Paris is a top destination for many people. In fact, many visitors fall in love and come back again and again. Between all the cultural sites, historical attractions and delicious cuisine, there is plenty to do. No trip would be complete without visiting attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame de Paris or the Arc de Triomphe. Of course, you will also have to find time to fit in some shopping, patisserie eating and cheese and wine pairings. However, these top attractions are always filled with tourists and sometimes the crowds can ruin an experience. If you need to get away from the mainstream points of interest or think you’ve run out of things to do, you might be interested in seeing some lesser known sites. Whether you are a new visitor or have been to Paris too many times to count, you will be sure to enjoy these. Keep reading to check out some of the best alternative things to do in Paris, France.
1. City views: Scaled the Eiffel Tower? Enjoy an equally jaw-dropping view of the city on a hot air balloon in Parc André-Citroen
No doubt you have visited or at least heard of the Eiffel Tower. Constructed for Paris’ 1889 World Fair, it is a cultural icon and one of the most visited monuments in the world. But you probably haven’t heard of the world’s largest hot air balloon in Parc André-Citroen. Flights offer stunning views of the capital and give you a perspective that very few people have enjoyed. Flights are available from 9:00 AM till half an hour before the park closes. The duration is less than an hour and be sure to take into account the weather conditions of the day. The whole experience is only about 15 minutes in total, but well worth it. The nearest public transportation stop is the Javel Metro Station.
Parc André-Citroen
Address: 2 Rue Cauchy, 75015 Paris, France
Website: Paris Info
2. Day trips: Taken a day trip to Versailles? Head to Provins
Taking a day trip to Versailles is a memorable experience. The exceptional architecture and stunning decor of the French royal residence are hard to compete with. However, there is another UNESCO World Heritage site nearby that is also worth visiting. Provins is only an hour away from Paris and has beautiful, preserved medieval ruins. Visitors can walk along the city walls, climb to the top of the 12th-century Caesar’s Tower and admire antiquities and archaeological relics from prehistory to the 19th century. If you time your visit right, you can enjoy a medieval festival every June that takes the whole town back to the time of the Middle Ages. Other preserved historical sites of interest include Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church, the Tithe Barn, Romanesque House, Old Hospital and Holy Spirit Cellar. Provins is also part of the region in France that is well known for its delicious brie, so make sure you have a proper taste while you’re in town, and maybe pick up some as a gift. Provins is accessible from Paris by train, bus and car at a very affordable rate.
Provins
Website: Provins Tourism
3. Shopping: Shopped at the Paris Flea Market before? Check out the Paris Bird Market
The Les Puces flea market in Paris is one of the largest markets in Paris and maybe even the world. You’re sure to find a unique souvenir here. Open daily, it is a tempting attraction to revisit. However, we suggest trying the less crowded and less well known Paris Bird Market. This market only takes place on Sundays, so plan accordingly. It sure lives up to its name, as you will find a colorful and loud display of many kinds of birds. From parakeets to cockatoos, you’ll find it all. There are also many stands of fresh flowers and plants for sale. If anything, it’s a unique and fun surprise to find while walking along the Seine.
Paris Bird Market
Address: Place Louis Lepine Rue Aubé Paris, 75004 France
Website: Paris Info
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4. Historic places: Been to the Cathedral of Notre Dame? Discover the hidden Gravestone Courtyard
You’ve seen it on postcards, in movies and in history books, so it is no surprise that the Cathedral of Notre Dame is known throughout the world as a superb example of Gothic French architecture. But if you take the time to find the hidden gem of the Gravestone Courtyard, you’ll be rewarded. It’s easy to miss. It is located in the oldest part of the city, and it lies behind the nondescript doorway of 26 Rue de Chanciness. What gives it away are the engraved gravestones outside the doorway that just look like normal cobblestones unless you know where to look. Next time you’re in Paris, check it out.
Gravestone Courtyard
Address: 26 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France
Paris Tour Guide
Patricia Aveline
My name is Patricia Bollinger and my family is French. I have always had a passion for art and history and I chose to study them when I went to university. I have been a licensed tour guide for the last 30 years and I work in French, English and Italian. My passion and also as part of my work I travel a lot. For this reason, I have a good idea of visitors expectations. Naturally I want to share... Read more
Tours by Patricia
5. Film: Watched a film in a Parisian cinema before? Check out Le Louxor Palais du Cinema
Parisian cinemas know how to show you a good time and make you feel surrounded by class. But next time you’re in Paris, skip the mainstream cinemas and try Le Louxor Palais du Cinema, a restored Egyptian Revival movie palace. Le Louxor was built in a unique and distinctive neo-Ancient Egyptian style. It also features a restaurant and bar that have the occasional cinema-themed quiz for those who want to test their knowledge. Le Louxor offers affordable prices and a wide selection of French and international films. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long day on your feet, or is a good option for when the weather is less than ideal.
Le Louxor Palais du Cinema
Address: 170 Boulevard de Magenta, 75010 Paris, France
Website: Le Louxor
Hidden gems
Next time you find yourself in Paris, take a chance and visit some of these hidden gems that lay off the beaten trail. You’ll be able to impress friends and family back home with your insider knowledge of Paris. Plus, you won’t have to stand in line as long as you would at the main attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. With some proper research and planning, it will be easy to incorporate these points of interest in your itinerary.
History
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