Paris, “The City of Light,” is among the top visited cities in the world for its beauty, romance, rich history and culture. Over 2 million people proudly call this glamorous city their home. Paris, the capital of France, is also a world capital for its celebrated cuisine, art, music, and theater. While traditional Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are must-see spots for any trip to Paris, travelers should also look to immerse themselves into the everyday life and local tucked away treasures that the city has to offer.
Parc André Citroën
This park is a playful and postmodern version of the typical French formal garden. Designed by Gilles Clément, this green space is bursting with excitement and adventure. Within the park visitors will discover glass houses, computerized fountains, waterfalls, wilderness, and themed gardens that feature different colors and sounds. There is even a tethered helium balloon that presents visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Café de la Nouvelle Mairie
At Café de la Nouvelle Mairie, a quintessential Parisian ambiance is created. The stone walls and wooden floorboards foster a quaint atmosphere for students looking for a spot to study in between classes.
La Cinémathèque Française
Located in Frank Gehry’s outstanding cubist building, this theater has four large screens, a bookshop, a restaurant, and an exhibition space. For film buffs looking to learn about French cinema it is also home to the sublime Musée du Cinéma. The museum is a maze of shadowy rooms full of archaic film technology, taking you on a journey through the history of film from the 19th century to the present. This museum is a treasure chest of movie memorabilia, transporting visitors to a Paris of the past.
Maison des Arts de Créteil
There is no doubt that the Louvre is the most spectacular collection of art in Paris. But if you want to delve deeper into the Parisian art scene, you need to wander beyond the center of the city. Parisian suburbs have some of the best contemporary art in all of Europe. At the Maison des Arts de Créteil, there are over 300 performances a year ranging from theater and dance to music and digital art.
Jeremy Keith/Via Flickr
Le Bougainville
If you’re looking for a classic French bistro, this is it. Le Bougainville is extremely chic and has remained virtually unchanged since the 1950s. The décor is luxurious, but not fussy. On the menu, patrons can choose from a number of classic bistro dishes such as l’oeuf mayo (with house mayonnaise, a small potato salad and a few salad leaves), beef with fries, duck confit with mashed vegetable, or chocolate mousse. The cheeses are especially divine and are a must-have for any traveler in Paris.
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