The 7 Best Underrated Locations in Paris
Ah, Paris… A city so iconic it hardly deserves another introduction: the French capital, weighed down by more than two millennia of history, the cradle of the Enlightenment, a world-class romantic destination, and home to 258 types of cheese. There are countless guidebooks for a vacation there, and even more tourists, but perhaps you were hoping for a more authentic experience? Paris has so much more to offer than the classic tourist hotspots, and we’ve rounded up 7 of the best of these off-the-beaten-path spots for you.
1. The Arc de Triomphe
The Eiffel Tower is not the only iconic monument from which you can have a breathtaking view of Paris. We all know the famous Arc de Triomphe, but did you know that you can visit it and climb to the top? Initially built to celebrate the victories of the Emperor Napoleon, it now stands proudly in the center of the most dangerous roundabout in France (seriously, don’t go there with your rental car) and offers a unique view of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. .
did you know The Arc de Triomphe is located just at the end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which is probably the most famous shopping street in France, and also one of the most expensive! You’ll find all the biggest brands there, be it clothing, luxury or food, and at the other end of the boulevard stands proudly… the Eiffel Tower! Which makes it the best place to spend the most ‘cliché’ French shopping afternoon ever.
2. The Catacombs
The fascinating and ancient history of Paris is closer than you think! Just below the streets of the city, in the extensive network of the old quarries are the ‘Catacombs’. In these tunnels you will find ancient architectural feats, art exhibits and of course the iconic piles of human remains, thousands of skulls and bones that give it such a spooky atmosphere. This will definitely allow you to discover another side of Paris, but do not venture there on your own, because it is not only illegal, but you will surely get lost in this underground maze.
3. The Sainte Chapelle
While you can sadly no longer visit Notre Dame Cathedral because it is still being renovated to recover from its tragic fire, there are many other beautiful religious monuments worth seeing, such as the Sainte Chapelle. Considered one of the greatest Gothic masterpieces, it was initially built to house Catholic holy relics, notably the Crown of Thorns, and still holds an impressive collection of 13th-century stained glass windows!
The Sainte Chapelle is actually located on the same island as the Notre Dame Cathedral, called ‘Ile de la Cité’, right in the center of Paris! So you won’t be far from there, and you might even catch a glimpse of the imposing building behind all the renovation work, which is due to be finished in April 2024, when the iconic cathedral can finally reopen its doors.
4. The Vosges square
This beautiful square may not be the best known in the city, but it is the oldest and has seen some famous French historical figures, such as Cardinal de Richelieu or Victor Hugo, live there. The beautiful architecture of this place combined with its tranquility make it perfect for a relaxing break from running around the city. And you can also explore the surrounding district, the infamous Marais, known as the fashionable area of Paris, with many trendy shops, a vibrant nightlife and the heart of the local gay community.
5. The Pompidou Center
Of course, when you think of going to a museum in Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is the Louvre, and yet there are so many other great ones to see. The Pompidou Center is one of them, and definitely one of the most famous you can find there when it comes to modern art. The building itself is considered a masterpiece, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, and houses many different collections, covering photography, drawings, visual arts, and much more. Some of the masterpieces in the permanent collection include:
“Mit dem schwarzen Bogen”, Vassily Kandinsky, 1912: Meaning “With the black bow”, this music-inspired painting is meant to represent the vibrations of the soul.
“Fontaine”, Marcel Duchamp, 1917: Called simply ‘Fountain’, this piece is actually a urinal that the artist bought as a way of thinking about what it means to create art in the 20th century.
“Manège de cochons”, Robert Delaunay, 1922: Called “Carousel of Pigs”, this painting depicts the artist’s modern urban life, while echoing artistic trends, poetry and the abstract movement.
6. The Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens, or Jardins du Luxembourg in French, are lovely public gardens located in the heart of Paris, in the 6th arrondissement, right next to the Senate. This is where the locals go for a run or enjoy a book by the fountains, and despite their popularity, the gardens are rarely crowded, making them an ideal place to take a break from the rest of the scenery. urban. You can find avid chess players there, beautifully designed statues and fountains, tennis courts, and even pony rides for the kids.
7. The Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Our last entry is very unusual, who would visit a cemetery during the holidays, right? Well, this isn’t exactly like any other graveyard. Among the lush gardens and the beautiful statues or carved tombs, you will find the resting places of some of the most famous men in history, many French, of course, such as Eugène Delacroix or Edith Piaf, but also from other countries such as Jim Morrison or Oscar Wilde. With over 30,000 graves, the chances are high that a figure you admire and wish to pay homage is buried there, and if not, it’s always quite a walk, among so many great names from the past. But always remember that this is not an attraction, so behave accordingly, with respect.
