If you’ve been to Paris more than once, you’ve probably already seen all the classic things: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sacre-Coeur. But, what if you’re there again and want to see new things? Well, this is a guide for the people that want to see different things in Paris!
Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
More than 450,000 objects are part of this museum’s collection. All the objects revolve around indigenous art created by different cultures from America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. But don’t be overwhelmed by that number, only 3,500 (!) pieces are at display at each time. It’s also one of the newest big museums in Paris (and France), it only opened back in 2006. In the temporary exhibitions, you can find really cool themes, like the history of the tattoo. The current temporary exhibition is about Madagascar.
Musee des Arts et Metiers
For all the industrial designers out there. This museum has an outstanding collection of scientific artifacts. Here, you can find the original Foucault pendulum, the original model of the Statue of Liberty, the pascaline (aka as the first calculator), and even the first aircrafts! Not bad for a lesser known museum in Paris, no?
Musée Jacquemart-André
There are a lot of private homes that are now turned into museums in Paris. One of the most interesting ones is this. Not only is the building impressive, but it also houses one of the finest collections of Italian art in Europe. This museum has also been used as the set for some movies. Can you guess which ones?
Quartier Africain
Maybe one of the most famous quartiers in Paris is the Latin one, if you’ve already seen it, go to this one. This is located in the 18th Arrondissement and as the informal name says, most of the people that live here are from African origin. This makes the quartier very lively. For a real feel of this quartier go to Rue Dejean, where there’s a market (except on Mondays). Go there in during the day since it can be dangerous in the evenings.
Rue Montorgueil
Located in the 2nd arrondissement, here you can eat the famous Parisian escargots. Choose a restaurant, enjoy your food, and sit there to watch people pass by. This isn’t a place frequently visited by tourists, so you’ll feel like a local in Paris. Also, near this place you can find Les Halles, that has the biggest indoor mall in Paris.
Saint-Ouen
A little bit far from the center of Paris but if you like antiques or second-hand items… you must go to the flea market here! The flea market opens on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Go there on a Monday to find smaller crowds. This is not like your common flea market, all the people selling there are professionals… so expect very good finds (and not so very cheap prices)!
Christmas markets in Paris
If you happen to be in Paris during the holidays, don’t miss the chance to visit a Christmas market! This are open from the end of November to the beginning of January. Every quartier in Paris has one but you can find a list of the best 10 Christmas markets here. To really enjoy the market, don’t forget to buy mulled wine for yourself.
Square de Montsouris
Get away from the crowds of Paris and enjoy this beautiful cobbled street. What makes this street (not a square despite the name) unique is the architecture of its buildings. Most of them are art noveau or art deco. Very close to the street, you can find Parc Montsuoirs and the plants and trees of Square de Montsouris make you feel as if it was just an extension of the park itself. Square de Montsouris is located in the 14th arrondissement.
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Le Cimetière des Chiens
For all those pet lovers that are traveling to Paris. This is the oldest pet cemetery that we know of, and it’s located in the North of Paris. This cemetery is sometimes dubbed as the Pére-Lachaise of pets. More than 40,000 pets have been buried here. Even if you don’t like pets (or not thaaaat much), this is an interesting spot where you can see cool animal sculptures and spend a quiet time. The famous Rin Tin Tin is buried here.
La Défense
When you think of Paris, you probably have in mind a really romantic, vintage-looking city… and although you can find such places in Paris, you can also find modern looking buildings. Head down to La Défense, the business district of Paris. The construction of these district began just some 60 years ago, and it’s Europe’s biggest business district built on purpose. The area also serves as an open-air museum, with sculptures by renowned artists such as Joan Miró, Richard Serra, and Alexander Calder.
Beautiful Metro stations in Paris
Since you have been in Paris more than once, you’ll most likely be comfortable using public transportation. From all the means of transportation you can use, the Metro is one of the cheapest and most efficient. But also… some metro stations are so beautiful! Some of the stations are decorated according to the places they serve, like the Louvre-Rivoli station that’s decorated with replicas of art. Check here other beautiful and quirky metro stations you can visit in Paris.
Dodo Manège
Although it may look quirky and funny, there’s actually a sad story about this merry-go-round. All the animals featured in this carousel are ones that are already extinct, hence the name Dodo. This carousel is located in the Jardin des Plantes, near the Natural History Museum. A great activity to do with the children in Paris, and also one that will leave you thinking about what we can do to not let some species go extinct.
L’Atelieres des Lumières
The first digital art center in Paris and a museum you’ve not been to yet because it’s new! This museum offers an immersive digital experience for its visitors, letting you enjoy of famous works of art through projections, sounds, and enormous spaces. Plan your visit with time, since they’re frequently sold out. This is also one of the best museums in Paris.
Paris has a lot to give, and these places would definitely add to your Instagram story maker skills. Enjoy Paris. Bon Voyage !!!
Btw – do you have any other recommendation for unusual places to visit in Paris?
Happy travels !!!
