The Best Non-Tourist Sites to See in Paris, France

Those seeking more of the cultural flavor of daily life in Paris discover that the best non-tourist sites to see are often not "off the beaten path," but rather adjacent to it. Strolling the Champs Elysée, viewing the majestic Arc de Triomphe, photographing the stately spire of the Eiffel Tower-such are the activities of tourists visiting the City of Light, Paris, France. Yet there is so much more to Paris.

The true heart of Paris lies not in these well-known and oft-visited sites, but in the side streets and nearby neighborhoods where travelers can partake of Paris in the manner of Parisians. For travelers who would enjoy this cultural immersion, here is a list of the ten best non-tourist sites to see in Paris, France.

Markets

Offering international foods, African spices and the vivid colors of the Caribbean, Marche Saint-Denis is an incomparable ethnic market with a good deal of French flavor. Open three days per week-with Sunday being the day favored by local shoppers-this feast for the senses is a "must-see" for those seeking a truly French cultural experience with international flair.

Marche Saint-Denis
92 Bis, Rue Gabriel Péri
93200 Saint Denis, France
011 (+33) 1 42 43 38 10

Likewise, another market filled with the joie de vivre found only in Paris is Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, locally known as Les Puces, or "The Fleas". Yes, it's a flea market-the most famous one in France, to be exact! To delight in French antiques, artifacts, art and souvenirs this is the place to be. Located at Porte de Clignancourt, Les Puces draws thousands of local residents. Why not join the crowd.

Association des puces
de Paris St Ouen
140 rue des Rosiers
93400 SAINT-OUEN
Tél: 01 40 12 32 58
www.parispuces.com/FR/

A third market not to be missed is the Bastille Market. Dating back to the 1400s, this open-air market in the 11^th arrondissement brims with the French specialties sought by countless Parisians seeking the finest goods at the best prices. Delectable olives, breads, pastries, jams and meats displayed appetizingly with fresh flowers and vegetables, fine wines and even handmade soaps make this truly one of the best non-tourist sites to see in Paris.

Rue Oberkampf

While in the 11^th arrondissement, a trip to the Rue Oberkampf, a somewhat trendy yet unprepossessing neighborhood, with its winding, narrow streets filled with bars and cafes, is sure to draw travelers with a yen for the nightlife. With happy hour being between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 in most bars, a light meal is available even in the early hours of the morning in this area of town.

Not merely a restaurant, Clown Bar, located at 114 rue Amelot (+33 1 43 55 87 35) is one such experience. Open from noon to three o'clock and again in the evening from seven until two in the morning, beautiful French décor with a circus theme is the backdrop for classic French cuisine. About 13.50 Euro will buy lunch and the dinner menu is about 18.50 Euro.

Then, indulge in the French tradition of cheese and wine. Offering a delightful selection of wines and more than 50 different sumptuous cheeses to accompany them, Gemi's, located at 9 rue Crussol (+33 1 43 57 08 64), is a lovely diversion. Average a la carte is 10 Euro and 15 Euro for a meal.

And those undeterred by the slightly worn surroundings and red plastic tablecloths will find authentic northern

French food at Le Trou Normand, located at 9 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, (+33 1 48 05 80 23). Savor both the cuisine and local ambiance as this restaurants fills with neighborhood customers. An entire meal for two from appetizer to dessert, with wine is about 50 Euro.

Other Attractions

With the palate still the focus, consider the opportunity to view wine production-up close and personal-and to imbibe genuine Parisian wine at the only winery in Paris, La Butte de Montmartre. And if your trip happens to occur in October, you may be in time to celebrate the grape harvest at an eponymous party.

La Commanderie du Clos Montmartre
9 bis, rue Norvins 75018 Paris
011 (+33) 1 44 92 5 34
commanderie-montmartre.com

Moving on to family entertainment, nothing beats a circus and Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione delivers all that enthralls. Magicians, acrobats, trapeze artists and, of course, clowns all converge in a tiny amphitheater that dates back more than 150 years. You'll find this building at 110 rue Amelot (01-47-00-1225).

And for a sample of French music in an acoustically wonderful setting, Le Bataclan is unmatched. Located at 50 Boulevard Voltaire (01.43.14.35.35), this theatre is a sure venue for French cultural events.

The final location on this list of the best non-tourist sites to see in Paris is unusual, indeed. Perhaps a collection of bones, stored underground might pique your interest. Created in 1785 when cemeteries were excavated to make way for new burials, The Catacombes de Paris (1 Place Denfert-Rochereau 01 43 22 47 63) has the remains of more than six million bodies arranged and displayed artistically in a series of tunnels. This is definitely not the Louvre!

Catacombs of Paris
1, avenue of Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
75014 Paris
01 43 22 47 63
catacombes-de-paris.fr

Touring, as a traveler with the sensibilities of a local, these ten best non-tourist sites in Paris, France are sure to intrigue.

Sources:

http://www.trails.com/list_7153_nontouristy-things-do-paris.html

http://www.travels.com/vacation-ideas/romantic/nontouristy-things-do-paris/

http://www.golflink.com/list_7232_nontouristy-things-do-paris.html

http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-a-walk-through-oberkampf.html

http://wikitravel.org/en/Paris/11th_arrondissement