Discover the Less-Trodden Paths of Paris: Local Experiences for the 2024 Olympics
Visiting Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics? Alongside the excitement of the games, explore these 10 lesser-known captivating sights, presented by Hosted Villas. Each offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, standing apart from the usual tourist attractions.
MUSÉE RODIN
In the heart of the city, the Musée Rodin is a peaceful haven celebrating the work of Auguste Rodin. Surrounded by lush gardens, you’ll find iconic sculptures like “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.”
CATACOMBS OF PARIS
Below Paris’s bustling streets, the Catacombs present a mysterious underground world. This historic labyrinth is the final resting place of millions, offering a unique perspective on Paris’s past. Built to consolidate Paris’s ancient stone quarries, the ossuary was created to eliminate the issues from the city’s overflowing cemeteries.
SAINTE-CHAPELLE
Nestled within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the royal chapel called Sainte-Chapelle is a marvel of Gothic architecture. Its magnificent stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of light and colour. Built in the middle of the 13th century by Louis IX, the future Saint Louis, the palace was built to hold the most prestigious relics of the Passion of Christ: the Crown of Thorns and the fragment of the True Cross. The chapel is adorned with 1,113 stained-glass windows, which tell a story of their own.
CANAL SAINT-MARTIN
Canal Saint-Martin is a local favourite, known for its tranquil pathways and picturesque footbridges. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax at a charming café along the water. The canal is beloved by tourists and Parisians alike, with cruise options and a unique treasure hunt every 10 to 15 years when the canal is drained and cleaned, unearthing the items that have been sitting at the bottom.
PROMENADE PLANTÉE
This elevated park, reminiscent of New York’s High Line, is a lush retreat above the city. The Promenade Plantée offers scenic walks amidst greenery and urban views.
LA PETITE CEINTURE
Seek out La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway line transformed into a green urban trail. It’s a perfect mix of nature and urban exploration.
PANTHÉON
Visit the neoclassical Panthéon, the final resting place of renowned French figures like Voltaire and Rousseau, and admire its architectural grandeur. The building was intended to be a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, Paris’s patron saint, whose relics were to be housed in the church, but amid the French Revolution, it was turned into a mausoleum.
MUSÉE DE LA CHASSE ET DE LA NATURE
Explore the relationship between hunting, nature and art at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, showcasing a unique array of artifacts.
MUSÉE DE LA MAGIE
In the Marais district, the Musée de la Magie invites you into a world of illusion and enchantment, a magical experience for all ages.
MARCHÉ AUX PUCES DE SAINT-OUEN
Open since 1870, the extensive market is a paradise for treasure seekers, filled with antiques and unique items for every budget and taste.