Best of Paris' Hidden Gems -- Get Stuck in the Sewers

Our Local Expert Says:

This is not as stinky as you think it'll be, but don't wear your Sunday best.

Description:

The idea of visiting the sewers of a major city may not seem very appealing at first. Nevertheless, it is an original way to discover part of Paris foundations. With over two kilometres of galleries, the museum presents an exhibition about the city water system through a historical approach of the sewer's evolution. A display of machines and models illustrate the techniques used through the ages to deal with the water cycle. The museum also presents the way manpower was involved in its maintenance.

Description:

This underground museum, circled by black walls and enlightened in a very particuliar way, presents relatively little known sculptures and engravings of Salvador Dalí's late work. Espace Dalí is the only museum in France showcasing a permanent exhibition of the master of surrealism's work. Come here to discover the amazing bronzes illustrating some of the main masterpieces of western literature, like Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet and the Bible . Penetrate the intimate phantasmagoric universe of the artist, when strolling through the sculptures. Don't miss the Soft Watches or the Melting Snails, both dating from the 1970s and mirroring the artist's obsession for the fantastic and bizarre.

Description:

Situated to north-east of the capital, the Canal de l'Ourcq was built in the 19th century by Napoleon to provide Parisians with drinking water. Towards 1850, drinking water was found elsewhere and the canal network (which includes Saint-Martin and Saint-Denis) was then used to goods traffic. The 20th century saw the start of tourism and the emergence of pleasure boats on the canal. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy cruises, which depart from the Bassin de la Villette. It is recommended to book in advance.

Description:

The Diana Moreno-Bormann Circus is everything a circus should be - entertaining, thrilling, and traditional to the core! A family-run business in which all the members are actively involved, it's got trapeze-artists, tight-rope walkers, clowns, and performing animals that will thrill your little ones to bits! So what are you waiting for? Come along and join in the fun!

Description:

Le Réfectoire is the little sister of the restaurant La Famille. It is a fashionable, funky place with a designer décor. This restaurant has a school canteen feel to it. They serve certain food on certain days just like in canteens. The carte du jour offers chicken, fish and even snails innovatively cooked. Some of the meals you would find here are thin slices of veal set off by a rich licorice-flavored sauce, mince of duck, fresh fruit salads and desserts. The drinks are very affordable as well. On the whole a creative meal, which is not harsh on your pocket!

Description:

The name is derived from the nearby Viaduc des Arts (understand "Art viaduct"), which was restored some time ago and now hosts craft workshops. This café will provide you with the rest you need; it is a peaceful venue and an ideal one to sip a coffee or taste a beer. Jazz brunch is held every Sunday from noon to 4p. In the summer, it's nice to sit outside under the parasols.

Description:

This tiny bistro serves great food and wine. So if you want a taste of the local cuisine, Chez Grisette should be your destination. The menu includes authentic dishes such as, the Country Paté with green tomato marmalade and Baked Potato with garlic pepper cheese. The place serves dinner from Tuesday to Friday only. Lunch is served only on Saturdays.

Description:

With so many tourist traps offering raclette, La Serpent qui Danse stands out, serving the traditional Savoyard dish properly. La Serpent Qui Danse seats just forty-two people, serving an ever-changing menu of specials. What really matters, though, is the raclette cheese, served on the traditional apparatus that melts the huge wedge just fast enough for diners to scrape it onto plates of unlimited potatoes, a choice of meat plates (or a vegetarian option), and bread, with a simple side of green salad. It helps that it's a deal of a price.

Description:

One of Paris' best art houses, the Cinéma des Cinéastes (Filmmakers' Cinema) regularly lands sneak previews and exclusive engagements of the best new foreign and avant-garde films. Unfortunately, this means the cinephile who hungers for more than just images will find no popcorn here. One muddles through, though, since the selection is impeccable and the frequent debates and lectures are always interesting.

Description:

The Cinémathèque française was founded in 1936 by Henri Langlois, a journalist, whose museum, the Musée du Cinéma Henri-Langlois, is immediately adjacent. It soon became a school for the young New Wave film makers and although today it no longer has a monopoly on classic films, it is still a stronghold of French cinema. Rare films are screened as well as retrospectives on particular filmmakers, actors or themes. Since it has moved in Bercy district, it's also home to Bibliothèque du Film, where masterpieces of the film industry are stored and restored.