2025 - April - Paris - Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is officially called the Centre national d’art et de culture Georges-Pompidou. Naturally, no one speaks such a long and complicated name. Therefore, it is mostly referred to simply as the Centre Pompidou, Beaubourg, or even La Raffinerie.

It is an art and culture center named after the former French president Georges Pompidou. The architecture is controversial but unmistakable: pipes and building services are installed on the outside of the building – likely the reason for the nickname Raffinerie.

Throughout the year, numerous changing exhibitions take place. There is also a large library with many reading spots. Unfortunately, we lacked the time to visit an exhibition. However, what is always worthwhile – especially if you, like me, are looking for less crowded and free alternatives – is visiting the terrace. After the security check, you reach it via exterior escalators that run through transparent tubes – guaranteeing a great view. Upon arriving at the top, you are greeted by the terrace, from which you can even spot the Eiffel Tower in good weather.

We also visited Le Georges, a small restaurant located at the top of the terrace – simply for the lovely atmosphere. If it hadn’t been so expensive, we would have certainly stayed longer. Every table was adorned with a red, long-stemmed rose – simply enchanting. And the waitresses? All exceptionally friendly – it almost seemed as if they were selected in a casting: they all looked like models working here between two fashion shows.

After leaving the escalator, a visit to the colorful Stravinsky Fountain, designed in 1983 by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, is also worthwhile.