When you think of Paris, common destinations come to mind: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. But there are other amazing places in Paris that tourists often overlook. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Paris, you'll want to check out these five underrated destinations.
1. Le Marais
Although it's only been around for a few hundred years, Le Marais has a long and rich history. Once the home of French nobility, the neighborhood was later taken over by immigrants, artists, and students, and today it is one of the trendiest areas in Paris. If you're looking to experience some of the city's most historical sites and enjoy the chic nightlife, Le Marais is the place for you. Here's what you need to know about this fascinating neighborhood.
The history of Le Marais can be traced back to medieval times when it was first developed as a swampy hunting ground for French nobility. In the 1600s, several grandiose homes were built in the area for members of the aristocracy. However, by the time the French Revolution rolled around in 1789, many of these nobles had lost their wealth and were forced to sell their properties.
Le Marais then became home to a large community of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. This is reflected in its many kosher restaurants, bakeries, and historic synagogues. The neighborhood has undergone yet another transformation in recent years as artists and students have moved in, attracted by its central location and relatively affordable rents.
Today, Le Marais is one of the most popular areas in Paris thanks to its bohemian vibe, charming architecture, and abundance of art galleries and trendy bars. Some must-see sights include the Pompidou Center, Hotel de Ville, Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, and Centre National de la Photographie.
Whether you're interested in French history or simply want to enjoy a good meal and people-watch in one of Paris' most fashionable neighborhoods, Le Marais should definitely be on your list. With its mix of old and new architecture, vibrant nightlife scene, and an array of cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in this storied district.
2. The Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is one of the most storied neighborhoods in Paris. It's home to some of the city's oldest universities and has been a hotbed of intellectual activity for centuries. If you're planning a trip to Paris, you definitely need to add the Latin Quarter to your itinerary. Here's a brief history of the area and some of the things you can see when you're there.
The Latin Quarter got its name from the fact that Latin was the language of scholars during the Middle Ages. Many of the neighborhood's churches and universities were founded in that era, including the world-renowned Sorbonne University. The area really came into its own during the Renaissance, when it became a hub for writers, artists, and philosophers. Notable residents of the Latin Quarter have included Voltaire, Rousseau, Balzac, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald.
Today, the Latin Quarter is still home to many of Paris' most famous landmarks. The Sorbonne University is still there, along with the Pantheon (where many of France's most celebrated citizens are buried) and St. Sulpice Church (featured prominently in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code"). The neighborhood is also full of charming cafes and boutique shops.
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Latin Quarter. This historic neighborhood has been home to some of France's most famous writers, artists, and philosophers over the centuries. Today, it's still full of iconic landmarks and charming cafes. So, whether you're interested in history or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of Paris' most beautiful neighborhoods, be sure to add the Latin Quarter to your itinerary.
3. The Opera District
The Opera district in Paris is home to some of the most famous opera houses in the world, as well as a number of other historical landmarks. If you're planning a trip to Paris, add the Opera district to your must-see list! In this blog post, we'll give you a brief overview of the history of the Opera district and some of the best things to see and do while you're there.
The Opera district got its start in the 17th century when King Louis XIV ordered the construction of an opera house along with a number of other buildings in the area. The opera house was completed in 1672 and quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Paris. Today, the Opera district is home to three different opera houses, as well as a number of other historical landmarks.
If you're interested in seeing an opera while you're in Paris, be sure to purchase tickets in advance for one of the three opera houses in the district: The Palais Garnier, The Opéra Bastille, or The Opéra Comique. If operas aren't really your thing, don't worry - there's still plenty to see and do in the Opera district! We recommend taking a walking tour of the area to see some of the most famous landmarks, such as The Palais Garnier, The Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Opera district in Paris is full of history and culture. Whether you're interested in seeing an opera or simply want to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Paris, add the Opera district to your list!