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What to do in Paris when you’ve done it all before

Writer's picture: Monika ThompsonMonika Thompson


Paris is always a good idea. Oui. The elegance, the beauty, the style.

She’s everyone’s favourite v sexy gal pal. 

But having been there several times before, I wanted to see the city of lights, in a new light.


I’m certainly not discounting the big ticket items, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must, no matter how many times one visits Paris. And to that point, no one can ever complete The Louvre in just one day.


And if you are wanting to tick off all the biggies – this Paris City Pass is the perfect way to do that. It includes a three-day metro pass, discounts to amazing attractions and even an airport shuttle! 


But…once you’ve jardined, cathedralled and macarooned till your heart’s content – here are some things you can do that are off the beaten track.


Stay in a new area

Pick a different neighbourhood to stay in so that you can experience a new angle of French local cool.

By staying in a new arrondissement you’ll see a new part of Paris. Discover new cafes, bars, and shops. The vibe will be different and we all know how a vibe can make or break a trip.


street-marais-paris-france

We got a super cute Airbnb, right in the heart of Le Marais. Spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements it is one of Paris’ most intriguing neighbourhoods. 


Dripping in old-world elegance, it’s full of cobblestone streets that wind through courtyards, galleries, and cafes where well-suited French men stand at the bar grabbing their morning espresso and croissant and musicians with all the time in the world enjoy their panache at 11 am.

If you can, for one meal, steer clear of French food (not easy I know) – head to L’As du Fallafel for a truly epic falafel. This place pulls the crowds, and I have to admit, after declaring this better be the best god-damn falafel I’ll ever eat because it was replacing what could have been an onion soup, steak tartare, or coq au vin, I was proven wrong. And with falafel like that, I didn’t mind one bit.


Anyway, here’s a cool neighbourhood guide you can check out after reading this post.


las du falafel


Eat fondue on Rue Mouffetard

Rue Mouffetard in the 5th arrondissement is home to the best street market in Paris. One of the oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, it’s often bustling with Parisians walking to get to the freshest produce around. It’s very regional – farmers come to the city from all over France to sell here.


Along the way, fromageries, wine shops, and scents of roast chicken grab your attention through the twisting little streets. It’s more working-class than upper-class, and the chefs and restauranteurs stand outside their establishments inviting you in with the promise of a hearty meal and wine to match. Several of those restaurants happen to be fondue and raclette specialists.


So you indulge because who doesn’t love the idea of dipping bread into warm, melted cheese? Wash it all down with a vin or two from Le Verre à Pied. A hole in the wall bar-a-vin. And if you still have room (aka dessert stomach) treat yourself to a crepe from one of the many creperies with a takeaway window.


fondue-rue moufettard
fondue in paris


Stroll along Canal Saint Martin

Hands up if you knew Paris has a canal. Yeah. Me neither. Crazy stuff. Set in the 18th Arr, The Canal Saint Martin is definitely something you don’t see in the guidebooks of Paris every day. The 4.5km canal links the Seine to the Basin de la Villette.


The vibe over here is considerably different. The hipsters have moved in. So you’ll see a lot of street art, mustaches, and general nonchalance. The bars, scattered all over the area, are almost divey, and a stark contrast to the brasseries of the inner arrondissements of Paris.


Point Éphémère and Chez Prune are two great spots to perch up with a glass of vino and a cigarette.  It’s Paris. Everyone does it here.


Or, if you prefer – take a bottle and a baguette and sit along the canal talking politics, philosophy, or other general Frenchy topics. 

Canal-Saint-Martin

Musée Picasso

If you’ve clocked the Louvre, d’Orsay, and Cluny head to the Picasso Museum, where you’ll find over 5,000 works by Picasso in the form of paintings, ceramics, metal, and wood that offer a unique view of his journey as an artist.


Although you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s not much variety when it comes to artists, there are works by the likes of Degas, Seurat, and Matisse – which were Picasso’s own. Plus Hôtel Salé, which houses the museum is in itself a stunning piece of architecture and is considered one of the finest historic buildings in Le Marais.


Just walk

A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life. -Thomas Jefferson

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. And clearly, I’m not the only one saying it (thanks, Jeffers) The best way to get to know any city is by walking it. This is how you’ll find all the hidden, enchanting bars and boutiques you’d have missed if your head was buried in a map.


We found some real gems whilst exploring Paree this way. Enjoyed the best onion soup I’ve ever had (except for yours, Dad), stumbled across a gorgeous rooftop bar, and purchased THE most amazing jumpsuit, all whilst licking our finger, pointing it up towards the sky, and setting off, en pied.


You’re in Paris, after all, so there’s no chance of getting bored. Embrace your spontaneous side, put on your chic-est outfit, get out there, and strut.


Paris
paris france


Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

If you hate the idea of a million people crowded on one hill overlooking the city but still want the views – head to Parc des Buttes rather than Sacre Cour.


Located in the 19th arr, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is the 5th largest green space in Paris. It features the Temple de la Sibylle, which is perched on a cliff overlooking a gorgeous little lake. If you’re looking for a leafy escape from the hustle and bustle, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is well worth a visit.



Do a Segway Tour of Paris

LOL. Just kidding. I’d never tell you to do a Segway tour, let alone one in the style capital of the world. 


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