What to see and do on the Grands Boulevards in Paris?

What thrills me most about Paris is the feeling that I can still be a tourist in the city where I have now lived for many years. It is both the capital I live in and the city I discover every day through my wanderings, outings, and explorations. It constantly fuels my curiosity, making me want to know it more each day, to delve into its history, learn its secrets, and be among the privileged few to whom it reveals itself, step by step, as I stroll through its streets. Today, I invite you on a walk along the Grands Boulevards to discover the various activities this Parisian neighborhood has to offer. I specifically invite you to discover the history of this district in more depth.

For my part, I started this article following the event “Promenons-nous sur les Grands Boulevards” (Let’s stroll on the Grands Boulevards), which took place from June 17th to October 17th, 2013.

Tourist map of the Grands Boulevards in Paris and partner sites.

Table of Contents

Some visit ideas on the Grands Boulevards

Rex Studios

Rex Studios offers visitors an interactive journey that invites you to discover the behind-the-scenes, legends, and stars of Europe’s most famous cinema, presented through a clever mise-en-scène. In this sanctuary dedicated to the seventh art, you will be both actors and privileged witnesses to the cult following that fans have dedicated to this high place of Parisian cinematic heritage for over 50 years.

Interior of the Le Grand Rex cinema auditorium, Paris Grands Boulevards

Hallway with framed photos and a red arrow pointing toward the backstage area.

Rex Studio
1 Boulevard Poissonnière 75002 Paris
Open every day during holidays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Link to the activity’s website

The Jean Sans Peur Tower

One of the rare medieval buildings in the heart of Paris, and on top of that, I had never visited it before. It’s a wonderful discovery, and the sculpted vault of the central spiral staircase is a masterpiece of French sculpture. This tower, a 15th-century remnant of the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, is the tallest medieval civil tower in the capital.

Ornate tree-style stone vault and stained glass windows of the Jean Sans Peur Tower.

Jean Sans Peur Tower
20, rue Etienne Marcel 75002 Paris
Open Wednesday to Sunday
Link to the location’s website

Choco Story Paris, the Chocolate Museum

This museum traces the history of cocoa through a private collection of over 1,000 objects spread across 3 floors. One part of the museum revisits the origins of cocoa in Mayan and Aztec cultures, a second part presents the introduction of chocolate into Europe and its development, and a final part includes a demonstration room where you can watch the manufacturing of a chocolate candy live and then taste it! The tour ends at the museum shop (a place of temptation, as you might guess), which rounds off the experience on a gourmet note.

Bags of almond and caramel pralines at the Chocolate Museum, Grands Boulevards.

Artisanal chocolate bars, dark, milk, with Smarties, almonds, and nuts.

Choco Story Paris
28, boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle 75010 Paris
Open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Link to the museum’s website

The Grévin Museum

This grand Parisian institution of illusion has been a must-visit spot on the Grands Boulevards for over 130 years. From my point of view, the building with its ancient halls and surprising decor is almost as much worth a look as the wax statues it houses. Inside, the museum presents 300 French and foreign personalities, both contemporary and historical.

In 2025, I also went to test “Night at the Museum“: one Saturday a month, Grévin offers a Night at the Museum, a visit not quite like the others, a 1.5-hour show presented throughout the tour path—a perfect outing idea for family or friends. On the program is a nocturnal path punctuated with entertainment (singers, puppets, guided tours, magic…), notably featuring artists from the 5th Act company.

Vintage performance scene with four artists descending the Grévin Museum staircase.

Decorated interior of the Grévin Museum Paris with staircase and "The Palace of Mirages" sign.

Wax statues of Scarlett Johansson and George Clooney at the Grévin Museum Paris.

Red-haired woman statue with blue eyes, Grévin Museum Paris.

Alain Delon wax statue at the Grévin Museum Paris in front of a movie poster.

Charlie Chaplin statue with a stack of red hats at the Grévin Museum Paris.

Grévin Museum Paris visit: woman surprised by a Frankenstein puppet coming out of a book.

Robert De Niro wax statue at the Grévin Museum Paris, Grands Boulevards.

Wax statue of a woman in a red dress at the Grévin Museum Paris, with an arcade and checkerboard background.

Ray Charles statue at the Grévin Museum Paris, wearing dark glasses.

Interior of the Grévin Museum Paris theater with red seats and violet lighting.

Richly decorated interior of the Grévin Museum in Paris with visitors and wax statues.

The Grévin Museum
Open every day
10 boulevard Montmartre 75009 Paris
Night at the Museum Prices: 38€ adult rate / 30€ reduced rate (one Saturday per month / upcoming dates: March 8th, April 5th, May 3rd, and June 14th, 2025 / hours from 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM with last entry at 11:00 PM)
Link to the museum’s website

The Fragonard Perfume Museum

This somewhat hidden museum, right next to the Paris Opera, takes you through a short history of perfume in just a few rooms. The free, guided tour is offered in almost all languages and ends at the brand’s boutique where you can discover the latest Fragonard fragrances.

Musée du Scribe Grands Boulevards, displays of precious objects and an ornate fireplace.

Fragonard Perfume Museum
9 rue Scribe 75009 Paris
Open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Link to the museum’s website

My favorite spots to eat on the Grands Boulevards

The Restaurant Les Noces de Jeannette

This restaurant, located opposite the Opéra Comique, offers its guests period decor from the early 20th century. The establishment owes its name, “Les Noces de Jeannette,” to a one-act comic opera by Victor Massé, which, created in 1853, was performed hundreds of times as a curtain-raiser at the Salle Favart, across the street.

Traditional restaurant interior near the Opéra Comique, tables set for dining.

Smoked salmon, toast, and a lime wedge on a white plate.

Wine glasses, cutlery, and menu set on a table at a restaurant on the Grands Boulevards.

Les Noces de Jeannette Restaurant, Rue Favart, Grands Boulevards, Paris.

Warm, cozy Parisian restaurant interior with white tablecloths and vintage posters.

Creamy dessert with blueberries in a white ramekin, restaurant on the Grands Boulevards.

Meat and potato dish with broad beans on a plate at Les Noces de Jeannette.

Les Noces de Jeannette Restaurant
Corner of 14 rue Favart and 9 rue d’Amboise – 75002 Paris
Link to the restaurant’s website

Le Valentin Tea Room & Pastry Shop

A very lovely place to have a nice tea and enjoy a succulent pastry. A place worth returning to, as an added bonus, it is located in the magnificent Jouffroy Passage. I must make a special mention of the house cakes and pastries, which are truly succulent (little preview in images).

Caramel-hazelnut pastry on a white plate with a violet napkin and forks.

Cast iron teapot, cup, and pastry on a table, Grands Boulevards Paris.

Assortment of mignardises and pastries, including Mont-Blancs, near the Grands Boulevards.

Interior of a Grands Boulevards restaurant: wooden tables, straw chairs, floral paintings, and wall hanging.

Le Valentin Tea Room & Pastry Shop
30-32 Passage Jouffroy 75009 Paris
Open every day
Link to the address’s website

You now know what’s left to do, whether you’re a true Parisian local or just passing through the beautiful capital, don’t miss out on discovering the Grands Boulevards!

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