Paris, the City of Light, offers far more than its iconic landmarks. While the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-sees, savvy travellers know that the true magic of Paris lies in its hidden corners and offbeat experiences. From underground ossuaries to street art safaris, this guide unveils a side of Paris that goes beyond the typical tourist trail, revealing the city’s quirkier, more intimate charms.
Exploring the catacombs: paris’s underground ossuary network
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a labyrinth of tunnels housing the remains of millions. The Catacombs offer a macabre yet fascinating glimpse into the city’s history, challenging visitors to confront mortality in a uniquely Parisian way.
Navigating the Denfert-Rochereau entrance and ticket acquisition
Access to this subterranean world begins at Place Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th arrondissement. Queues can be lengthy, especially during peak tourist seasons, so arriving early or booking tickets in advance is advisable. The entrance, marked by a nondescript building, belies the extraordinary experience that awaits below.
Once inside, visitors descend a narrow spiral staircase, stepping back in time and into the cool, damp atmosphere of the ossuary. The temperature hovers around 14°C (57°F) year-round, so bringing a light jacket is recommended, even on warm days.
Deciphering 18th-century skull arrangements and bone art
The Catacombs are not merely a storage space for bones; they’re an artistic and philosophical statement. As you navigate the tunnels, you’ll encounter intricate arrangements of skulls and femurs, forming patterns and even architectural elements. These displays, created in the late 18th century, were meant to be both decorative and contemplative.
Look out for inscriptions and plaques throughout the ossuary. Many bear poetic or philosophical musings on death and the human condition, adding a layer of intellectual depth to the experience. One famous inscription reads, “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort” (Stop, this is the empire of death), setting the tone for the journey.
Photographing in Low-Light conditions: equipment and techniques
Capturing the eerie beauty of the Catacombs presents a unique photographic challenge. The low light conditions require specific techniques and equipment to achieve stunning results. Here are some tips for aspiring underground photographers:
- Use a camera with good low-light performance and manual settings
- Bring a sturdy tripod for long exposures
- Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the tunnels
- Experiment with high ISO settings, but be mindful of noise
- Use natural light sources where possible for atmospheric effects
Remember, flash photography is generally prohibited to protect the delicate environment and maintain the atmosphere for other visitors. Always check and respect the current photography rules before your visit.
Parisian street art safari: belleville and ménilmontant
For those seeking a more colourful and contemporary side of Paris, the vibrant street art scene in Belleville and Ménilmontant offers a stark contrast to the city’s classical architecture. These northeastern neighbourhoods have become open-air galleries, showcasing the work of both local and international artists.
Rue dénoyez: graffiti haven and Ever-Changing murals
Rue Dénoyez in Belleville is the epicentre of Parisian street art. This narrow street is a kaleidoscope of colours and styles, with every available surface covered in murals, tags, and paste-ups. The artwork here is constantly evolving, with new pieces appearing regularly, making each visit a unique experience.
The street’s ever-changing nature reflects the ephemeral quality of street art itself. What you see today might be gone tomorrow, replaced by something entirely new. This transience adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to your urban exploration.
Spotting works by invader, seth globepainter, and Miss.Tic
While exploring Belleville and Ménilmontant, keep an eye out for works by renowned street artists. Invader’s pixelated mosaic creatures often lurk in unexpected corners, while Seth Globepainter’s whimsical characters add splashes of colour to building facades. Miss.Tic’s stencilled poems and provocative images offer a blend of visual art and literature on the streets.
These artists, among others, have contributed to transforming these once-overlooked neighbourhoods into vibrant outdoor museums. Their works often comment on social issues or playfully interact with their urban environment, encouraging viewers to see the city in a new light.
Participating in guided street art workshops
For a hands-on experience of Parisian street art, consider joining a guided workshop. These sessions, often led by local artists, provide insight into the techniques and philosophy behind street art. You might learn about stencil-making, paste-ups, or even try your hand at spray painting in a controlled, legal environment.
These workshops not only offer a unique souvenir of your time in Paris but also foster a deeper appreciation for the skill and creativity involved in street art. They’re an excellent way to engage with the local creative community and gain a new perspective on urban art.
Culinary adventures in the 11th arrondissement
The 11th arrondissement has emerged as Paris’s gastronomic hotspot, blending traditional French cuisine with innovative culinary techniques. This area offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy wine bars and artisanal food shops.
Michelin-starred bistronomy at septime
Septime, helmed by chef Bertrand Grébaut, epitomizes the bistronomy movement, combining haute cuisine techniques with a relaxed bistro atmosphere. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu showcases seasonal ingredients in creative, often surprising combinations. Securing a reservation can be challenging, but the experience is well worth the effort.
The minimalist decor allows the food to take centre stage, with each dish presenting a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Septime’s approach to fine dining is unpretentious yet deeply sophisticated, reflecting a new wave of French cuisine that prioritizes innovation and sustainability.
Natural wine tasting at la cave de septime
Just a stone’s throw from Septime, La Cave de Septime offers an extensive selection of natural wines. This cozy wine bar is the perfect spot to explore the world of vin nature , wines made with minimal intervention and no added sulphites. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through a tasting, introducing you to unique flavour profiles and lesser-known producers.
Natural wines can be an acquired taste, often presenting more funky, complex flavours than their conventional counterparts. La Cave de Septime provides an excellent opportunity to expand your palate and discover why natural wines have become increasingly popular among Parisian wine enthusiasts.
Artisanal cheese aging tour at fromagerie goncourt
No culinary tour of Paris would be complete without delving into the world of French cheese. Fromagerie Goncourt offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of cheese aging, or affinage . This small, artisanal shop houses a temperature-controlled cellar where cheeses are carefully matured to perfection.
During a tour, you’ll learn about the intricate process of cheese aging, including the role of humidity, temperature, and even the specific molds that contribute to a cheese’s unique character. The experience culminates in a guided tasting, where you’ll sample cheeses at various stages of maturation, appreciating how time transforms their flavours and textures.
Hidden green spaces: urban oases off the beaten path
While Paris is renowned for its grand parks like the Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, the city also harbors numerous hidden green spaces that offer tranquil retreats from urban bustle. These lesser-known parks and gardens provide a more intimate connection with nature and often reveal surprising aspects of Parisian history and culture.
One such hidden gem is the Jardin des Colonnes in the 14th arrondissement. This small, modernist garden designed by Ricardo Bofill features a striking colonnade that creates intriguing light patterns throughout the day. The garden’s geometric layout and water features offer a stark contrast to the more traditional Parisian parks, making it a favourite among architecture enthusiasts and photographers.
For a taste of the countryside within the city limits, visit the Jardin Naturel in the 20th arrondissement. This wild garden showcases the flora native to the Île-de-France region, with winding paths that encourage exploration. Informational plaques throughout the garden provide insights into local ecosystems, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and amateur botanists.
The Petite Ceinture, a defunct railway line that once encircled Paris, has been partially transformed into a series of linear parks. These green corridors offer a unique perspective on the city, with remnants of railway infrastructure juxtaposed against flourishing urban wilderness. Accessing these spaces can feel like stepping into a secret world, hidden just below street level.
Cinematic paris: film locations and vintage cinema houses
Paris has long been a muse for filmmakers, its streets and landmarks serving as backdrops for countless cinematic masterpieces. For film enthusiasts, exploring the city through the lens of famous movies adds an extra layer of magic to the Parisian experience.
Amélie’s montmartre: café des 2 moulins and canal Saint-Martin
The whimsical world of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “Amélie” comes to life in Montmartre and along the Canal Saint-Martin. The Café des 2 Moulins, where Amélie worked as a waitress, still operates as a functioning café. While it’s now more of a tourist attraction, it retains much of its charming décor and offers a menu inspired by the film.
A stroll along the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin allows you to recreate Amélie’s famous stone-skipping scene. The area’s trendy boutiques and cafés make it a delightful spot for people-watching, much like the film’s observant protagonist.
Midnight in paris tour: shakespeare and company to musée rodin
Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the city’s golden age. Begin your tour at the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a gathering place for literary expatriates in the 1920s. Though not featured in the film, it embodies the spirit of the era Allen sought to capture.
Continue to the steps of the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where Gil first encounters his time-traveling taxi. Finish at the Musée Rodin, whose gardens provide a romantic backdrop for several scenes. The museum’s collection of Rodin’s sculptures, including “The Thinker,” offers a tangible link to the artistic world of 1920s Paris.
Experiencing silent films at le louxor – palais du cinéma
For a truly immersive cinematic experience, visit Le Louxor – Palais du Cinéma in the 10th arrondissement. This beautifully restored Art Deco cinema, originally opened in 1921, regularly screens silent films accompanied by live music. The ornate Egyptian-inspired decor transports viewers back to the golden age of cinema, creating a unique atmosphere for appreciating early film artistry.
Attending a silent film screening at Le Louxor offers more than just entertainment; it’s a journey through time, allowing you to experience cinema as Parisians did nearly a century ago. The live musical accompaniment adds an extra dimension to the viewing experience, making each screening a one-of-a-kind event.
Quirky museums: offbeat collections and exhibitions
Paris boasts an array of unusual museums that cater to niche interests and showcase eccentric collections. These lesser-known institutions offer a refreshing alternative to the city’s more famous museums, providing unique insights into specialized subjects and often quirky aspects of French culture.
Musée de la chasse et de la nature: taxidermy and art fusion
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature) presents an unexpected blend of taxidermy, fine art, and philosophical musings on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Housed in a stunning 17th-century mansion in the Marais, the museum’s eclectic collection includes antique firearms, animal trophies, and contemporary art installations.
What sets this museum apart is its thought-provoking curation. Rather than simply displaying hunting artifacts, it encourages visitors to reflect on ecological issues and the complex history of human-animal interactions. The juxtaposition of centuries-old taxidermy with modern art creates a surreal, often whimsical atmosphere that challenges preconceptions about both hunting and natural history museums.
Musée des arts forains: vintage fairground attractions
Step into a world of nostalgia and wonder at the Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts). Located in the Pavillons de Bercy, this private museum houses an impressive collection of restored fairground rides, games, and curiosities from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
What makes this museum truly special is its interactive nature. Visitors are encouraged to ride the carousels, play the antique games, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of a bygone era. The museum’s theatrical lighting and enthusiastic guides enhance the experience, making it feel less like a traditional museum visit and more like stepping into a magical, timeless carnival.
Musée de la magie: interactive illusions and magic history
The Musée de la Magie (Museum of Magic) offers a captivating journey through the history of illusion and prestidigitation. Situated in the vaulted cellars of a 16th-century mansion in the Marais, this museum combines displays of antique magic apparatus with live demonstrations and interactive exhibits.
Visitors can explore the evolution of magic from ancient times to the present day, examining everything from old posters and automata to modern optical illusions. The museum’s highlight is often the live magic show included with admission, where skilled magicians perform classic tricks, providing entertainment and insight into the art of deception.
These quirky museums offer a refreshing change of pace from Paris’s more famous cultural institutions. They provide intimate, often hands-on experiences that appeal to visitors of all ages, revealing facets of history and culture that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether you’re fascinated by the artistry of taxidermy, nostalgic for old-fashioned fairgrounds, or curious about the secrets behind magic tricks, these offbeat collections promise a memorable and uniquely Parisian experience.