My friend and i are spending a month just outside of paris... and were trying to find some things to do!?

Question

except the museums and other tourist attractions... are there any unknown spots to go to? and where should we go for nightlife?

Answer 1

As long as you're staying "just outside" Paris then the excellent RER system will get you into the city fairly quickly for nightlife. It does shut down around 2AM on weekends so that will put a bit of a cramp in your style. Of course you can always just hang around until the transport system starts up again in the morning. Many places in Paris are open all night. Depending on exactly where you are staying you may also be able to use the night bus system.

Paris is the most touristed city in the world. There are no "unknown" places just some that are less popular with tourists than others.

For example, I've not seen many other tourists in the Police museum which is located in  the 5th district police station at 4, rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. Its small but rather interesting. You have to actually walk into the police station and be directed to it by the police officier on guard at the entrance. http://www.prefecture-police-paris.inter...

One general sort of suggestion. I find that one of the real pleasures of Paris is getting established at a local cafe. The cafe is a fixture of French life much as the corner bar in the USA or local pub in the UK.

The French will go to their neighborhood cafe to sit and read the newspaper, write a few letters, chat with friends or just sit and watch the world go by.  Buy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and you're welcome to sit for as long as you like (which is one reason why a drink can seem so expensive in France...you're paying not just for the drink but "rent" )

Go to the same cafe several times in a row and, assuming you know how to behave as a local, you'll quickly be accepted as a regular.

This contradicts all the terrible stories you've heard about the "rude" French. The second or third time you appear and are noticed to do so, a waiter or perhaps the owner will walk over to shake your hand and greet you. You'll be surprised at how quickly the staff learn your favorite table and your preferences. If you have a favorite drink which you always order you'll soon be asked "Comme habitude?" (The usual?).

The house will buy you a drink every now and then. The cook will offer a taste of his speciality to get you to try it or give you a free dessert with your meal. The other regulars will smile and greet you. In short, its "Cheers" only with a French accent.

I really urge you to give this a try. Traveling, to me, is more than places and things. Most importantly its people and I'd rather spend an afternoon, drinking wine and talking about local politics or food or sport, and learning other people's point of view than wandering thru a museum.

If there is any "unknown" thing to be found by a tourist in Paris it is the French people themselves. They are a treasure every bit as unique as the Eiffel Tower.

Answer 2

You've gotten some excellent pointers.  Give it a go and have a safe and wonderful time.  Bon Voyage a Paris!!