Towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, impressive art museums, swan boats gliding across the lakes of Central Park, Broadway spectacle, restaurants and brand-name boutiques… The multiple facets of New York have something to delight every visitor. Here's an overview.

Discover the Beauty of New York City

The sprawling city of New York, named as such since the 17th century, owes its name to the Duke of York, brother and fellow soldier of Charles II. The face of the city changed profoundly four hundred years after its founding. Is it necessary to introduce New York City, one of the world's most famous metropolises?

• Board a boat to admire the Statue of Liberty.
• Bask in the brilliant Times Square spectacles.
• Observe the animals of Central Park.
• Visit an art museum. Paintings imported from around the world will awaken the artist sleeping within you.

Whether you're a lover of historic landmarks or passionate about fine arts, whether you come to attend a classical dance concert, a Broadway theatrical production, or a sporting tournament, you'll find your share of entertainment in New York City. A guided tour as part of a bespoke trip allows you to explore the best spots in the city.

Notes from the Past

The main city of the United States remained a worthy daughter of England. It matters little that the navigator who discovered it in 1524 was of French nationality. It matters little that it was originally a Dutch colony. It traded the name of New Amsterdam for New York, bestowed by the British governor in 1664. Churches and Victorian-style buildings are the legacy of the United Kingdom. After the heavy losses of World War II, the status of the Big Apple as a global city began to assert itself. Several UN institutions established their headquarters in New York.

The deadly attacks of 2001 struck a major blow against a city symbolizing American supremacy. New York is today the world's largest city by English-speaking population. Today, it is a metropolis with global vocation.

New York City is one of the most visited destinations in the world. The mix of immigrant peoples translates into a rich cultural heritage, embodied in cuisine, music, and artistic expression. Few destinations worldwide offer such a concentration of museums, monuments, performances, events, restaurants, luxury hotels, and shopping centers.

The tourism industry is one of the pillars of New York's economy. It sustains hoteliers and restaurateurs, pays salaries to more than 370,000 workers, and contributes over 5 billion dollars to the state coffers (these figures were collected in 2019). The Tourism Office reports 66.6 million travelers in that year. After a long period of lockdown, the sector recovered from the crisis as American borders reopened to the world.

What to See and Do in New York

The countless attractions of New York have something to satisfy all ages and tastes.

Urban Heritage

Central Park

In the borough of Manhattan, Central Park is a highly frequented park. 340 hectares of lawn, fountains, lakes, sports grounds, and an animal zoo make it a recreational destination coveted by both city dwellers and foreigners.

The Bronx Zoo

Animal exhibitions await tourists at the Bronx Zoo, the largest urban zoo in the United States. Species native to North America, including monarch butterflies, Inca terns, and snow leopards, as well as emblematic species from wild Asia that can be discovered aboard the Bengali Express Monorail. When leaving the Bronx Zoo, visit the New York Botanical Garden, just steps away and also part of Bronx Park.

Architectural and Historical Heritage

The Statue of Liberty

Majestically guarding the entrance to New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty cannot go unnoticed at 93 meters tall. A source of pride, an icon, an unmistakable symbol of the city. For the record, Lady Liberty was a gift that the United States received from the French Government on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Charging Bull

Located in Manhattan's business district, this menacing bronze bull is a must-see. This sculpture by Italian artist Arturo Di Modica is situated at Bowling Green Park, near the New York Stock Exchange (Wall Street).

Times Square

Named after the New York Times, which previously had its headquarters there, Times Square is a unique attraction. Its many glowing advertising billboards give the district all its character.

Broadway, the Hub of Spectacle

It's impossible to visit New York City without lingering in the upscale Broadway district, also known as the Great White Way because of the white lights that enveloped theaters when electricity first arrived in the capital. The district has hosted New York theatrical productions for almost 150 years. A hit Broadway play is an unforgettable experience during a stay in New York.

Gardens and Museums

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Don't miss the world-unique collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Opened in the early 1870s, this illustrious building houses relics of Antiquity, recovered from archaeological sites in Greece, Rome, and Egypt, paintings and sculptures bequeathed by European masters, or masterpieces from the modern American school.

The Museum of Modern Art

Visiting the Museum of Modern Art is an experience not to be missed for those who love the creations of Van Gogh or Warhol. The museum's collection initially limited itself to paintings and sculptures before expanding to include drawings, prints, engravings, and electronic media.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Opened in 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is worth visiting for both the richness of its collection and its design. Many hail it as an icon of world architecture. It is, alongside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, one of the most important museums in New York.

The Museum of Sex

As its name suggests, the Museum of Sex is dedicated to the theme of sexuality and how men and women from different countries, empires, and civilizations have approached sexuality throughout the centuries. Not recommended if traveling with children.

When to Visit New York?

There's no season to visit the Big Apple. It all depends on what you want to see, do, and experience.

If you're visiting New York to stroll around Central Park, observe wildlife at the Bronx Zoo, or enjoy outdoor activities, plan your departure for spring or autumn. Not only is the weather pleasant at this time of year, but tourist traffic is also lighter.

Despite very warm temperatures, coming in summer is a good idea if you enjoy attending theatrical performances (Shakespeare in the Park), artistic events, or classical music concerts.

Winter is also magical in the Big Apple, with streets covered in snow and shop windows glittering with lights as Christmas approaches. But you'll have to face freezing temperatures and not worry about expenses. Prices skyrocket in November and December!

Paris is 5,836 kilometers as the crow flies from the Big Apple. Allow approximately 8 hours of travel between takeoff from Paris-Orly airport and landing at Newark airport. Just 26 kilometers of road separate the airport from downtown Manhattan. After checking required documents at the immigration control counter, you're free to reach your hotel. Between yellow cabs, the City Bus, shuttle buses, and private car rentals, you'll find the mode of transport that suits you to reach downtown.

Getting Around New York City

The most widespread transportation options are public buses, the subway, and taxis. Faced with pressure from environmental organizations, urban planners have also developed bicycle lanes and pedestrian zones.

You'll Love…

• Taking a photo of the Statue of Liberty;
• Strolling through Times Square, one of New York's most vibrant thoroughfares;
• Enjoying an evening of shopping;
• Admiring masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art;
• Visiting the remarkable collection of the Museum of Modern Art;
• Spending a night in a skyscraper hotel.