Le Grand Palais - a newbie's guide

Another must see landmark in Paris - The Grand Palais des Champs-Elysées. Originally built for the 1900 World Exposition, the building now houses a variety of exhibitions and events.

Accessing the building can be a little tricky, as there are several entry points. Each entry leads to different isolated sections of the building, as summarised below:

••  The main hall under the glass vault - this is the architectural highlight of the building. It houses the large temporary exhibitions and events. Entry is only possible during exhibitions and events, so it's worth checking the website for current and upcoming events if you want to go inside. Annual events include the Art Paris Art Fair, a car show, a horse show jumping event, and the Monumenta exhibition. If nothing is showing, you can get a small glimpse through the doors at the main entrance (facing Av Winston Churchill).

••  The other gallery spaces - these generally house temporary art exhibitions including some of the best offered by Paris. These areas are smaller, and entry doesn't give you access to the main hall. There are 3 or so different gallery spaces, each with its own entrance on the various sides/corners of the Grand Palais.

••  The Palais de la Découverte - a science museum mostly for kids. The entrance faces Av Franklin D. Roosevelt.

••  Le Mini Palais - a restaurant accessed from the south-east corner of the Grand Palais. It gets good reviews for the location and atmosphere, but mixed reviews for the food and service.

Tips and notes:

••  Check out Pont Alexandre III - a nearby bridge over the Seine River which is the most richly ornamented bridge I've seen in Paris. It shares some of the style of the Grand Palais (was built at the same time).

••  Check out the Petit Palais - opposite the Grand Palais (on the Av Winston Churchill side) and also built at the same time. It houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, aka medieval and Renaissance artworks and artifacts. Not something for the top of your Paris to-do list, but still worth a look if you are in the area and have some free time.

••  For exhibitions in the smaller space, you'll want to get your ticket in advance to avoid the queues. For events in the main hall, the queues are shorter, but you'll still want to get your ticket in advance because popular events often sell out.

••  There is a police station in the basement of the Grand Palais, which in part helps to protect the artworks kept onsite. If you keep an eye out when wandering around the building, you'll notice the police guards.