Paris Beyond the Tourist Trail

Things to do

Stroll through the Marais: The Marais is a charming neighborhood in the heart of Paris, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, boutiques and art galleries. It's also a great place to find hidden gems, like the Musée Carnavalet, which houses a collection of artifacts from Paris's history, and the Place des Vosges, a beautiful square with a central fountain.

Visit the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: The Marché aux Puces de
Saint-Ouen is a flea market located in the northern suburbs of Paris. It's one of the largest flea markets in the world, and it's a great place to find unique treasures, from vintage clothing to antique furniture. If you're a fan of antique jewelry, be sure to visit the Biron section of the flea market. This section is home to a number of dealers who sell vintage and antique jewelry from all over the world. If you're looking for something truly unique, be sure to check out the stalls selling vintage costume jewelry. You can find some amazing pieces for a fraction of the price of new jewelry.

Visit the Palais Garnier: It is a world-famous opera house and one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. The building was designed by Charles Garnier and was completed in 1875. It is known for its opulent interior and its stunning Grand Staircase.

The Palais Garnier is home to the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world's leading ballet companies. It also hosts a variety of other performances, including opera, concerts, and dance recitals. If you're interested in visiting the Palais Garnier, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak season. You can book tickets online or at the box office.

Visit la Coulée Verte René-Dumont: It is a former elevated railway line that has been converted into a public park. It is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris and stretches for 2.3 kilometers. The park offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Take a cooking class: Paris is a world-renowned culinary destination, and there are many cooking schools and classes that offer visitors the chance to learn how to make their favorite French dishes. This is a great way to learn about French culture and cuisine, and it's also a lot of fun!

If you're interested in taking a cooking class, I recommend checking out the following websites:

• La Cuisine Paris

• Cook'n with Class

• Taste of Paris

Visit the Canal Saint-Martin: The Canal Saint-Martin is a 4.5-kilometer canal that runs through the 10th and 11th arrondissements of Paris. It was built in the early 19th century to connect the Seine River to the northeast of Paris. The canal is now a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy walks, bike rides and canal boat tours.

Along the canal, you will find a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. There are also several parks and gardens where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. One of the most popular spots along the canal is the Pont des Arts, a footbridge that offers stunning views of the canal and the city skyline.

Take a boat ride on the Seine: A boat ride on the Seine River is a great way to see some of Paris's most iconic landmarks, including the

• Eiffel Tower

• the Louvre Museum

• Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit the Musée Jacquemart-André: The Musée Jacquemart-André is a hidden gem located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It is housed in a private mansion that was built in the 19th century. The museum houses a collection of art and furniture from the 15th to the 18th centuries, including works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Tiepolo. The Musée Jacquemart-André is known for its intimate and elegant atmosphere. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in art and history.

Visit the Musée d'Orsay: The Musée d'Orsay is one of the most popular museums in Paris, and for good reason. It houses a world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

If you're visiting the Musée d'Orsay, be sure to check out the following paintings:

• Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

• Water Lilies by Claude Monet

• The Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

• The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

• The Thinker by Auguste Rodin

Day Trips

Versailles & Reims

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte: Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is a classic Parisian steakhouse that has been serving up its famous steak frites since 1959. The restaurant is always packed, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Bouillon Pigalle: Bouillon Pigalle is a traditional French bistro that serves up classic dishes like steak frites, moules frites, and coq au vin at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is lively and casual, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Café de Flore: Café de Flore is a historic Parisian café that has been frequented by artists and intellectuals for centuries. It's a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and people-watch.

Le Grand Véfour: This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the Palais Royal and has been serving up classic French cuisine since 1784. The dining room is elegant and sophisticated, and the menu features dishes like foie gras, roasted pigeon, and sea bass.

Guy Savoy: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is located on the Quai de Conti and offers stunning views of the Seine River. The chef, Guy Savoy, serves up innovative and creative French cuisine with a focus on seafood.