Curious things to do in Paris
Author: Amber-Louise Large
Let the City of Light enlighten you. Days do tend to be sweeter when started with croissants dunked in coffee, good meals do deserve to be savoured slowly and faire du leche-vitrines (window shopping or, literally, ‘window licking’) is a wonderful use of time. Take every opportunity to delight in Paris, discovering its hidden sights along the way, and you’ll soon be swooning for the French capital.
1. Rue Montorgueil.
If you like French food, you’ll love Rue Montorgueil.
When in Paris, discover the wonders of oven-fresh bread, chocolate-oozing pastries and delicate-as-organza crepes. Rue Montorgueil is a permanent market street in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements lined with bistros, boulangeries, cheese shops, wineries and chocolatiers. Wander aimlessly, stopping to pick up flower bouquets and picnic supplies from mongers, or walk with purpose towards Stohrer’s eclairs. Stohrer lays claim to being the oldest patisserie in Paris, so it’s had ample time to perfect the classics.
Top tip: Look into the medieval side streets. If you love a bit of history, this area is also home to Tour Jean-sans-Peur which dates back to the 1400s.
2. Bourse de Commerce
If you like the Louvre, you’ll love Bourse de Commerce.
Once you’ve smiled at Mona Lisa and counted the feathers of the Winged Victory of Samothrace in the Louvre, pop to nearby Bourse de Commerce. The Pinault Collection contains modern works that question, wow and sometimes befuddle visitors. Expect to see pieces by artists such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. The building itself is also a marvel: a glass copula sends light dancing on murals when the sun comes to see what’s on show. Temporary exhibits often highlight the space’s grandeur, with one previous installation featuring mirrors all over the floor.
Top tip: Look (or listen) for a teensy mechanical mouse poking its head through a hole in one of the gallery’s walls. You might be interested in what it has to say…
3. Tour Saint-Jacques.
If you like Notre Dame, you’ll love Tour Saint-Jacques.
Climb 300 steps up a spiral staircase to say ‘bonjour’ to the gargoyles at Tour Saint-Jacques. This flamboyant belltower is a vision of Gothic splendour, complete with flying buttresses and pinnacles from 1523. Join the gargoyles careening their necks to take in 360-degree views of Paris and follow their eyelines to landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, the Pantheon and Notre-Dame. This is your moment to take in the city: look out at pale stone buildings the colour of crisp Champagne and see Paris moving below.
Top tip: The tower is open from May to November. Check opening dates and times before you go.
4. Musee des Arts Forains
If you like Disneyland Paris, you’ll love the Museum of Fairground Arts.
You won’t find a giant castle at this little museum set in an old wine warehouse, but you will find plenty of nostalgia. Musee des Arts Forains, also known as Pavillons de Bercy, is an homage to whimsy: step into a carefully arranged collection of 19th and 20th Century funfair relics including carousels and fantasy creatures. Follow your comedy guide and become part of the show as you take a gondola ride inside a music box or waltz around a ballroom to the ballad of an antique organ. You can also play classic carnival games.
Top tip: You’ll need to book ahead unless you’re visiting for the Festival du Merveilleux during winter.
5. Jardin Tino Rossi
If you like River Seine cruises, you’ll love Jardin Tino Rossi.
Stroll by the Seine in search of a picnic spot. Pack a baguette and some brie, perhaps add a bottle of wine (this is France, after all), and find a riverside perch in Jardin Tino Rossi. This small park running alongside the river is dotted with open-air sculptures to admire and willow trees to break bread under. Sit back to watch boats glide by and see Paris’ reflection. On summer nights, you’ll also find salsa dancers twirling in front of the water.
Top tip: Walk to nearby boutique Messy Nessy’s Cabinet to buy a bottle of ‘Eau du Seine’ and browse for other quirky souvenirs.
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