The city of love is known for its incredible landmarks, thriving art scene, gourmet food and emotional poetry. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees, are must sees for every first time visitor.
But what if you want to get more out of your city trip? Well.. Here are some alternative spots that will definitely make your Paris trip unique!
1. 59 Rivoli
In 1999, this abandoned building at 59 Rue de Rivoli became a breeding place for young artists. The area flourished with a collective of talented people.
There were many bans and threats from the city government, but the artists took over the building and turned it into a full work of art.
There are 20 permanent artists and 10 temporary residence artists for 3-6 months. A range of incredible musicians perform every weekend.
Also, the building is filled with tiny boutiques and adorable shoe shops.
Located at Rue de Rivoli, 59 Rivoli is open 6 days a week to the public, free of charge. When visiting 59 Rivoli, you truly experience the rising movement of young people challenging what is considered art!
2. Port St. Ouen Flea Market
This protected urban architecture landscape zone has cultural significance and is a special place in many local’s hearts. There are over 1700 shop owners who sell their goods here.
The market is nicknamed ‘les puces’ which translates to ‘the fleas’. If you are interested in authentic and unique items, this is the best place in Paris to go.
Les puces is the only place where you can find antique chandeliers, vintage haute couture, vinyl, modern & antique art, Gucci knock-offs and dinosaur skulls all in the same area.
The market is organized into different sub-markets, such as Antica, Biron, Cambo, Dauphine, Django Reinhardt, Jules Valles, le Passage, Malassis, Malik, l’Entrepot, Paul Bert Serpette, des Rues et brocantes, l’Usine & Lecuyer and Vernaison.
Yes, that’s a lot of names. Luckily, there are maps available for the different sections of the market.
The market is free to the public, with opening days of Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
3. Dans le Noir?
“Dining in absolute darkness, being hosted and served by the visually impaired, will change your perspective of the world by inverting your point of view. It is a sensory experience that awakes your senses and enables you to completely re-evaluate your perception of taste and smell.”
This is the motto of Dans le Noir? The unusual restaurant located at the middle of the city lets you experience eating by using all your senses except your sight.
Is it only for broadening your perception? No, it’s also about having fun. It is a social event that allows everyone to feel a little bit more open. Without being looked at, diners can say whatever they like and laugh a lot!
Bon appetit!
4. Showcase
Have you ever wanted to party under a bridge in Paris? Under the famous Pont Alexandre III at the Seine’s bank, music goes off as the DJs play and the atmosphere is electric.
The disused boathouse was converted into a nightclub. The architecture inside is quite nice with old stone arches that standout.
Many nightclubs are quite small and tight to fit in with so many people. But Showcase has a lot of space and air flowing through it!
Determine the type of crowd by selecting the DJ who’s playing. The line-up at Showcase is usually in the genres of electronic music, house music and techno, but many famous artists also perform from time to time.
If you want to explore the local underground scene of Paris, be sure to stop by the Showcase, open from Tuesday to Saturday!
5. Moonshiner
This bar is so underground, it is hard to find!
Once entering the Pizza da Vito, you have to walk to the back and push past the walk-in fridge. The fridge filled with beer and meats is the entrance to this elegant, jazzy and creative bar.
The drink menu includes a lot of whiskey and mezcal, often with a seasonal punch. The bartenders are known for their warm and friendly behaviour. And the interior of the bar is retro with dim lighting, copper metal plating and some reformed wood.
The atmosphere is like an old Paris bar that you would stumble into after midnight while wandering around. Locals love the Moonshiner; ask one in the bar and they might just tell you their fascinating stories about the place.
