Forget the Eiffel Tower: The Top Unique Things to Do in Paris
Sure, the Eiffel Tower is great, but are you looking for something unique to do in Paris? Read on to learn about the top unique things to do in Paris.
Paris is the City of Light, romance, love and passion. It’s a dream vacation for travelers around the world. As Audrey Hepburn said in the classic film, “Sabrina,” “Paris is always a good idea.”
Is a Paris vacation on your bucket list? If you’ve always dreamed of taking in the sites of Paris, make it a fascinating visit with unusual Parisian destinations.
Not that you shouldn’t visit the Eiffel Tower while touring this vibrant city, but you should also explore the hidden gems of Paris.
This guide to unique things to do in Paris will create an unforgettable vacation for you in this city of dreams.
7 Unique Things to Do in Paris
Paris is a world in itself. It has history, gourmet restaurants, fashion, monuments, and extraordinary architecture. On top of all that, it has hidden spots that can truly make your vacation remarkable.
1. Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a citywide street concert. Every June 21, this lively Paris music festival thrills music lovers.
It’s been over 35 years since its start in Paris. If you’re planning a trip to Paris in June, this is one of the best things to do in Paris.
But don’t worry if you’re not traveling in June. You can catch a glimpse of the best local and international bands, solo singers, drummers and DJs throughout the Parisian summer.
They perform live all over the city. You can’t miss the taste of the authentic City of Light entertainment on the sidewalks, parks, street and museums of Paris.
So, plan to revel in the street parties and other live Parisian celebrations.
2. Le Mur des Je T’aime
This incredibly romantic attraction in Paris is also known as the “I Love You Wall.” It spans 40 square meters and features the words, “I love you” 311 times. The phrase repeats in 250 languages.
Le Mur des Je T’aime features 612 lava tiles. When you visit the wall, look for the red splashes. These symbolize all the broken hearts in the world. The artists designed the wall to heal these broken hearts.
Put the “I Love You Wall” on your itinerary when you and your special someone visit Paris. It’s located at Place des Abbesses.
3. Le Champollion
If you’re looking for a bohemian experience, take in one of the independent films in Paris’s Latin Quarter. Le Champollion or “Le Champo” as it’s called by Parisians is an independent cinema showing art-nouveau films. It had its Paris debut in 1938.
Did you know that the first commercial film screening for the public was in Paris in 1895? Now, over 100 movie theatres make their home in Paris. These cinemas show about 300 films every week, so you can enjoy any type of movie genre you like.
4. Port Saint-Bernard
If you enjoy dancing, don’t miss twirling the night away on the banks of Port Saint-Bernard. It’s located in the Jardin Tino Rossi garden along the banks of the River Seine. If you’re not a dancer, there are plenty of other things you can do at Port Saint-Bernard.
Discover the open-air art at the Musee de la Sculpture Plein Air featuring sculptures from many famous artists, such as Etienne Martin and Ossip Zadkine.
Also, from here you can take a riverboat cruise up and down the River Seine or just walk in the Jardin Tino Rossi garden. You can take a stroll through the shade of weeping willows, blossoming cherry trees, Italian poplars and feast your eyes on the gorgeous magnolias.
5. Catacombes de Paris
Many visitors to Paris don’t know about the maze of catacombs under the city. The Catacombes de Paris gives you an incredible journey as you descend the 131 steps to the depths of the catacombs. Keep in mind that you’ll also climb 112 steps to get back to the surface.
The Catacombes de Paris give you an experience like no other as you explore the labyrinth of galleries containing the remains of millions of Parisians. The bones taken from Paris cemeteries in 1785 were dumped into the quarries where the catacombs are today.
More bodies were brought there after the French Revolution up until 1814. The relocations started again in 1840.
On April 7, 1786, these quarry graves were consecrated the “Paris Municipal Ossuary.” From then on, it became known as “Catacombs.”
If you like a little bit of the eerie, The Tour Guy can help you make plans for your visit to the Catacombes de Paris.
6. Le Ballon de Paris
The Catacombs bring you beneath Paris, while Le Ballon de Paris soars you above the city. The balloon is the largest in the world.
You can hop into the hot air balloon in the Parc André Citroën for an incredible flight 500 feet over the Paris rooftops.
The balloon ride lasts about 10 minutes, but the memories you have of your flight over Paris last a lifetime.
7. Canal St. Martin
If you’re looking for a slow-paced side of Paris, a walk along the Canal St. Martin is off the beaten path. Instead of walking, you can also take a barge cruise on the canal. You can begin exploring this quiet part of Paris at the Metro Stalingrad stop, which is near the start of the canal.
It’s about a 2-mile walk to the River Seine. As you take the stroll, you’ll see footbridges that cross the canal, produce markets and the Bastille Market. As evening approaches, you can relax along the canal sipping wine and munching on cheese.
Look Beyond the Eiffel Tower
If you want to experience a deep Parisian vacation, visit some of these unique things to do in Paris. Venture into its hidden passages, take part in bohemian festivities, visit the historic cinemas and spoon at the monuments of love. Visiting the hidden gems of this City of Light is a dream vacation you’ll never forget.
If you enjoyed this article on the unique things you can do in Paris, check out our other exciting travel content.
Leave a Reply