Exploring the unseen Paris
PARIS
is an experience you need to live once in your life. It is a treasure trove of wonders many of which hitherto lie unexplored. No matter what happens to the rest of the world, this city will remain unbeatable in its beauty and charm for many more centuries to come. Know how to get a hang of everything Parisian here.
A visit to Paris is reminiscent with the usual Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe or the very picturesque French Riviera. Not many know there are unknown hidden spots scattered all over le ville des lumières. While penning his memoirs on Paris in the Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway described how Paris is a moveable feast in these lines — If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.
Undoubtedly, Paris is a moveable feast indeed. The Parisian experience never ceases to exist even long after you have come back from your visit to the city. Paris has to be lived like an experience, you cannot be at rush while in Paris. Savour each step of your trip in the French capital as there are more wonders hidden in the city than you can ever imagine. Those who have a penchant for visiting unusual tourist sights need to read till the end.
Create your own little adventure trip around the most beautiful city of the French Republic with these top 10 secret spots that you can explore on your next trip to Paris.
Stairs of the Basilica Sacré Coeur
The Basilica of Sacré Coeur is often referred to as the sacred heart of Jesus Christ. Monmarte’s proud possession, the Sacré Coeur is a beauty chiselled from travertine stone. The front courts allow a grand panoramic view of the entire city. The way upto the basilica is lined with an astonishing number of stairs — 270. You have to be at leisure to enjoy Paris to the fullest. So why not climb your way up to reach the basilica and then savour the 360 degree vista from there.
A macaron experience
Paris is the macaron capital of the world. These sweet decadent melt-in-your-mouth roundels will sweep you off your feet. La Macaron Ladurée makes the best macarons in the city. The 1862 bakery sells more than 10,000 of the double-decker versions of the desert. La Maison du Chocolat is another great place to explore these tasty treats.
The covered arcades of Paris
Paris never ceases to surprise you. The beautiful covered passages running across the city are a wonderful way to explore the city on foot. Some like the Passage des Panoramas are long and wide and are lined with a variety of shops, while some like Passage du Caire are narrower and yet they give you ample of time to enjoy Paris in its full charm at your own pace. Galerie de Vivienne is the fanciest of the lot. And then there are some secret uncovered ones like the small and unusual private passage called Le passage de L’Ancre.
The markets of Paris
Head to the markets of Paris to get the best food, fashion antiques and other collectibles. Le Marché d’Aligre is the cheapest market of the city and has everything from clothing to flea purchases. Marché du livre ancien et d’occasion is good for buying books. Marché aux Puces de StOuen is the best flea market of its kind. Marché de Bastille and la Rue Montorgueil boast of the best food stores in the city.
Flame of Liberty
A symbol of American and French friendship, the Flame of Liberty is a gift of thanks to the French businesses that completed restoration work at the Statue of Liberty. The flame is also a famous memorial sight for Princess Diana as it rests on Place D’Alma the sight of the accident where Diana and Dodi were killed in a car crash.