Maison de l'Amérique Latine

Given the size and cultural variety of the territory it represents, the Maison de l'Amérique Latine has notably less on offer than some of Paris's other cultural centres. With no library and no language or other courses, the pedagogic aspect is lacking; disappointingly, the centre is also missing a tourism desk. The curators compensate for this lacuna with a varied programme of exhibitions, literary seminars and concerts – not all of them free or open to the public. Perhaps the most compelling reason to visit is the site itself: the centre is housed in not one but two of the most ravishing hôtels particuliers of the area, stately 18th-century edifices with gardens to match. Make the most of the latter by shelling out for a terrace seat at the pricey in-house restaurant (set menus from €39; there's a more affordable though less attractive bar inside).