14 MUSÉE DU VIN PARIS This wine museum, laid out in the former limestone quarries of Passy (15th century), displays a collection of more than 2,000 objects related to viticulture and winemak- ing. An opportunity to discover the craft of generations of winemakers, cellar masters, oenologists and coopers, whose expertise has led to the creation of countless great wines … Optional wine tasting after audio- guided tour. 5 square Charles Dickens (16th). M Passy.o 01 45 25 63 26. ARC DE TRIOMPHE Daily: 10am-6pm, except Sun, Mon, 1 Jan and 25 Dec. Museum entry ticket/full rate: & CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES €10. www.museeduvinparis.com plus… The Arc de Triomphe is the starting point of a visit to some of the capital’s most upscale CONSEIL ÉCONOMIQUE, SOCIAL districts. This triumphal arch, the largest in ET ENVIRONNEMENTAL (CESE) the world, whose construction started in The CESE occupies a large part of the Palais 1806 to celebrate the victory of Napoleon at d’Iéna, an architectural masterpiece by Austerlitz, towers over the 8th arrondisse- Auguste Perret, built on the occasion of the ment. From its terrace-roof, you can enjoy a Universal Exposition in 1937. The hall with breathtaking panoramic view of the French pillars, the hemicycle and the monumental capital. For a truly unforgettable moment, staircase are the highlights of a visit. the Arc de Triomphe is best visited at dusk 9 place d’Iéna (16th). M Iéna.o or at night, in order to enjoy the sparkling 01 44 43 63 27. Only for free guided tours, lights of the Eiffel Tower. End your visit at by appointment. www.lecese.fr the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose flame is rekindled every evening. From here, GALERIE-MUSÉE BACCARAT commence your exploration of the iconic In the private mansion of Marie-Laure de Champs-Élysées. The upper half is devoted Noailles,this sparkling museum presents to eating out, luxury brands and flagship more than 250 years of the creativity and stores. The lower half, as you walk towards expertise of the famous crystal manufac- the Place de la Concorde, has many pleas- turer. It also has a shop and restaurant. ant and peaceful green spaces, embellished 11 place des États-Unis (16th). by colourful flower beds. Along the way, M Boissière.o 01 40 22 11 00. discover where Marcel Proust played in his www.baccarat.fr childhood years. A bustling and lively spot, both by dayad gt,the avenue serves MUSÉE NATIONAL DE LA MARINE as the setting for some of the nation’s most The Musée de la Marine is currently closed popular events every year: the parade on for renovation work. The museum’s collec- 14 July, the finishing point of the Tour de tions, of some 1,000 objects, trace France’s France, the Christmas Illuminations … rich maritime history. • ARC DE TRIOMPHE: Place Charles de Gaulle Palais de Chaillot. 17 place du Trocadéro (8th). M Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.o et du 11 Novembre (16th). 1 Apr to 30 Sept: daily, 10am-11pm. 1 Oct to M Trocadéro.o 31 March: daily, 10am-10.30pm. Open after www.musee-marine.fr 8 May, 14 July and 11 Nov celebrations. Closed 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Full rate: €13. www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr WEST PARIS | 45