Paris's Unusual Sights

Paris 's most famous flea market, "Le Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen", is also the world's largest. Located just outside Paris proper, this flea market is located near Porte Saint-Ouen and is pretty tourist-friendly. With wares ranging from high-end French art to fine antiques, this flea market is one where bargains are hard to find (but the merchandise is quite nice). Visit on Sunday mornings for the fewest crowds.

Visit the Fourth Arrondissement along Rue St. Paul for an excellent, smaller flea market. As eclectic as the men and women who are acting as vendors, these shops have items that range from "one man's trash is another's treasure" to fine antiques. The best time to go is usually Saturday morning, as early as possible, to avoid crowds .

Paris's Statue of Liberty

Americans are familiar with New York City 's Statue of Liberty, but many may not be aware that this monument was a gift from France to the United States . Two Statues of Liberty can be found in Paris : one is located in the middle of the Seine River (on the Ile aux Cygnes island), just west of the Eiffel Tower . Another one that is smaller and harder to find is located in the Luxembourg Gardens .

La Defense

Many tourists are probably only familiar with La Defense because it is a stop on the Metro (subway) map. La Defense was developed in the 1960s as a business district, and though it is technically located outside of Paris , it is close enough to visit to be worthwhile. Plan on staying only long enough to admire the strange and cubist "la Grande Arche" and the strikingly tall and un-Parisian buildings. For a nice view of the area, you can go inside and to the top of the arch.

Musee du Vin (WineMuseum)

Does anyone go to France to stay away from wine? With that spirit in mind, visit Paris 's Musee du Vin. Located very close to the Eiffel Tower , this museum is close to many popular spots, but seldom discovered by tourists. Though the museum itself may be, pardon the pun, a bit "dry" for some visitors, the museum also hosts lots of educational opportunities like wine tastings and seminars. In addition, a restaurant is adjacent to the museum and provides moderately priced food (paired with wine, of course).

Paris's Sewer System

Before you judge this last suggestion, remember that these are "off the beaten path" ideas! Though it is probably not Paris 's #1 tourist activity, it may be the most memorable for those who do visit and it doesn't smell as bad as one might think. In order to fully appreciate your surroundings, be part of a tour (in your language). You may tour the sewers on your own, but without knowing the history behind the area, it may not be as interesting. Tours leave from the Museum of the Sewers of Paris (Musee des Egouts de Paris) near the Place de la Resistance.

Resources:

Flea Markets: http://www.parisperfect.com/paris-flea-markets.php

Paris's Statue of Liberty: http://www.museeduvinparis.com/en/

La Defense: http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/defense.htm

Paris Wine Museum: http://www.museeduvinparis.com/en/

Paris Sewer Museum: http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/articles/paris-sewers-museum.htm

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Paris in 48 Hours