Paris is the literary city par excellence and its fabled avenues, bars and bistros have provided shelter and inspiration for writers for centuries.

An extensive renovation of Louxor Palais de Cinema has revealed the glory of its original Egyptian-inspired Art Deco design.

French Artist Gustave Moreau was one of the most vital artists of the 19th century and a leading light of the Symbolist movement. His works channelled both Renaissance art and the iconography of the Old Testament.

The French New Wave was a group of trailblazing directors who exploded onto the film scene in the late 1950s; revolutionising cinematic conventions by marrying the rapid cuts of Hollywood with philosophical trends.

Forget Banksy. French urban artist and JR creates large-scale street ‘pastings’ by overlaying huge photographic images on public spaces that from Paris to Brazil.

Arthur Rimbaud will be forever remembered as one of the greatest French poets - an 'infant Shakespeare' said Victor Hugo. His short poetry career gave birth to exquisite poems such as The Drunken Boat (1871).

Specialising in contemporary art, the gallery opened in 1994 on the initiative of Jérôme and Emmanuelle de Noirmont to introduce French art lovers to internationally recognised names who were lesser known in France.

Galerie Xippas specialises in French and international contemporary art. It is a platform for discovery and promotion of young artists. Situated in the heart of the Marais , the spaces have distinguished architectural features designed by Barthélémy and Grino.

The Yvon Lambert Gallery has played an important role in the representation and support of the most innovative artists. Founded in 1966 by Yvon Lambert, the gallery has a strong tradition of presenting artists’ projects that are both ambitious and innovative.

GB Agency was established in 2001 in order to support a distinct approach to creativity. Every show offers an intense encounter with the artist’s personality as well as his or her work.

Galerie Michel Rein presents interesting multidisciplinary artists, such as Fabien Verschaere, Dora Garcia. It also has recently picked up some of the talents from eastern Europe, such as Dan Perjovschi and Mark Raidpere. Located in the heart of the Marais.

Marian Goodman is the eponymous contemporary art founded by Marian Goodman. It represents a number of substantial contemporary artists, including one of the most expensive living artists; Gerhard Richter.

Galerie Perrotin is a contemporary art founded by Emmanuel Perrotin in 1990. This began representing two of its most well-known artists, Maurizio Cattelan and Takashi Murakami, very early on in their careers.

Since it was established in 1980 the Chantal Crousel has been unveiling the work of artists of highly diverse origin to the French and international art world.

This major center for contemporary photography opened in the mid-1990s, and it features regularly changing photography exhibitions. The museum also has a permanent collection of works by well-known photographers.

The Musée d'Orsay is located on the left bank of the Seine. It holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915. Its collection of impressionist and post-impressionist pieces is the largest in the world.

The Louvre is one of the world's largest museums, and a historic monument. This central landmark of Paris is located on the right bank of the Seine. Nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 19th century are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square metres.

The Musée Rodin is a museum that was opened in 1919, dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The collection includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs and 7,000 objets d’art.

The Musée du Luxembourg was the first French museum to be opened to the public in 1750. Since 2000 it has been run by the French Ministry of Culture and the Senate and is devoted to temporary exhibitions.

Les Arts Décoratifs is a private, non-profit museum of decorative arts. Its collection includes over 357,000 works; medieval furniture, jewelery, toys, historical and contemporary posters, textiles etc.

Musée d'Art Moderne is a major museum dedicated to Modern and Contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The collections include more than 8,000 works.

The Pinacothèque de Paris is an art gallery with exhibition space for temporary exhibitions of artworks. The gallery opened in 2007 in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, designed by Lawrence Guinamard-Casati. Current Exhibition.

Centre Georges Pompidou is a complex in the Beaubourg area. It houses the vast public library, the Musée National d'Art Moderne and IRCAM, a centre for music research. It is a nerve centre of French art and culture.

The Musée Jacquemart-André is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. The museum was created from the private home of Édouard André (1833–1894) and Nélie Jacquemart (1841-1912) to display the art they collected during their lives.

Discover the best Culture Trip-rated flats based on four essential criteria: Art & Culture, Architecture, Design & Decoration and Paris Factor.

A sophisticated interior surrounded by stunning Parisian architecture. The Notre Dame Cathedral and other unforgettable sights are just a short walk away.

Stunning lights illuminate its beautiful interior and it also boasts of a plant-filled terrace that perfect for absorbing the Parisian atmosphere.

This flat has a regal flair, with deep red furnishings and original artworks set in gilded frames. Guests can easily visit nearby cultural centres like the Louvre.

The array of arty ornaments and modern design in this apartment make it fun to be at home. This flat is also a fantastic base for exploring Central Paris.

This flat boasts of stunning décor featuring paintings, mirrors, a glass chandelier and archetypal Parisian architecture.

This wonderful apartment has two floors and a balcony on each, so you can contemplate Saint-Eustache church – a late-Gothic masterpiece – from either.

To see or book more of our recommended Paris flats, please visit WayToStay, our trusted partner for high quality holiday apartments and excellent customer service.

The 9th edition of the festival includes 21 shows by the Vienna Opera National Ballet, lead by Manuel Legris. Dates: 4-27 July.

One of the city’s most modern parks invites film-lovers for a series of English and French movies under the stars. Dates: 24 July-25 August.

Back to jazz school with poetic, multi-culti and experimental teachings by John Zorn, Fatoumata Diawara, Bryan Ferry and more. Dates: 3-15 September.

The great free festival of contemporary abstract art presents everything from painting and photography to sculpture and engraving. Dates: 22-29 September.

The 42nd festival embraces visual arts, theatre, dance, film and music by Robert Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Trisha Brown and more. Dates: 13 September-12 January 2014.

A free all-nighter dedicated to contemporary art, where museums are open, libraries hold special events and transport runs non-stop. Date: 5 October.

DYNAMO A Century of Light and Motion in Art, 1913-2013 brings together 150 artists inspired by the notions of space, light and vision. Dates: 10 April - 22 July.

Explore the revolutionary vision behind Debord’s trademark book Society of the Spectacle, along with groups such as the Situationist International. Dates: 27 March - 13 July.

European Music Day offers dozens of free street concerts - but it hardly gets more picturesque than among the sculptures of Musée d’ Orsay. Date: 21 June.

New filmmakers battle for recognition in this international competition, which also includes premieres, tributes and a fun outdoor Cinema Flea Market. Dates: 28 June - 9 July.

Explore some of cinema's iconic filmmaker/composer duos. Dates: 19 March - 18 August.

English director Peter Brook renovated this gorgeous old theatre, which often stages innovative plays in his mother tongue. Dates: ongoing.

This blog is full of stories and facts based on the life of Ernist Hemingway and Paris in the 1920's.

A blog showcasing the best Parisian art, design and culture.

A unique travel blog covering otherwise overlooked places to visit in Paris from art to architecture.

A blog covering jazz clubs and bars in Paris and where to find live music gigs.

This blog is all about the city of Paris, providing information on tours, guides and where to visit.