Musee Carnavalet (Paris History Museum), Paris

Immerse yourself in the French capital’s rich history at the Carnavalet Museum that occupies two neighboring mansions: the Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. The former is a Renaissance jewel that was the home of writer Madame de Sévigné from 1677 to 1696.

Inside the museum's over 100 rooms, the exhibits show the transformation of the village of Lutèce, which was inhabited by the Parisii tribes, to the grand city of today with a population of more than 2 millions.

The Carnavalet houses about 2,600 paintings, 20,000 drawings, 300,000 engravings and 150,000 photographs, 2,000 modern sculptures and 800 pieces of furniture, thousands of ceramics, many decorations, models and reliefs, signs, thousands of coins, countless items, many of them souvenirs of famous characters, and thousands of archeological fragments.

Of particular interest among the exhibits are those related to the Revolution, featuring detailed scale models of guillotines and a replica of the Bastille prison made from one of its original stones. Also featured is a reconstruction of Louis XVI's prison cell and personal mementos from his life, such as medallions containing locks of his family's hair. Additionally, visitors can marvel at impressive interior recreations spanning from the Middle Ages to the rococo period, as well as Art Nouveau, with highlights including the original furnishings of the Café de Paris and the exquisite jewelry shop Fouquet.

Why You Should Visit:
Musée Carnavalet provides the most compelling summary of the history of Paris – its politics, art, and people. No other place in Paris offers such a comprehensive insight into the city's historical development over the centuries.