And after all the tourist attractions?
Perhaps you’ve already climbed the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, walked the Avenue des Champs Élysées, watched a sunset while cruising on a ‘Bateau Mouche’ and marvelled at the architecture of Notre Dame. You’ve exhausted yourself at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay and you’ve smelt the roses at the wonderful Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuileries. So now you’re looking to discover another side to Paris – some ideas below:
SEE & DO
24th Biennale des Antiquaires
— Even if you can't afford a Picasso its fun just watching who can! 95 top European art dealers gather to display art that private collectors and art galleries can now buy. This temporary exhibition will be held in the glass dome area of the Grand Palais
From September 11 to 21 from 11am - 11pm.
Entry is 20 euros pp
www.bdafrance.eu
Grand Palais, ave Winston Churchill
7th Annual 'Nuit Blanches'
— Two nights when all museums, transports and festivals are free to the public. This is when Parisians don't sleep but gather to enjoy all the events. This year's theme is 'An invitation to travel', major railway stations such as the Gare de l'Est and Gare de Lyon will be transformed into an sensory contemporary art experience. Churches will also be transformed with lighting inviting all to discover their beauty and the art within.
4 and 5 October, all night, all day, all over Paris
www.parisinfo.com
World War II Walk
— For those who may have read a great book entitled 'Is Paris burning' which details how Paris came to survive, relatively well during the second world war compared to London and other town, was mainly due in part ot General Dietrich von Choltitz delay (and perhaps refusal) to bomb.
The Tour takes in parts of Paris that suffered during the War and visits monuments to those who perished. There's also a 'revolution' tours. However if you're after something more 'upbeat', the company also operates tours to Montmarte and a classic walk. Paris is one of the few cities in the world where walking is a must to absorb all that the cities has to offer.
www.classicwalksparis.com
Learn to Cook and Speak French
— Many of us are looking not only to discover how others live while we travel, but perhaps discover a new talent and appreciation of other cultures. What could be better than preparing a French meal and learning the language at the same time? This one week intensive cooking and language course is run by the specialist, Learntogo travel company who will organise everything for your French stay. Hmmmm will one week be enough? See their website for full further details.
www.golearnto.com
See the Paris that Tourists Never See
— Take an 'Eye Prefer Paris Tour' and experience Paris from the inside. Personally guided by Richard Nahem, creator of the popular blog www.eyepreferparis.com, these offbeat walking tours are custom-tailored to your personal interests and show you a Paris you’d never see on your own. Tour Great Paris Neighborhoods from the Inside the Marais, Montmartre, Bastille, The Latin Quarter, St. Germain de Pres, and Montparnasse. An Eye Prefer Paris Tour for Your Senses:-
See...exquisite small museums and out-of-the- way galleries
Taste...the most delicious desserts in Paris
Feel…like a real Parisian at the city’s best food market, hidden in a courtyard
Smell...and sip mint tea as you relax in the courtyard patio of a lavishly domed mosque (where you can take a real Turkish bath!)
Hear...a fountain trickling in a lush garden oasis
Shop...the only discount designer outlet in the Marais; and finally, Watch...an artisan hand make beautiful jewelry in front of you at his atelier
All tours include a stop at a classic Paris café
Price: 175 euros for a 3-hour tour for up to 4 people. Tours are available 7 days a week
Morning: 11am-2pm; Afternoon: 2:30pm - 5:30pm. All tours are on foot and in English
www.eyepreferparistours.com
Your essential guide to the Marais
— This website is the number one travel guide dedicated to the Marais district. There's a selection of restaurants, bars, gay venues, chic boutiques, selected boutique hotels, museums, culture. You can subscribe to their free monthly newsletter so you don't miss the latest updates on restaurants, events and great bargains to be found in the district... Not to mention online bookings other resorts in Europe. So chic, n’est ce pas? The site will put you in the know on where to go!
www.parismarais.com
Paris by 2CV
— Ask yourself this...will I be back? So you have to make the most of it. Have fun while touring the famous sights of Paris in France's most respected vehicle, the 2CV.
All the chauffeurs speak English and know a little more info than some of the guide books. Choose from a 3hr Magic Tour (the essentials), my choice would be either the 'Picnic', where you'll be dropped off with your own basket of goodies in a beautiful garden or the 'Romantic evening', be taken to one of Fréres Blanc restaurants and see Paris at night. See more Tours and prices at their website.
www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com
Hôtel national des Invalides
— There are numerous buildings and museums to visit, including the Musée de l'Armée (see our separate listing) Musée des Plans-Reliefs, Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the L'Eglise de St-Louis-des-Invalides.
A former soliders’ hospital and retirement home, it is also famously known as the place where the mob stole most of the arms to attack the Bastille. The tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte lies in the dome.
M: Varenne, 7th
www.invalides.org
129 rue de Grenelle, 75007 PARIS