Arenberg Galeries

Advantages: So many things to see.
Disadvantages: Can be a little overwhelming.

...the building in all it’s grandeur and you get a good view of the Arc du Carrousel (like a scaled-down Arc de Triomphe) and the Pyramide. Either way you will end up in the Hall Napoleon. If you haven’t bought tickets already you can purchase them from the machines here which seem to take credit cards and cash although we didn’t use them as we had Museum passes. The queues weren’t too long at 10am in the morning and seemed to move quickly. Bear in mind that if you have already bought tickets there are a couple more entrances (in Passage Richelieu or underneath the Arc du Carrousel) where you can bypass the queues on busier days. You can purchase tickets in advance online at the Louvre website (www.louvre.fr/louvrea.htm) or at stores like FNAC, Galeries Lafayette, La Samaritaine and Virgin Megastore which can be found in all the main shopping areas... Read review

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Advantages: Only place to see the Mona Lisa
Disadvantages: Very busy all the time

...Musee du Louvre (Louvre Museum) Background The Louvre is the most visited and one of the oldest, largest and most famous art galleries and museums in the world. The first royal “Castle of the Louvre” was founded in what was then the western edge of Paris by Philip Augustus in 1190, as a fortified royal palace to defend Paris on its west against Plantagenet attacks. The first building in the existing Louvre was begun in 1535, after demolition of the Old Castle (foundations of the Old Castle are now an exhibition). The architect Pierre Lescot introduced to Paris the new design vocabulary of the Renaissance, which had been developed in the chateaux of the Loire. During his reign (1589 – 1610), King Henry IV added the Grande Galerie. Henry IV, a promoter of the arts, invited hundreds of artists and craftsmen to live and work... Read review

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Advantages: 2000 parking spaces 120 shops
Disadvantages: Too overcrowded at weekends

...Le Polygone is a huge 3 storeys shopping centre set in the heart of Montpellier, next to La Place de La Comedie (see my previous review for the Place). It hosts more than 120 shops but the biggest of them all is without a doubt the giant and famous Galerie Lafayette where you will find all your favourites designer outfits The Galerie Lafayette are actually located at the end of the shopping centre and spread over its 3 storey.) The list of shops is endless and ever changing so I apologise if I am not listing all of them. But you will find everything from furniture (Habitat) to DVD's and books (Fnac). And, as you would expect from a huge shopping centre, you will find numerous clothing shops for men and women, shoe shops, bakeries and cafes, restaurants… The place is very lively and clean (check those sparkling toilet) and boots... Read review

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