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10 Lesser-Known Paris Attractions

10 Lesser-Known Paris Attractions

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There’s no question Paris is one of the world’s most enchanting cities. A bastion of romance, history, art and beauty, the City of Light is often considered mandatory on first-time European itineraries. And while everyone knows about the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and San Chapelle, the Arc de Triomophe and shopping on the Champs-Élysées, there is more to Paris than its most famous attractions. Here are 10 lesser-known Paris attractions beyond the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées that are, in themselves, good reasons to visit.

www.fotopedia.com
www.fotopedia.com

1. Montmartre

Spend some time wandering around this district — take the Metro to the Abbesses stop. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries Montmartre was a bohemian utopia for writers and artists including Picasso, who had a studio there. It is also home to some of the city’s best café culture.

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www.flickr.com

2. Pigalle

For something different, the neon-lit Pigalle — a few blocks southwest of Montmartre –is home to the original Moulin Rouge. It still boasts a number of trendy cabaret nightspots and a red-light district.

www.fotopedia.com
www.fotopedia.com

3. Rue du Saint-Honoré

There is more to Paris shopping than the Champs-Elysees. Pay credit-card homage to the world’s best fashion houses — Chanel, Hermes and Dior — on the Rue du Saint-Honoré.

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www.flickr.com

4. Walk the Seine

Take a walk along the Seine River on the Left Bank, check out the artist stalls and sit on a bench and people watch. Also on the left bank is the Latin Quarter, which is the bohemian student district and well worth a wander.

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www.wikimedia.org

5. Le Marais

This is one of Paris’ oldest districts and here you’ll find a number of great museums including one devoted to Picasso. It is also home to some excellent cafes and restaurants.

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www.designtavern.com

6. La Société

Secure a reservation at La Société, an art-sprinkled, ultra-chic restaurant designed by Christian Liaigre and tucked away in a 19th-century building on Place Saint-Germain.

www.commercedeparis.fr
www.commercedeparis.fr

7. Fromagerie Laurent Dubois

The line stretches out the door on Saturdays at this little shop in the Fifth Arrondissement, where locals come to stock up on an exhaustive collection of amazing French cheeses. One rule: don’t help yourself. Let the sales clerks discus and hand-wrap your choices.

www.dalje.com
www.dalje.com

8. Crazy Horse Cabaret

A Paris institution, the Crazy Horse Cabaret has been a popular nightspot since opening in 1951. Conceived as a tribute to founder Alain Bernardin, shows feature multiple dancers and visual tableaus.

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www.tweetupkuching.com

9. Les Deux Magots

Soak up the atmosphere at Les Deux Magot in Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres, which has been popular for a century now. It used to be a favorite hangout for Picasso, Sartre and Hemingway.

WENN
WENN

10. Custom Tours

If you only have a short time to experience Paris, then try an organized tour. Check out www.secretsofparis.com for info on sightseeing, shopping and custom tours.