enjoying a family holiday, or escaping on a romantic getaway, don’t miss the treasures just outside Paris. Explore the majestic Château de Versailles and its opulent gardens, step into the private world of Marie-Antoinette, or be captivated by contemporary art at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. For a magical interlude, head to Disneyland Paris and dive into an enchanting universe where both children and adults experience the thrill of rides and shows.
Our concierge team is at your service to help you plan these unforgettable excursions and make your stay truly exceptional.
A symbol of royal power and French refinement, the Château de Versailles invites you to step back in time with its vast gardens and lavish royal apartments.
This contemporary art museum, housed in a bold architectural masterpiece, invites you to explore cutting-edge works in a spectacular setting where art, nature and innovation come together.
Located in Giverny, Claude Monet’s home and gardens offer a poetic glimpse into the Impressionist painter’s world, featuring the iconic water lilies and serene landscapes that inspired his most famous works.