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This splendid museum dedicated to the art of the Middle Ages is known by several names, including the Musée de Cluny after the beautiful mansion in which it is housed, and the Thermes de Cluny after the Roman baths adjoining the museum. Highlights include the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries, medieval stained glass and exquisite gold crowns and jewellery.

The revolutionary Pompidou Centre is the perfect home for the city’s outstanding Modern Art Museum. It features some 1,400 works on two levels, one focusing on the artists and movements of the first half of the 20th century, the other featuring art from the 1960s to the present day. Temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year (see Centre Georges Pompidou).

A favourite of Parisians and visitors alike. The beautifully restored Hôtel Salé (see Hôtel Aubert de Fontenay) in the Marais is a splendid setting for this extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and other works by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), including works from his Cubist period. Large sculptures also adorn the garden and courtyard. Some of the artist’s personal art collection of works by his contemporaries is also on display.

On a sunny day, head straight for the gardens of the Musée Rodin, in the Hôtel des Invalides complex, where you can enjoy some of the French sculptor’s most famous works, including The Thinker and The Burghers of Calais , while strolling among the shady trees and rose bushes. Then pay a visit inside the beautiful 18th-century mansion, the Hôtel Biron, where Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) lived and worked for nine years, until his death. An extensive collection of his works from throughout his career is on display.

MementoesDuring the period of renovation this temporary exhibition of items belonging to Napoleon is in one of the Dôme’s adjacent chapels.

This careful reconstruction in the Salle de la Restoration shows the room where the emperor died in 1821. Other Napoleonic items and paintings are on display. Closed for renovation until 2008.

This collection of arms and armour reflects the military styles of different nations.

The BannersA fine collection of 17th–20th-century banners is displayed in the east wing. Closed until 2008.

Two rooms on the second floor are devoted to World War I and World War II. Documents, uniforms, maps, photographs and other memorabilia bring the conflicts of both wars to life, often to disturbing effect.