Unique Things to do in Paris

Paris is hands-down one of the world’s most gorgeous cities, so much so that it’s easy to feel as though you’ve seen it all before you even step off the plane. The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe. The Sacré-Cœur. Must dos? Of course, but let’s forget about all those for a few minutes while we explore some of the more hidden gems that this charming city of culture has to offer.

  1. Browse the Bookshops

 You could shop for books in any city, but no city quite does it like Paris. Cosy bookshops are to be found all over this city that was once home to the likes of Hugo, La Fontaine, Verne, and so many others. If you only have the time for one, the city’s Shakespeare and Company store is a must, with the original store being a haunt of Hemingway and Joyce – with some customers even being sold copies of first editions by the authors themselves – before the 1940 invasion of Paris forced it to close its doors. Reopening after the war, the quaint bookshop is still open today and offers not only a pretty storefront to marvel, but a wide selection of English language books.

  1. Immerse Yourself at ‘L’Atelier des Lumières’

 Do you like Monet? How about Renoir? Instead of looking at the greats hanging on the walls of a museum as millions before you have, immerse yourself in them instead. L’Atelier des Lumières offers you the chance to do exactly that and has caused quite a stir in the art scene in the process. Offering a mixture of shows that reimagine the works of the creates to fascinating exhibitions by modern artists, this digital museum (a first for Paris) is sure to at least intrigue you, if not change your entire perception of art.

  1. Visit the ‘Phantom’s Lair’

If I told you to visit the water tank underneath an opera house in any other city, I’d let you call me crazy. This water tank is different, however, as it’s where the fabled ‘Phantom of the Opera’, as envisaged in Gaston Leroux’s 1911 novel or the musical and film that it later inspired. Situated underneath the immensely popular and jaw-dropping Paris Garnier Opera House (which is well worth a visit in its own right), it’s surprising that not too many venture down here for a sneak peek at its creepy lower levels. Luckily you can visit this haunted basement without too much risk of bumping into the half-faced phantom.

  1. Dry-off at ‘Pep’s Maison’

 If you happen to get caught in a spring shower in Paris then don’t worry, I have just the place for you. Although an umbrella shop doesn’t seem like the perfect stop on a holiday, this place is a little different. Located on nostalgically beautiful Passage de l’Ancre, Pep’s Maison has been in business since the 1960’s, hand-crafting and selling remade umbrellas. With its charm and one-of-a-kind creations, a visit to Pep’s Maison is a truly unique Parisian adventure!

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Le passage de l’Ancre, considéré comme plus vieux passage de Paris, possède aussi une triste histoire, celle de la Rafle du Vel d’Hiv’. Dans les années 30, de nombreux artisans de la confection juifs s’y installent pour exercer leur métier. Malheureusement, entre le 16 et le 17 juillet 1942, la rafle du Vel d’Hiv, considérée comme l’arrestation la plus massive de juifs réalisée en France pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale, passe par le passage. La grande partie des habitants sont emmenés, faisant partie des 13 000 hommes, femmes et enfants emportés vers la mort. Le passage est alors laissé à l’abandon pendant de nombreuses décennies. La rénovation du passage, en 1998, redonne vie à ce lieu plein de charme. La star du lieu est sans équivoque la boutique Pep’s, dernier réparateur de parapluie de Paris. Exerçant depuis 35 ans, la maison est répertoriée parmi les entreprises du patrimoine français. #pariscartepostale #parismaville #paris_focus_on #iloveparis #parisidfculture #parisgram #seulementparis #vivreparis #parisphoto #igersparis_select #loves_paris #igparis #ig_paris #paris #parishistorique #lateteenlair #parisien #parisienne #histoiredeparis #parisiloveyou #anousparis #igersparis #thisisparis #olympus #bonjour #secretsdeparis #passagedelancre

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  1. Dine at ‘Dans le Noir?’

 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat in complete darkness? Me neither! However, this experience in Paris is so unique that you literally couldn’t have made it up. It is so dark in here that not only can you not see the food on your plate, you can’t even see your hand in front of your face. However, make sure to take some clothes you don’t mind spilling onto and definitely lower you expectations for a potential insta (see below).

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WRITTEN BY :

Omaya Michelle

  • Eclectic soul
  • Staying Mindful
  • Ardently Artistic