Hidden Gems - Paris
Most people study in language schools to obviously learn or improve a language. However, a large part of the experience is to explore a new country/city and create memories for a lifetime.
Major tourist attractions like the Big Ben, Colosseum and Eiffel Tower are of course must sees, but if you are studying for more than a couple of weeks, you may run out of ideas of what to explore. This is why we have created a list of hidden gems - interesting sights to visit or things to do that's not known to the average tourist!
Each week, we'll write about a new destination, but we will only be focusing on major cities such as London, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Toronto and Los Angeles as those cities have more to offer.
Let's start with Paris - the city of romance!
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont:
This lovely park is located in the northeastern part of Paris. Here you can have a nice picnic or take a relaxing walk surrounded by green nature. In the area, you'll find artifical caves and waterfalls which makes the park unique for its location. The nearest metro stations to the park are Buttes Chaumont, Laumiere and Botzaris.
Catacombs of Paris:
This creepy but interesting underground cemetery is still not very known to the average tourist, but is becoming increasingly popular. It is illegal to visit any of the underground area by yourself, but parts of it are open to the public through guided tours.
During the late 17th century, there were no more space in the Parisian cemeteries so the decision was taken to create these underground tunnels as an alternative. It's estimated that around 6 million people have been buried there. Do you dare to go?
Denfert-Rochereau is the closest metro station to the catacombs.
The Arenes de Lutece:
This ancient arena is the oldest building in Paris. Initially, it was used as an entertainment area where gladiators were fighting wild animals. Circuses were also arranged to entertain the crowds.
Today, locals use it as a spot for having a picnic or just relaxing with a good book. It is truly a unique place to see, especially considering it's not far from central Paris.
The Montmartre Vineyard:
Vineyards are more commonly found in southern France, but there are actually vineyards in Paris. One of them is called The Montmartre Vineyard which is owned by the city of Paris. While it is closed to the public, you can still get a nice view from the outside. If you are visiting in October, make sure to attend their annual festival called, La Fête des Vendanges.
The festival is running for 5 days in which you have the chance to enter and sample different types of wine and dine in front of live music. Wine bottles are also auctioned off to collect money for charity.
The nearest underground station is, Lamarck-Caulaincourt station.
La Terrasse at the Hotel Raphael:
The view of the city of Paris as well as the Eiffel Tower is simply amazing from this hotel. The price of a drink or appetiser is on the higher end, and it can be difficult booking a table as this is a popular spot by locals. However, the magnificent view makes both the price and the patience of getting hold of a reservation worth it.
These are only a few of many hidden gems in Paris, but hopefully you will have a few more exciting options for your next trip!