Your favorite unusual things to do in Paris?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sit in a cafe and people watch. Do nothing and just relax. This is something that I guess Americans need to practice? It's always things to see? Most of Europe is beautiful and interesting. It's about enjoying your food, company and scenery. Just enjoy sitting and looking around!!

This is what we do. Plan nothing and just walk around or sit around.

Of course there is a nice middle ground. Plan some things but leave some big chunks of time for the people/city watching and flaneuring.

[Anonymous]

I love monoprix and the dept stores.

[Anonymous]

Did you see the State Dept warning for Americans, https://fr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-france-elevates-its-security-alert-system-25-mar-2024/

[Anonymous]

Just came back from paris, highly recommend trying to see a show at Palais Garnier, make your own perfume class at
https://musee-parfum-paris.fragonard.com/

Agree the Rothko exhibit was fantastic but if you are short on time there is one currently in DC till 3/31 if you want to get there this week.

Have you done any of the cabarets? Moulin Rouge is supposed to be disney/vegas level show girls, we went to Crazy Horse…it was not for everyone, but it was definitely tasteful. I could see going with my 18yo daughter but not sure she’d want to go also with her father…there is nudity but in a very girls night out way.

Shops or walking tour/food around Marais.

Saint Gervais, gothic church that was simply breathtaking and had an organ rehearsal happening as we wandered through was a highlight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've also gone to the catacombs. It is pretty cool! I recommend exploring the neighborhood of Belleville, it's a funky little neighborhood and there are some nice restaurants and parks. It's less touristy. I also really love strolling around Canal St. Martin (it's pretty popular but anyways, I like it).

+1 for Belleville

[Anonymous]

Some great Paris tips here

I also wouldn’t discount how easy it is to do day or overnight trips by train. Go see more of France!

Strasbourg
Lyon
Aix-en-Provence
Thé Loire Valley
Bordeaux

All a 1-3 hour train ride away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you see the State Dept warning for Americans, https://fr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-france-elevates-its-security-alert-system-25-mar-2024/

Was just in Paris. Definitely saw extra security but didn’t feel unsafe. Sort of felt like DC with cops everywhere.

Paris opera private tour was great- learned so much. Also a walking food tour of the Marais was great. Do not do the macaron making class at the department store- not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Electric bike tour was great!

[Anonymous]

I’d love recommendations for the walking food tour of the Marais. There are a lot of vendors on websites but would appreciate any first hand views. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I took cooking classes

[Anonymous]

I go to Paris a lot so always looking for the next thing to check out. When I was there last week I went to the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise and LOVED it. Felt v quiet and spooky and stunning and lovely

[Anonymous]

Anyone in the family a cook or foodie? Spend an hour our two at E. Delhillerin, the definitive cooking equipment store where Julia Child used to shop. The French have a cooking and serving implement for every food imaginable, and it's all there. Then have lunch or dinner in Les Halles.

[Anonymous]

Also it's fun to stroll the Rue Mouffetard, a street with food vendors of all kinds--fresh cheeses, roasting chickens, produce and mushrooms, fresh flowers, etc. Nearby is Arenes de Lutece, a small but interesting Roman ruin.

[Anonymous]

I’d love recommendations for the walking food tour of the Marais. There are a lot of vendors on websites but would appreciate any first hand views. Thank you!

Paris By Mouth does excellent small group food tours in the Marais and St. Germain, with food tastings in a wine shop and pairings at the end of the tour! Best baguette and cheese shop we have visited in Paris.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also it's fun to stroll the Rue Mouffetard, a street with food vendors of all kinds--fresh cheeses, roasting chickens, produce and mushrooms, fresh flowers, etc. Nearby is Arenes de Lutece, a small but interesting Roman ruin.

Arenes de Lutece! Thank you! I visited 20 years ago and forgot what this was called or where it was. It's darling and well-preserved but (at the time) so accessible. Like no tickets or velvet ropes. Just a neighborhood hangout. Just like back in the day... wayyyyy back in the day!