Paris: Five Unique Places to Visit
Introduction
Paris! The City of Light awaits you with its charming streets and hidden treasures. Let me take you on a journey to five unique places that will make your visit truly unforgettable:
1. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
This quirky museum dedicated to hunting and nature is a hidden gem. Located in the Marais district, it showcases an eclectic collection of taxidermy, artwork, and artifacts.
The exhibits are beautifully curated, blending contemporary art with historical objects.
How to Travel:Car: Accessible via car, with nearby parking options in the Marais district.
Public Transport: Take the Metro Line 1 to Saint-Paul station, or Line 8 to Chemin Vert station.
Airport: From Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B train to Châtelet-Les Halles, then transfer to Metro Line 1.
Fun Fact: This museum has a room dedicated to the mythical unicorn, featuring various artistic interpretations of this legendary creature.
2. La Promenade Plantée
Also known as the Coulée Verte, this elevated parkway was the inspiration for New York’s High Line.
It stretches for nearly 5 kilometers from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, offering a serene escape with lush gardens, sculptures, and stunning views of the city.
How to Travel:Car: Parking is available near the Bastille Opera or in nearby areas.
Public Transport: Take the Metro Line 1 to Bastille station, then walk to the starting point.
Airport: From Orly Airport, take the Orlyval to Antony, then the RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles, and finally Metro Line 1.
Fun Fact: La Promenade Plantée is the world’s first elevated park, predating the High Line in New York City by almost two decades.
3. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges-Paris
The oldest covered market in Paris, dating back to 1615, is a food lover’s paradise.
Nestled in the Marais, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of food stalls serving everything from Moroccan tagines to fresh Italian pasta.It’s a great spot to sample local and international cuisine.
How to Travel:Car: Limited street parking is available in the Marais district.
Public Transport: Take the Metro Line 8 to Filles du Calvaire station or Line 11 to Arts et Métiers station.
Airport: From Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B to Gare du Nord, then Metro Line 5 to République, and transfer to Line 8.
Fun Fact: The market is named after a 16th-century orphanage where children wore red uniforms, symbolizing charity.
4. Musée de la Vie Romantique
Tucked away in the 9th arrondissement, this charming museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion.
It was the home of painter Ary Scheffer and now showcases the romantic era’s art, literature, and culture. The lovely garden café is perfect for a peaceful afternoon tea.
How to Travel:Car: Parking can be found in the 9th arrondissement, but spaces can be limited.
Public Transport: Take the Metro Line 12 to Saint-Georges station or Line 2 to Pigalle station.
Airport: From Orly Airport, take the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau, then Metro Line 4 to Barbès-Rochechouart, and transfer to Line 2.
Fun Fact: The museum’s garden café is housed in a former greenhouse and offers a delightful setting for tea and pastries.
5. La Campagne à Paris
A hidden village within the 20th arrondissement, La Campagne à Paris offers a glimpse of rural charm in the heart of the city.
This picturesque neighborhood is filled with quaint cottages, cobbled streets, and lush greenery, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
How to Travel:Car: Street parking is available in the 20th arrondissement.
Public Transport: Take the Metro Line 3 to Porte de Bagnolet station or Line 11 to Télégraphe station.
Airport: From Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B to Gare du Nord, then Metro Line 5 to République, and transfer to Line 3.
Fun Fact: This idyllic neighborhood was developed in the early 20th century to provide affordable housing for working-class Parisians and still retains its village-like charm.
Enjoy your travels to these enchanting places in Paris! What else would you like to discover?