YEREL BÖLGE

Once a royal palace, the Louvre is now the world’s largest museum, in central Paris just 40 minutes' drive from the hotel. Gaze in awe at the Mona Lisa, Etruscan vases or vibrant stained glass windows. But don't expect to see it all in one visit: the museum has more than 35,000 paintings, sculptures and archaeological artefacts, plus gift shops galore in a cavernous underground space.

Just 30 minutes by car from the hotel, the Paris Opera House offers European operas, classical and modern dance performances and rich classical music concerts. It also inspired the author Gaston Leroux to write The Phantom of The Opera, whose fictional, heartbroken phantom supposedly lived in the building's underground catacombs. Guests can take tours or purchase recordings, books and mementos.

The Palace of Versailles is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. King Louis XIV’s sumptuous castle is famous for its vibrant gardens, French Baroque architecture and grandiose artwork. The chapel features gold leaf adornments and an angelic painted ceiling while the Royal Opera still offers concerts. Marble and gilt pilasters line the opulent Hall of Mirrors with windows overlooking the gardens.

Boat cruises – departing from piers about half an hour by car from the hotel – aren’t just for warm days. In fact, some of the best views are from nighttime or dinner cruises around Christmas, when holiday lights twinkle throughout the city. Summer visitors can cool off and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, city skyline and bridges. Either way, a scenic cruise is a great way to escape the crowds.