In my many years of visiting Paris before I moved here, I always sought out fun ways to explore the city differently and to live memorable experiences, but it wasn’t always easy finding them.
So I thought I’d share a few of the gems I’ve come across in case you’re planning a trip to Paris soon.
The list below is varied in terms of focus, and some things are well-known while others are less so, but if there’s anything else I can help you with as you look for Paris ideas, put your questions in the comments et je vais faire de mon mieux ! (and I’ll do my best!) Au fait (by the way) this is just a partial list—I plan to add more.
Also, since food is such a huge part of enjoying an adventure in Paris, I thought I’d do a separate post on markets and food/wine shops and tours—do you like that idea? If so, leave me a little note s’il te plaît (please) as I am powered by encouragement ha!
OK let’s jump right in to some great ways to expand your fun in Paris! C’est parti !
And if you’d like to see these spots on a map, voilà ! The marvelous Monsieur B created one for you! Click on the map to get over to the interactive version.
Shopping in Paris’ Lovely Covered Passages
There is of course world-class shopping all over Paris, but if you’re looking for a truly historical Parisian shopping experience, explore the covered passages in Paris’ first and second arrondissements. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, homewares, artists’ ateliers, book and clothing stores, plus shops with more elegant souvenirs—all under cover, sometimes with beautiful glass ceilings.
In the Passage Vivienne for example, there’s even a fantastic little cocktail bar called Danico tucked away behind the Italian restaurant Daroco Bourse (but beware: the bar only opens at 6PM). Bref, les Passages are perfect any day, but a super option for a rainy morning or afternoon. Here are Monsieur B’s passages préférés, with Vero Dodat his number one.
Le Passage Couvert Palais Royal
Le Passage Vivienne
Le Passage Panorama
Le Passage Du Caire
Not-to-Miss Specialty Shops
Deyrolles. This is a 150-year-old taxidermy shop with a small, chic garden store on the ground floor. The building and the history are just incredible and they don’t kill any animals to make the taxidermy that is there now.
Mora. One of a number of really great cookware stores in Paris, and one of the oldest, too. A must-see for those who love la cuisine !
Museums with Personality
I’m talking outside the big names here, because the idea is to do something a little different. Any lover of Paris should start with Le Musée Carnavalet, the museum of the history of the city of Paris. From pre-historic times straight through the Revolution, La Belle Epoque and beyond, you can witness the evolution of Paris through maps, artifacts and interactive displays. And often in summer they open a glorious garden terrace with nibbles and cocktails.
After that, maybe add one of the following to your Paris program, as they’re all fascinating and unexpected.
Musée de la Vie Romantique. The Museum of Romantic Life and the Rose Bakery Tea Room. Possibly the most charming museum in Paris. Make sure to allow time to sit for coffee or a snack in the small garden.
Musée Gustave Moreau. The home-turned-museum dedicated to the works of Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau (1826–1898). I love that the artist planned the whole thing himself before he died!
Hotel de la Marine. The former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts. The whole space was recently restored and features stunning rooms and impressive interactive elements. It also boasts a gallery with changing exhibitions throughout the seasons. And there’s a very pretty restaurant/tea room in the courtyard.
Musée Rodin. The former home, jardin and atélier of one of France’s most innovative 19th-century artists and sculptors. Go on a beautiful day so you can fully appreciate the gardens.
Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts). One of the most unique museums in Paris, at once magical and mysterious, with plenty of Belle Epoque flourishes and nostalgic attractions, rides and games.
One-of-a-Kind Experiences in Paris
OK, the ideas in this section are not places. These are things you can do that are a bit out of the ordinary. I’ve done them all and absolutely loved them, so thought I’d share. If you plan to add one or more to your itinerary in Paris, I suggest reserving in advance, especially if you’ll be visiting the City of Lights during high season or during a period of vacances scolaires (school holidays), for example, as some experiences may not be available if the providers are on vacation.
Private Parisian Photo Shoot. There are a number of photographers offering packages, but I’ve done a lot of research and I’ve personally been really happy with the team at The Paris Photographer. Plenty of clear info on their website, you can book your preferred photographer, date and time, and they’ve really just thought things through to make it a great experience depending on what you want. Plus you end up with gorgeous shots of you in Paris—what’s better than that?
Private Tours of French Gardens, Museums and More. I was recently invited to an absolutely fabulous tour of le Musée d’Orsay with Susan Taylor Leduc of Picturesque Voyages, and I left feeling so inspired at all I had seen and learned. It’s just a whole other level of experiencing history and beauty in Paris and the surrounding areas. She offers many types of personalized visits, and she’s an expert not only in art but in landscape architecture and gardens as well.
Running Tour Through Paris. As a former marathoner, when I visit a place I love to run through the streets and just work in a little exercise while also getting a real feel for the environment. I’ve done several visits with Paris Running Tours and each was wonderful, tailored to my pace and designed to delight with quick stops for fun facts at monuments and other unique spots. Bonus for those looking to practice their French—I used it as a language lesson too, by just speaking in French to the group leader and learning running words to boost my vocab! (Example: la course à pied = running).
Cooking Classes in Paris. There are plenty of courses to be found for a great way to spend a few hours, but I’m going to recommend two that are outstanding. First, there’s Maison Fleuret which specializes in baking ateliers (workshops). We did an éclair workshop for Monsieur B’s anniversaire (birthday) and it was wonderful. Great teacher, very organized kitchen space, warm welcome, small group—and we came home with a box of goodies that we had made (and that turned out perfectly).
The second are the admittedly more glamorous wine and cooking workshops at L’Hôtel de la Marine, the not-to-miss museum just off the Place de la Concorde. It’s a partnership with the famed Cordon Bleu, and it’s divine if pricey.
Airbnb Experiences. This is more of a general tip, but I have found some really fun food tours and even a watercolor painting workshop in the Jardin du Luxembourg by just searching on Airbnb, typing in “Paris” and clicking “Experiences.” Just make sure to read the reviews of any experiences you’re considering, and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Big Events at the Porte de Versailles
In all my years of visiting Paris, before I moved here I had no idea the incredible range of cool expos that are going on all the time at the Porte de Versailles, a big parc d’expositions (convention center) in southern Paris (easily accessible by public transport). Maybe just check out their website when you’re planning a trip and see if anything piques your interest. Some of my faves so far:
Le Salon de l’Agriculture. French farm culture, hundreds of winemakers, prize-winning animals for the kids and all kinds of amazing food to taste and buy.
Wine Paris/Vinexpo. International wine and spirits convention with master classes, demos, and thousands of wines to taste, organized by country and region.
Le Salon du Made in France. Just every single thing that is made in France, served up with pride. From homewares, accessories and clothing to wine, spirits and food. So cool!
Intimate Paris Salles de Concerts (Concert Halls)
Of course you can see major artists in giant stadiums in France, but if you’re into a smaller, more truly Parisian scene, book a ticket at one of these two classics.
Lesser-known Green Spaces in Paris
Le Jardin de l’Hotel de Sully. A stunning hidden passage and garden off the (also beautiful) Place des Vosges (see Monsieur B’s map for exact location).
La Coulée Verte. A 4-kilometer raised walkway covered in plants and flowers—c’est magnifique for a peaceful Parisian stroll on a beautiful day.
Fun Annual Events for Your Paris Trip
La Journée du Patrimoine (French Heritage Day). This happens for two days over a weekend in September each year and it’s an incredible opportunity to visit spaces and places that are often normally closed to the public, like government buildings and historical buildings, for example.
La Fête de la Musique (Music Festival). This is an all-day and all-night absolutely marvelous celebration of music, and it’s literally everywhere. There are concerts, sure, but also just musicians, bands, groups, choirs—you name it—on street corners, in museums, in restaurants and cafés. Since it’s in June, normally the weather is fine and folks are outside. If you’re up for it, you can be out and about all night long.
Inside News and Getting Around
C’est la Grève. You may laugh, but this site lists all the planned and anticipated upcoming strikes so you can at least be aware. Je t’en prie ! (You’re welcome!)
Paris, Je t’aime. This is one of the official sites of the city of Paris and has lots of good info and ideas.
OK, let me know if you find this type of post interesting, and I’ll do more on different topics. I hope it helps you have an even better time than when you visit this beautiful city. See you in Paris…
Bon week-end les amis !
Karen
Hello Karen, Wonderful to find you here on Substack today!
Merci Karen, Fabulous