Beyond the Eiffel Tower: Unusual Landmarks to Visit in Paris
When we think about Paris, many tourists immediately think about the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or maybe even Notre Dame Cathedral. Nonetheless, Paris has numerous lesser-known treasures that are equally deserving of admiration. For frequent visitors and first-timers who want to see this beautiful city from another side there are some amazing unusual sites around which give different angles on France’s culture, history and art. Let’s take a look at a few hidden jewels located away from famous sights.
1. The Catacombs of Paris
In the tunnels’ midst, which are dark and full of dead people, it is a good guide that Keith is. He says on his website that Paris has an underground world and that The Catacombs are one of its scariest parts. We found out that it has been here since the 18th century but most people remember them only because they visit them during their trips to Paris. As you walk in this labyrinthine space with bones and skulls all around you, its silence makes you feel as if those who once lived there are still around doing what they did before they died.
2. La Promenade Plantée
The Promenade Plantée is a 4.7-kilometer long elevated park running through parts of Paris and is a haven for those who want to escape from excessive tourism. It was conceived along an abandoned railway line that makes it different when compared to other parks in the city characterized by flowers, shrubs, leaves forming densely populated spaces. Here green predominates signifying tranquility thus making it suitable for leisurely walking or picnicking. It also speaks about modernising the town by showing what was previously a neglected area but now experiencing successful transformations into public places with life.
3. Musèe de la Chasse et de la Nature
To get something that is entirely crazy try Musèe de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature). Situated in the Marais district, this amusingly unique museum intertwines art and history with an examination on how humans relate to the environment. From elaborate hunting weapons to taxidermy animals; they are all blended together through an unusual collection which will interest anyone who loves bizarre things.
4. Rue Crèmieux
Are you looking for a place in Paris that everyone wants their pictures taken at? Then move over to Rue Crèmieux! Such is the reason why it has become popular among local people and outsiders too because despite being relatively small in size, it has vibrancy and photogenic facades. A walk along rue crèmeux feels like stepping into another world far from glorious Paris boulevards.
5. Le Musée des Arts Forains
The Le Musée des Arts Forains or the Museum of Fairground Arts is an ideal place to be for a magical adventure. This interactive museum is dedicated to the realm of fairground entertainment and has a rich collection of exciting free-spirited vintage carousels, fairground games and theatrical sets that make it even more thrilling. One unique aspect about this particular museum is that visitors are usually encouraged to participate in various exhibits which helps interactively create memorable decent experiences with much fun for both adults as well as kids.
6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
If you want to enjoy some fresh air, go to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – one of the biggest parks in Paris. Unlike other Parisian parks that are so well-kept and neat, this one is rough and wild with waterfalls, caves and even a temple on top of a hill. There are several panoramic views over Paris from here; it’s an ideal place where people can relax amidst nature away from city life’s noise.
7. The Salvador Dalí sundial
One little-known yet charming piece of surrealist artwork hidden in Paris is Salvador Dalí Sundial tucked in Rue Saint-Jacques Street. Designed by Salvador Dali himself this small but exquisite sundial features a human face with rays coming from it representing the sun. Being whimsical, it reminds observers how much Dali influenced other artists especially on the surrealism aspect. For those who accidentally bumped into it within Paris city fastened streets directions it is an amusing surprise.
8. Arènes de Lutèce
Visit Arènes de Lutèce and experience Roman age Paris once more come days gone by.The place was an amphitheatre where gladiators used to fight bringing together also comedians and other artists who held different theatrical performances therein; presently it is a beautiful park yet their stones worn with times still casts out similar shadows over there.Viewers come here in silence just to muse upon how much richness Paris gained through various fluctuating stages.
9. Passage des Panoramas
If you want to have a trip down memory lane, it’s high time you visited the Passage des Panoramas, the oldest covered passage in Paris. Built in the eighteenth century, this historical arcade contains lovely boutiques, antique shops and cozy cafés. It’s an amazing place to hide from rain on a gloomy day while enjoying some vintage feel. When walking through the passage one has a teleportation-like effect into another epoch.
10. The Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime)
Do not forget about Le Mur des Je t’aime – the wall of love; if you are inherently romantic by nature. This painting that was made by Frédéric Baron contains “I love you” written in more than 250 languages. A beautiful reverence paid towards love; hence a good place for considering universal language of love. This landmark is certain to melt your heart whether you are within-couple time or single life moments.
Conclusion
Amidst its globally revered edifices, certain captivating aspects of Paris remain hidden from conventional travel routes. The city has an array of possibilities for exploring its enigmatic and enchanted aspects ranging from the spooky Catacombs to the calming Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. By unearthing these atypical landmarks, it accommodates you with a different perspective on Paris; a perspective transcending commonplace imagery on postcards while offering additional connections to the city’s legacy as well as its vibrant culture. Therefore, when next in Paris, take courage beyond the Eiffel Tower and reveal those concealed treasures that make this place unique.
