Visit Paris: Don’t Miss These 10 Unique Experiences
Last updated on November 21st, 2022 at 03:18 pm
Paris is one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe. I’m sure it’s cliché, but for me it truly is one of the most romantic places in the world. There is so much history, so many unique buildings, so many museums, and so many interesting things to do. I’ve been to Paris three times to date and I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface. In my experience, there is always something new, fun, and unusual to explore in the glamorous city of Paris (even if you have visited more than once). So, my goal is to help you look beyond the surface and get the most out of your own visit to Paris. I am dedicating this post to some of the unique experiences I have come across in the grand capital of France.
***Disclaimer: Don’t forget to check the entry restrictions for France as well as any activity you would like to participate in before booking any part of your journey.
1. Learn to Make Macarons Like a True Parisian
Oh man, this class was tons fun and I learned so much! While I have attempted to make macarons a few times at home, I have not had very much success. I found this class to be well organized and incredibly insightful. And, I am confident that I have a better concept for how to approach macarons in the future.
This is a hands on, creative activity ideal for all types of travelers. So, it doesn’t matter whether you are an individual, a couple, or traveling with the whole family! (Side note: This is great if you have kids who are late elementary or older, but very young children might not do so well with this activity.)
Before you begin making these tasty treats, you are given the option to choose which color you want for your macaron shell as well as which flavor you would like for your filling. Personally, I chose teal blue shells with orange blossom filling. (other filling flavors included vanilla, chocolate, berry, lemon, etc.). Additionally, you can have an opportunity to experiment with the shape/size of your macaron shells. I attempted to make hearts and flowers, but I’m not sure that they were overly successful. 😛
Of course, the best part is, getting to take home an entire box of freshly baked tasty treats. (Yum!) They made the perfect little snack over the next few days in Paris.
Booking Your Macaron Baking Experience
I booked this specific course through AirBnB Experiences and I would definitely recommend it. Alternatively, you can check out the other options on AirBnbs website, GetYourGuide, or Viator.
Also, for reference, the same company offers a croissant baking course, a lemon pie baking course, and more.
2. Views of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic sites in Paris. Personally, I had never dreamed of seeing it for myself, but I will never forget the first time it came into my view. I found myself surprisingly overcome with excitement and awe. Throughout my life, I had seen this magnificent structure time and time again in movies, TV shows, books, and as a graphic on just about anything you can think of (shirts, pillows, plates, office supplies, cups, etc.). I certainly never expected this kind of reaction, but it was one of the first moments when I knew that Paris had stolen my heart.
That said, I know that not everyone will have the same kind of reaction. But, it’s still one of the most famous/highly recognizable structures in the world, and it is something which should not be missed while in Paris.
Enjoy Beautiful Views of the Eiffel Tower for Free
If you are looking for a free way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower, here is a short list of places with unique views of the Eiffel Tower. You can click on any of the links to pull the locations up in Google Maps.
1. Avenue de Camoens – This was such a fun place to shoot some unique photos. The picture above and on the left hand side was taken from this vantage point.
2. Pont de Bir Hakeim – This is a cute little bridge where the Metro and cars can cross over the Seine. There is also a statue called La France Renaissante (Renaissance France) located in the center of the bridge. The photo below includes the tower, the statue, and the bridge.
3. Jardins du Trocadéro/Place du Trocadéro (please note that the Square was under construction when I visited in Apr 2022. But, the gardens were open.) – The Trocadéro gardens are particularly beautiful in the spring. The photo above and on the right hand side (with the flowers) was taken from this vantage point.
4. Champ de Mars – This is the park where the Eiffel Tower resides and there are many places to get great shots from here.
Planning Your Eiffel Tower Visit
Of course, there is a strong chance that you will want to climb this world famous tower as well. But, please note that it is rather expensive to do so and you will need to book in advance. For more information on ticketing, hours of operation, and more please visit the official Eiffel Tower Website.
3. Visit D’Orsay Museum in Paris
Everyone knows la Louvre and its most famous painting: The Mona Lisa. And, while la Louvre is beautiful and has magnificent artwork that spans centuries, in my own (very humble 😉 ) opinion, D’Orsay is better.
Reasons I Love D’Orsay
- Not only is it a museum, it is also an old railway station. So, you get the benefits of the history plus the artwork in one.
- It is smaller and less overwhelming compared to la Louvre. I would recommend 2-3 hours to visit D’Orsay (as opposed to a whole day at la Louvre).
- D’Orsay has the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Artwork in the world. So, if you are a fan of Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, etc. you will not want to miss out on you chance to see their masterpieces in person.
Planning Your Visit to D’Orsay Museum in Paris
The D’Orsay Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday with extended hours on Thursdays. Depending on the time of year that you are visiting, I encourage you to pre-buy your tickets in order to avoid long lines.
For more information on opening hours, ticket prices, and more, please visit their official website.
4. Enjoy the View of Paris from Sacré-Cœur
A Little History About Sacré-Cœur
The unique basilica of Sacré-Cœur is located at the top of the highest point in Paris: Butte Montmartre. Montmartre has been a site of worship dating all the way back to the days of the Gallic Druids. By the 9th century the hill had become known as “Mont des Martyrs” (Montmartre) because this is the site where Saint Denis, the patron saint of France, was was beheaded in 250 AD. Over the years, an assortment of religious buildings have stood on this site, lost due to fire, ruin, or other events.
The current basilica was designed and constructed between the years of 1876 and 1912. Within its walls, you have the chance to admire one of the largest mosaics in the world: Christ in Glory by Olivier Merson, H. M. Magne and R. Martin.
Planning Your Visit to Sacré-Cœur
In order to avoid crowds, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning. For more information on opening hours, bell tower visits, and more, please visit the official Sacré-Cœur website.
Wall of Love
While you’re in Montmartre, be sure to stop by another unique attraction: The Wall of Love in Jehan Rictus Garden Square. It is only a few minutes walk downhill from the Sacré-Cœur. On the expansive wall, you will find the phrase ‘I love you’ 311 times written in 250 languages. We had a lot of fun looking for this beautiful expression in all of the languages we know! <3
5. Visit the Catacombs of Paris
Looking to learn more about the darker/creepier side of history in Paris? Then, a visit to the Paris catacombs might just be what you need. Here, you have the opportunity to witness the solution to a bizarre historical conundrum: what to do about Paris’s overflowing cemeteries. The problem became so severe that a basement wall in a property adjoining Les Innocents Cemetery collapsed under the weight of the mass grave behind it.
The solution: under cover of night, the cemeteries would be emptied and the remains of those buried would be transferred to the winding labyrinths of abandoned mines located under the streets of Paris. It was a monumental project that took years to complete. At first, bones and remains were tossed in without much attention or care. Years later, Inspector Héricart de Thury, Director of the Paris Mine Inspection Service, was given the unusual task of rearranging the bones. His vision created patterns and stacks that are still seen today.
It was not until 1809 that the Catacombs were first opened to visitors (by appointment only). Over the years, many unusual events have occurred here including: concerts, meetings of the French Resistance during WWII, cinematic showings, and in 2015 Airbnb paid €350,000 to offer two customers the chance to stay overnight in the Catacombs on Oct. 31st.
Planning Your Visit to the Catacombs of Paris
Altogether, I would suggest that it will take approximately 1 hour to visit the Paris Catacombs.
Nowadays, the Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday. It is possible to buy your tickets for full price in advance. Alternatively, you can wait until the day-of and purchase your tickets for half price. The only issue with this is that you run the risk of them being sold out. This even happened to me while I was visiting in the off-season and I ended up having to rearrange my schedule and visit on a different day.
For more information on ticket prices, opening hours, and more, please visit the official website.
6. Day Trip to The Palace of Versailles
I’ve been to the Palace of Versailles twice now and just like Paris, I would keep going back again and again. I really do love it that much.
The first time I visited was with my husband in winter. The advantage of this was that it was a bit less crowded and we had a wonderful tour of the palace interior. However, it was really quite cold, dreary, and rainy outside. The fountains were turned off, the statues covered for winter, and the plant-life was lacking signs of life.
The second time I visited was in April. This was probably my preferred time of year to visit because it was warmer and the gardens didn’t look so dead. Also, I booked a biking tour, which I absolutely adored! Having the bikes meant that we were able to cover a lot more ground in a much shorter period of time. And, who doesn’t want to have a picnic along the gardens canal on a bright and sunny day?!
Planning Your Visit to the Palace at Versailles From Paris
As An Individual (Not Part of a Group Tour)
Of course, it is possible to visit Versailles as an individual. And, as I mentioned above, this is how my husband and I arranged our visit the first time.
My strong recommendation to you is to plan to take the train from Montparnasse Train Station. From this train station there are options to arrive at Versailles Chantiers in 15 minutes or less.
From the Versailles Chantiers train station, you will have about a 20 minute walk to reach the Palace at Versailles. Alternatively, you could take the bus part of the way, but you will still have to walk part of the way as well.
Small Group Tour
It’s no secret. I absolutely LOVED my small group bike tour of Versailles. If you are interested in booking the same tour, you can do so on the AirBnb Experiences website. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate clothing/shoes, and come prepared to have a fantastic time!
7. Visit the Opéra Garnier (Palais Garnier) in Paris
Are you familiar with the world-famous musical Phantom of the Opera? This magnificent building provides the setting for the novel (written by Gaston Lereaux) which inspired the musical (composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber). It’s lavish interior and extravagant details leave many visitors (including myself) speechless. Even if you are unable to attend a performance here, I highly recommend joining one of the day tours.
Four Interesting Facts About the Opéra Garnier
1. Charles Garnier was only 35 years old and relatively unknown as an architect when he entered a competition for the design of the opera house in Paris. Through two rigorous rounds of competition, he managed to beat out nearly 170 other entrants.
2. The Opéra Garnier is the home of the Opéra national de Paris.
3. On May 20, 1896, a counterweight from the grand chandelier broke. Sadly, this resulted in the death of one of the opera’s concierges. The incident inspired one of the most dramatic scenes in Gaston Lereaux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera.
4. The Opéra Garnier influenced the design of many other buildings around the world. These include: the Amazon Theater in Brazil, the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., the Hanoi Opera House in Vietnam, and multiple buildings in Poland to name a few.
Planning Your Visit to the Opéra Garnier
It is possible to take tours of the opera house during the day. Or, if you would like to feel the full effect of this monumental building, I recommend attending one of their performances.
For more information on performances, opening hours, ticket prices, etc. please visit the official Opéra Garnier website.
8. Explore the Paris of Victor Hugo
The name Victor Hugo might not ring a bell at first, but the titles The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables might be more familiar to you. Hugo was the mastermind behind these incredible works of fiction as well as many other publications. As a Paris resident for many years, one can see that the city served as a major inspiration for him. Lucky for us, it is easy to visit the apartment where he lived as well as many of the places that he chose to include in his writings.
Some Top Victor Hugo Sites that You Won’t Want to Miss:
1. Maison de Victor Hugo – The Place des Vosges is located in one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Paris. It is also the site of an apartment that Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848. The museum is set up in chronological order to help visitors follow the story of Hugo’s life.
2. Cathédrale Notre-Dame – This is certainly one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It is one of the most famous and largest Gothic style cathedrals. Here this magnificent structure provides the setting for Victor Hugo’s great novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame).
3. The Panthéon – This beautiful building, with its famous Foucault Pendulum, is where Victor Hugo’s body is buried.
4. The Sewer Systems of Paris – This vast network dates back to 1370 and was featured in Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables. Over centuries, it has been expanded and remodeled. Nowadays, it is open for public visits.
5. The Jardin du Luxembourg – You can read all about this in the next section of the blog.
4. For more ideas, check out these suggestions from Smithsonian Magazine.
9. Visit Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg is the perfect place for a leisurely walk or an afternoon picnic. This beautiful area offers visitors an enjoyable mix of French and English style gardens. Throughout, you will find over 100 statues as well as many bubbling fountains. The stunning centerpiece of this garden is, of course, the Luxembourg Palace.
Planning Your Visit to Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
The gardens are a public area, so it is possible to enjoy them any time of day or night. There are lots of chairs to sit in around the park. So grab yourself a croissant and coffee or a sandwich to go and enjoy them in the sun.
For more information on the gardens, you can visit this website.
If having a picnic is not quite your style and you are looking for a cute place to eat, check out the lovely Cafe Pavane.
10. Performances/Shows in Paris
Paris has many performance venues featuring all kinds of shows/concerts/musicals/etc. My personal suggestion is to first narrow your search based on the dates you plan to be in Paris. You can also refine your search even further by selecting only the types of events you would be interested in attending.
I’ve been to a few events in Paris to date. One of my personal favorites was watching The Nutcracker performed at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
Other popular venues include: Opéra Garnier, Salle Playel, L’Olympia, La Cigale, Théâtre du Châtelet, Opéra Bastille, and more.
Bonus: Christmas/New Years in Paris
Paris in Winter is a perfectly magical sight. You will find the city of lights decked in even more lights/decorations to celebrate the festive season. We personally felt very lucky to ring in the 2019 New Year in Paris. Some of the most memorable winter activities from our visit included:
1. Ice Skating at The Grand Palais de Glaces. Each year from mid-December to mid-January, the Grand Palace is transformed into the largest ice skating rink in the world.
2. Watching The Nutcracker live at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. There are all kinds of fun performances throughout the holiday season.
3. Ringing in the New Year with a light show and fireworks at the Arc de Triumph.
4. Christmas Markets throughout Paris usually start at the end of November/early December. While some do end on Dec 24th, many remain up until just after the New Year.
In Conclusion
I hope that this post has given you some great ideas for fun and unique things to do while visiting Paris. I’d also love to hear all about your favorite things to do in Paris, so leave me a comment down below. 🙂
Happy Travels,
<3 Christine
Looking For More Places to Explore?
Check out some of my other France posts:
Planning Your Visit to the Stunning Calanques National Park
6 Places to Visit in the Southern French Countryside
Top 9 D-Day Sites If You Only Have One Day in Normandy
Or, check out some of my latest posts:
One Comment
Pingback: