Paris is a city that needs no introduction, with its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame drawing millions of visitors each year. But beyond these famous attractions, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are 5 unique experiences from my past trips to the “City of Lights” that offer a fresh perspective on exploring this incredible city.
Visit the Sacre Couer at night with a bottle of red
In Europe, it’s quite acceptable to drink in public. You can get a great bottle of Bordeaux at any local market for a fraction of what it would cost in the states. Make sure you have or buy a bottle opener and a few cups, and head to the Sacre Coure to overlook the city with the Eiffel Tower soaring above the twinkling city lights.
Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Experience Notredame’s terrace view
You may have to wait in a very long line to go up to the terrace of Notredame, but it’s well worth the wait. I recommend having one person stay in line while the other grabs street crepes and wine to snack on while you wait. You’ll have to climb a small, slightly claustrophobic swirling staircase to the top. Once there, there are sweeping vistas all around, and you’ll get to see the infamous gargoyles up close and personal.
Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Eat dinner at Le Refuge des Fondus
Le Refuge des Fondus is definitely touristy, but I LOVE it! It’s a tiny little restaurant in Montmartre with a fixed price fondu menu that comes with unlimited wine as well. This is not fine dining, it’s kitchy and they serve wine out of baby bottles. Yep, baby bottles. Be prepared to share space with your neighbors, it’s a tight squeeze.
Location: 17 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France
Explore Rodin’s Sculpture Garden
Rodin’s sculpture garden is often not on most traveler’s list for Paris, but it’s quite large and beautiful, filled with Rodin’s sculptures. You can see a few of his most famous works, “The Thinker” as well as one of the bronze castings of “The Gates of Hell.”
Location: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Visit the oldest Taxidermy store: Deyrolle
Deyrolle has been around since 1831. It’s was once a institution for natural sciences, but now is a cabinet of curiosities open to the public displaying taxidermy. It has all kinds of animals on display, who were preserved after death (not killed). There are polar bears, lions, an alligator, and all types of species. It feels more like a natural history museum than a store. Deyrolle was also featured in the party scene of “Midnight in Paris,” one of my favorite movies!
Location: 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France
I hope you’ve found this post helpful. If you have any interesting Parisian advice please comment and share!
*All these photos I took between 2012 and 2014 when I was obsessed with Hipstamatic. #photofail
One Response
I’ve been to Paris 3 times (many many years ago) and I loved the city. However, I think I would appreciate it more now than I did all those years ago. I do remember sitting in the Square watching the people:)