There is no shortage of places to visit while on a trip to Paris. From the famous Eiffel Tower to various museums, gardens, monuments, and eateries, Paris has it all! But this time, let’s look past the famous and most popular areas and instead give some love to some of the more off-the-beaten-path, unconventional locations. This article compiles some of the coolest spots to visit on your trip to Paris, plus a little about the city’s rich culture and even a few must-have foods you won’t want to miss while you are there. Now let’s dive in and discover Paris!
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A Glimpse into the Rich Culture of Paris
Paris, the City of Light, is known for being a center of fashion, unique art, music, and architecture. While you’re there, you’re likely to encounter amazing museums, fun festivals, great entertainment spots, and lavish cuisine. Celtic, Gallo-Roman and Germanic influences helped shape France’s culture. The languages most widely spoken that you’ll encounter on your trip to Paris are French, German, and Flemish.
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7 Unique Destinations to Visit on Your Trip to Paris
Paris has many spellbinding and amazing places that tourists love to visit. However, if you’re seeking something different from those typical locations on your trip to Paris, these locations are definitely for you.
Stroll Among Ancient Remains at Catacombs Of Paris
One of the coolest (yet creepiest!) places to visit while on a trip to Paris is the Catacombs of Paris. This 2km long cemetery holds the remains of around six million people today. Located beneath the Parisian streets, this spooky place will connect you directly to the history of Paris back in the 18th century. This place is unlike any of the fancy places you will find in Paris, but undoubtedly, it is worth visiting. Plan your visit on a weekday, as this place can get really crowded on weekends!
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Take in Legendary Art at 59 Rivoli
If you are an art fanatic, 59 Rivoli is somewhere you should check out on your trip to Paris. 59 Rue de Rivoli is a mid-1800s building that sat abandoned for quite some time, then was claimed by an artist-squat in 1999, acquired by the city of Paris in 2006, and cleaned up, revitalized, and turned into a legal art facility in 2009. Today, this creative destination features the artwork of around 30 artists and offers exhibitions that include paintings, sculpture, and music. Best of all, it is open to the public and free for tourists.
Make a Wish at Point 0
Embedded in the paving stones outside Notre-Dame de Paris is point 0, the epicenter of Paris. Famous for its wishmaking tradition, this is a quick and fun diversion during your trip to Paris. The stone symbolizes that Paris is the center of France, and that all routes start from Paris. Drop a coin, make a wish, and dance with your loved one at this central poin on your next trip to Paris.
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Enjoy a Picnic at Canal Saint-Martin
Sit back and relax or spend quality time with your loved ones at Canal Saint-Martin during your trip to Paris. This small canal that features beautiful footbridges, lush vegetation, and a soothing environment for picnics. After exploring the St. Martin Canal, follow Quai de Valmy, which features beautiful frontages of Antoine et Lili Shops, or check out the local restaurant scene and enjoy local markets, bistros and bars alongside the canal in this up and coming neighborhood.
Unwind at Parc de la Villette
Covering an area of around 55.5 hectares and featuring 3,000 trees, lush vegetation, and 10 themed gardens, La Villette Park is an ideal destination to unwind. This large park also has surprises for people who are on a trip to Paris, including concert halls, museums, outdoor movies and carnival rides, so tourists can make the most of their visit.
Spend Quality Time With Kids At Dodo Manège Carousel
This is not an ordinary carousel like you’d find at every other park. The Dodo Manege carousel features extinct and endangered species to raise awareness. Created back in 1992 on an idea of a French scientist, this carousel still manages to gain public attention today. This carousel has close proximity to the natural history museum and acts as an educational tool for children. Some of the animals it features include the Triceratops, Dodo, Horned Turtle, Glyptodon, Sivatherium, and Aepyornis. Educate your kids while enjoying fun quality time with them on your trip to Paris.
Discover The Secret Abandoned Railway — The Petite Ceinture
The Petite Ceinture is an abandoned double-sided 30km long railway that dates back to the 1860s. This railway track runs both above and below the ground. While discovering this quiet hidden gem on a trip to Paris, you may witness glowing mushrooms, algae-lined walls and doors, and the Paris catacombs hidden below. Green vegetation, large tunnels and tunnel mouths, and walking through the deafening silence of this railway station are what make it one of the unique places to visit in Paris.
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Bonus: Must-taste Food on Your Trip to Paris
Paris is famous for its rich cuisine, and your trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without trying some delicious food in between your adventures. Pastries and baked goods are a must-have while on a trip to Paris. Getting hungry? Grab some Pain au Chocolat, a rich croissant filled with decadent hot chocolate from Angelina Patisserie, or enjoy St. Honore Pastry from the Cake Shop in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a blend of whipped cream, caramelized sugar, puff pastry, and cream puffs all in one!
Paris undoubtedly has the best chocolatiers who sell rich, assorted chocolates and chocolate drinks as well. If you are craving something hot and sweet while on a trip to Paris, Charles Chocolatier’s Hot Chocolate will be a perfect pick – they still use a traditional hot chocolate recipe dating back to 1910, which is dark and has a little sugar. (This will go great with your pastries, too!) You’ll also want to partake in Crepes on your trip to Paris, which you’ll find from local street stalls almost at every corner of the street, or Breizh Cafe or Galette if you’re looking to indulge in fancier crepes.
Now that you have a list of some of the most unique and unconventional places to visit while on a trip to Paris (and some snack ideas to keep your belly happy, too!), your trip planning may be a little easier. Paris features some of the most awesome places in the world, rich culture, and undoubtedly the best food. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and begin discovering the hidden gems of Paris!
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If you thought that these delightful foods you may encounter on a trip to Paris sound good, check out 10 Of The Most Expensive And Exotic Food In The World.
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