Anyone know of good places to go in Paris?

Question

Hi, I'm going to Paris in February and am wondering if anyone knows of any great places to go and visit.

I'm already planning to do all the usual touristy stuff (Cabaret shows, The Tower, Arc, Louvre etc..) but wondered if there are any less well known places to visit and activities to do, which will help me make my trip to Paris great. A city like Paris must have some 'hidden gems' so please let me know.

Am trying to keep the cost as low as possible so nothing too expensive please!

Also, would like advise on places and activities which aren't so good.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't wish to insult.........................but I have just about been around the world 3 times, Paris for me was the worst place I have ever been in all my travelling years.....the food was awful, the hotel was grubby, I find the French very rude, I rest my case here I could go on.......... but I do hope you enjoy the place...... it might have changed since we went.......

Answer 2

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/h...

Answer 3

There are alot of Off The Beaten Path type of things. If you like tennis you can hit the sight of the Roland garros Tennisium. You can als ocheck out the Luxembourg Gardens. it is kinda tourist but it is very nice. the Latin Quarter is also a very nice place to walk around and take in a college like atmosphere. And is you want to go out a little farther you can try the Versailles Gardens and even see marie Antionette's little village. But if you like opera... you can check out the Opera Garnier. (It was built like the design of a wedding cake!!!)

Answer 4

Lots of great advice about Paris here - http://europe4vacations.com/paris-france... -  much of it written by locals.

Hope you have a great trip

Answer 5

Disneyland

Answer 6

You can enjoy a stroll on river Seine, or at one of the numerous gardens (jardins). Go to Montmartre Hill and the Latin Quarter.

If you are an art lover, Paris is the place to be. Go to Musee d'Orsay, The Louvre and Centre Pompidou.

Answer 7

I have started a blog about Paris. I hope you will find some things to see...

I try to write in french and in english...

http://hello-paris.over-blog.com/

Write to me if you want some further informations...

Answer 8

If you like french food eat at

"Montparnasse 1600" -really good food, reasonable prices, very pleasant service - quality!

Answer 9

Some of less touristed sights include:

1)Cluny Museum

Many people miss the Cluny Museum. Its rather small and housed in the former home of an Abbot.

It contains the famous Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries and a small collection of various objects from the very early history of Paris thru the medieval era.

Beneath the museum they discoverd an old Roman bath which has been excavated and may be visited.

The museum is at 6 place Paul Painlevé in the 5th arr.just a minutes walk from the Seine south on the Blvd. St. Michel.

2) Musée des Plans-Relief

An overlooked museum that is housed over the Army Museum on the Esplanade des Invalides. For years this place was just a garret filled with models of the various fortifications and walled towns in France. Prior to 1950 the public was not admited since some of information that could gleaned from the models was considered a state secret. The collection of models was started by Louis XIV. The oldest model, representing the town of Perpignan, dates back to 1866.

3) Arena Lutetia on the rue Monge.

These are the remains of a Roman arena destroyed in the 3rd century. Completely forgotten during 1500 years they were rediscovered in 1869, when new streets were planned and diggings ordered. It was one of the largest amphitheatres of Gaul and could accomdate at least 15,000 spectators.

4) La Maison du Haut-Pignon at 51, rue de Montmorency, Paris 3rd arr.

This is the oldest house in Paris. It was built in 1407 by the writer and alchemist Nicolas Flamel. Look at the façade and see the inscription: "Ora et labora" (pray and work), which was the motto of the alchemists.

5) Cimetiere de Picpus

This is the burial place of the Marquis de Lafayette which can be found at 35, rue de Picpus. The only way into the cemetary is through an unmarked door in a larger, perpetually-closed gateway. You have to ring the doorbell and turn to the right after you pass through the door and find the entry 'official' who takes your entry fee.

An American flag flies over his grave and did so even during the n**i occupation of Paris.

For some somewhat different activites:

1) Have dinner with an icon of the Hippie era.

Jim Haynes is one of the founders of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and founder of the London Traverse Theatre Company. He started Suck, the sexual freedom newspaper, in Amsterdam in 1969 and taught Media Studies and Sexual Politics at the University of Paris 8.

He throws a dinner party every Sunday night. The crowd will include college professors, artists, the occasional rock star of famous actor. Give him a phone call or send him an email and you'll be invited. Details are on his website at: http://www.jim-haynes.com/index.htm

2)Go Rollerskating

Every Friday night except when there is rain, the City of Paris and the Paris Rollerskating Association organize a skate thru the streets of Paris from about 10 PM till 1 AM. Details are on this website:

http://www.pari-roller.com/index.php?p=1...

3) Become a member of the least exclusive club in the world

The Café Metropole Club meets every Thursday after noon. membership is very exclusive...you have to show up. details can be found here: http://www.metropoleparis.com/aclub.html the people who show up are a coolection of expatriates and tourists. A good place to meet some nice people and get some good advice about current events.