Off the beaten path

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:

A monumental project, the plaza and the buildings dubbed Les Colonnes (The Columns) were created by Spanish architect and city planner Ricardo Bofill. The Columns were inspired by classical Mediterranean architecture and the baroque period. The Greek-temple style colonnade blends with the futuristic mirrored-glass facades that overlook the gardens. A fountain - a slanted disk over which water flows - reigns over the plaza. A pity that it's often not working.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take the Metro to Denfert-Rochereau, and try not to get run over by the traffic.

Description:

Place Denfert-Rochereau, located at the intersection of Avenue du Général Leclerc, Boulevard Raspail, Boulevard Arago and Boulevard Saint-Jacques, is named after a colonel who led the French troops in defending the city of Belfort against Prussian attacks during the War of 1870. In the middle of the square sits a big bronze lion, a replica of the huge Lion de Belfort (Lion of Belfort) sculpted in 1880 by Auguste Bartholdi, father of the Statue of Liberty. The original work - a tribute to the French troops' courage - was carved directly into a mountainside in Belfort. The artist himself did the replica. A medallion representing Colonel Denfert-Rochereau was added to the lion's pedestal in the 1970s.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a truly Parisian place, for those seeking a genuine experience. If there's a crowd, you'll be sent to a neighborhood bar to have a drink, where you'll be called by telephone (the restaurant calls the bar…)

Description:

This little corner of nostalgia, recalling a France of villages and bistros, is situated in the Butte-aux-Cailles quarter, whose tiny streets seem to lie in a time warp. Here people say 'tu' to each other instead of the formal 'vous' and the atmosphere is informal and unpretentious. The décor has a retro feel with wooden chairs, nineteenth-century posters on the walls and an old-fashioned bar. The cuisine is equally traditional: Cassoulet (meat & bean stew), Magret de Canard (duck breast), Poire au Roquefort (pear with roquefort cheese). It's very popular with the locals.

Description:

Discretely situated in the 5th arrondissement, these Roman ruins are easy to miss. They're a great place to come, however, if you're looking for a bit of greenery and a breath of fresh air in a friendly neighborhood setting. The ruins were first unearthed in 1869, and have since been excavated and landscaped. Parts of the Roman amphitheatre are clearly visible - a testament to the Romans who founded the city of Lutetia, as Paris was first called. On weekends, expect to find families and loads of children running around. Or bring a book and a sandwich on a sunny weekday, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Description:

This institute was formed to enable cross-cultural understanding between the Arab nations and France. Established in 1980 with 18 Arab countries, the institute advocates the dissemination of knowledge and cultural customs as well as spiritual teachings in France. The focal point of the institute is to have a continuous cultural exchange between both countries. It is heartening to know that the Arab World Institute ranks among Paris' most-visited monuments and has been created by architect Jean Nouvel. One of the highlights of the building is the hall of pillars.

Description:

In this romantic city, over the Seine stands the 37th bridge of Paris. Named the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir after the French author and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir, this footbridge is located between the bridges Bercy and Tolbiac. It was opened to pedestrians and bicycles on July 13th 2006. The National Library of France François Mitterrand is directly accessible from this bridge.

Description:

This charming park, opened in 1867, is one of the many masterpieces of Baron Haussman, who shaped so much of modern Paris. The park is a popular city centre haven for nature lovers and walkers as well as families and sportsmen. The varied setting includes open lawns, trees, a lake and a hilltop 'temple' reached by a suspension bridge and offering splendid views. Don't forget to visit the famous grotto and waterfall. A miniature version of New York's Central Park in the heart of Paris!

Description:

This immense site, spread over three kilometres, is first and foremost a park to play and relax for children and parents alike. With its wooded islands, its canal across the lawns, transparent escalators and skate parks, this place is very popular on sunny Sundays. In this green universe, there is no limit to your imagination: Dragon Gardens, acrobatics, dunes, fog gardens, etc. If you linger for awhile in the Bamboo Garden you will be able to listen to the wind blowing in the trees and imagine you are in the deepest of jungles! Opposite the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, there is the Géode and its multi-faceted mirrors give the park an impression of infinity. Admission: free

Description:

A charming Catholic church in Passy/Bois de Boulogne.