The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most popular gardens in Paris among tourists, students and locals alike; incontestably, it is also one of the prettiest.
A Guide to the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
France
The Catacombs of Paris : An Underground City of the Dead
The Paris Catacombs are underground ossuaries which hold the skeletal remains of over 6 million deceased Parisians. The Paris Catacombs (the ossuary that is open to the public) occupy a tiny part of the former stone quarries of Paris; only 1.7km is accessible to the public. What locals call the “Catacombs” are actually a massive network of about 300km long (!!!) underground tunnels and galleries which lie underneath Paris (below the metro and the sewer system). And those former quarries are a massive playground for the Cataphiles!
Visiting Paris’ hidden island, l’Ile aux Cygnes
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Île aux Cygnes is certainly one of the most unusual and off-the-beaten-path places to stroll in Paris.
The island is 890-meter long and only 11-meter large. It is the only island on the Seine river that is completely artificial.
Arènes de Lutèce, a Gallo-Roman amphitheater in the heart of Paris
If you love history and want to discover great sites during your visit in Paris, give the Arènes de Lutèce (‘Arenas of Lutetia’) a try. Totally off-the-beaten-path, the Arenas were a truly unexpected highlight.
Maison de Loo, A Chinese Pagoda in the heart of Paris
Bought and transformed in 1925, Mr. Loo’s Pagoda (‘Maison de Loo’ in French) is a Chinese red pagoda located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, near Parc Monceau.
Bibliothèque Richelieu, France’s most beautiful library
La Bibliothèque Richelieu is the National Library of France. The original Library “Bibliothèque du Roi” was founded by Charles V in 1368 and was located at the Palais du Louvre in Paris.
A Guide to La Défense, Paris’ Business District
La Défense is Paris Metropolitan Area’s main business district. It is one of the largest business districts in Europe. Luckily, you don’t have to be a finance executive to enjoy what la Défense has to offer.
A Weekend in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse
Two weeks ago, our baby boy turned 2 months old! The weather wasn’t too bad, so we decided to celebrate this day outside. We didn’t want to travel too far, but we wanted to be surrounded by nature. Located at no more than 45 minutes from our place, we naturally chose to explore the beautiful Park of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, in the Yvelines department. The Vallée de Chevreuse is one of the 53 French regional natural parks. This park, the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, was the first created in the Île-de-France region. Ready to discover what to see and what to do in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse?
The Butte Bergeyre, A Parisian village with a panoramic view over the capital city
Discover the Butte Bergeyre and its narrow streets, community garden and vineyard. Little known compared to the Buttes Chaumont, the neighborhood is definitely one of the most unusual places to get lost in Paris. Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy one of the finest panoramic views on the Sacré-Cœur and Paris.
“BACK SIDE / FASHION FROM BEHIND” Exhibition: When Art meets Fashion
Paris, city of love, city of lights, … but also city of fashion. A few weeks back, I went to the off-site fashion exhibition organized by Palais Galliera at Museum Bourdelle: ‘Back Side / Fashion from Behind’. The exhibition was a delight: splendid, unexpected and fascinating. I loved it.
An unusual place to visit in Paris: The Russian Orthodox Church of St-Sergius
Want to do something unique in Paris this weekend? Visit the Orthodox Church of St-Sergius. The St-Sergius Church (Eglise ‘Saint-Serge de Radonège’) is a Russian Orthodox church located near the Park des ‘Buttes-Chaumont’. It is probably one of the less known churches in Paris but well worth the visit if you are nearby. Ready for a trip to Russia?
Grand Mosque of Paris, A Taste of Morocco in the heart of Paris
If you are visiting the Latin Quarter, take a moment to stop by the Grand Mosque of Paris and/or take a cup of tea and traditional pastries in its café. Do not forget to visit the gorgeous garden. You can also find a library, a tearoom, a restaurant and a hammam in the premises of the Mosque. It’s off-the-beaten-path but definitely worth a visit!