Paris is an experience you need to live once in your life. It is a treasure trove of wonders many of which hitherto lie unexplored. No matter what happens to the rest of the world, this city will remain unbeatable in its beauty and charm for many more centuries to come. Know how to get a hang of everything Parisian here.
A visit to Paris is reminiscent with the usual Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe or the very picturesque French Riviera. Not many know there are unknown hidden spots scattered all over Le Ville des Lumières. While penning his memoirs on Paris in the ‘Moveable Feast’, Ernest Hemingway described how Paris is a moveable feast in these lines-”If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Undoubtedly, Paris is a moveable feast indeed. The Parisian experience never ceases to exist even long after you have come back from your visit to the city. Paris has to be lived like an experience, you cannot be at rush while in Paris. Savour each step of your trip in the French capital as there are more wonders hidden in the city than you can ever imagine. Those who have a penchant for visiting unusual tourist sights need to read till the end.
Create your own little adventure trip around the most beautiful city of the French Republic with these top 10 secret spots that you can explore on your next trip to Paris.
1. Stairs of the basilica Sacré Coeur
The basilica of Sacré Coeur is often referred to as the sacred heart of the Christ. Monmarte’s proud possession, the Sacré Coeur is a beauty chiseled from travertine stone. The front courts allow a grand panoramic view of the entire city. The way upto the basilica is lined with an astonishing number of stairs-270! You have to be at leisure to enjoy Paris to the fullest So why not climb your way up to reach the basilica and then savour the 360 degree vista from there.
2. A Macaron experience!
Paris is the Macaron capital of the world. These sweet decadent melt-in-your-mouth roundels will sweep you off your feet. La Macaron Ladurée makes the best macarons in the city. The 1862 bakery sells more than 10,000 of the double-decker versions of the desert. La Maison du Chocolat is another great place to explore these tasty treats.
3. The covered arcades of Paris
Paris never ceases to surprise you. The beautiful covered passages running across the city are a wonderful way to explore the city on foot. Some like the Passage des Panoramas are long and wide and are lined with a variety of shops, while some like Passage du Caire are narrower and yet they give you ample of time to enjoy Paris in its full charm at your own pace. Galerie de Vivienne is the fanciest of the lot. And then there are some secret uncovered ones like the small and unusual private passage called Le passage de L’Ancre.
4. The markets of Paris
Head to the markets of Paris to get the best food, fashion antiques and other collectibles. Le Marché d’Aligre is the cheapest market of the city and has everything from clothing to flea purchases. Marché du livre ancien et d’occasion is good for buying books. Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is the best flea market of its kind. Marché de Bastille and la Rue Montorgueil boast of the best food stores in the city.
5. Flame of Liberty
A symbol of American and French friendship, the Flame of Liberty is a gift of thanks to the French businesses that completed restoration work at the Statue of Liberty. The flame is also a famous memorial sight for Princess Diana as it rests on Place D’Alma the sight of the accident where Diana and Dodi were killed in a car crash.
6. Beehives at Jardin Du Luxembourg
Stationed at a quaint corner of the Luxembourg gardens, the Beehives at Jardin apiary are a welcoming sight. The beautiful and pale antique wooden boxes look like a peaceful lot just resting in the gardens but in actuality they are buzzing with hard working bees inside that produce the fines honey in entire Paris. There’s even a school at the apiary that teaches enthusiasts on how to be a beekeeper. It’s a quiet little surprise hiding at the gardens that reveals itself when you stroll your way through the greens.
7. Largest flower market of Paris
The Rungis market is the largest market in Paris that has a wide range of food and horticulture products. Some of the finest local produce can be found here. It also has the largest flower market in the city. You will find glorious Parisian blooms here waiting to be held.
8. Rivoli
The Rivoli is the buzzing commercial street of Paris. It is a spot thronged by art lovers and the fashion forward. Nearly every major fashion brand has a store here. For an enchanting experience at Rivoli one can book a happening night tour from here. Paris is even more magical at night when all its historical sights come to life through star studded lighting.
9. Paris Sewer Museum
There’s a whole tour that will take you to the sewers of Paris and there is a museum down there. The Musée des égouts de Paris will acquaint you to the history of the sewers of Paris. Yeah, that’s one tour that only the ones having a flair to experience the unusual should pursue. Be ready to experience dark, damp and a slightly eerie place to visit.
10. Catacombs
Definitely not for the faint hearted, the Catacombs of Paris are one of the most bizarre places to visit. The ossuary is home to more than 5 million remains of Parisians that were shifted to these former underground limestone quarries during the 18th century when the cemeteries had become overpopulated. Despite the off putting sight of skeletons and bones, it is the most popular tourist attraction in Paris.
The idea of a luxury accommodation in Paris is the best way to enjoy all this and more. Trust us, Paris is one city that you will visit once but marvel it for the rest of your lives.