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Top 7 of the most curious places in Paris
Some Parisian locations that you cannot miss if you come to this magical place.
The city of Paris is one of the most beautiful and touristic cities in the world, with tourism landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, which are recognized worldwide; however, the city of Paris is much more than those places with the highest attendance.
Paris has several curious places, with a particular charm that deserves to be seen, where nature, human creations and historical places offer a unique variety.
7 curious places that you cannot miss in Paris
1. Place des Vosgues
The Place des Vosges is the oldest in Paris, built at the beginning of the 17th century, by order of Henry IV of Bourbon, and inaugurated in 1612, to celebrate the union between the little and future king of France, Louis III, with Anne of Habsburg.
The square became a European architectural landmark, with its arcades, its two-story buildings, the red color of its bricks, together with two protruding pavilions, that of the King and the Queen.
Within this square you can also see its central fountain and the equestrian statue of Louis XIII.
It was the first square in Europe built under the idea of planned urbanism, an idea that would change the architecture of the continent.
Today, the Place des Vosges is the beginning of the Marais district, which was distinguished by housing a large part of the Parisian elite, with its large mansions and palaces.
Those mansions and palaces are still standing, converted into important museums such as the Picasso Museum or the House of Victor Hugo, among others.
2. Arena of Lutetia
The ancient Romans were lovers of theater and combat, where gladiators were measured, sometimes fighting for their lives, or the arena was the place, where different animals fought each other; in Paris, the Arena of Lutetia was the perfect place to enjoy these Roman activities.
Today, the Arena of Lutetia has left behind the bloody battles of yesteryear, to become one of the most important Parisian entertainment venues in this area of the city.
The Arena of Lutetia is located in the so-called Latin Quarter, very close to the Place Monge metro station.
One of the essential visits, if you want to know the most curious places in Paris.
3. The house of the alchemist Nicolás Flamel
Nicolás Flamel is one of the most documented figures of his time, despite not belonging to the nobility, something very peculiar, in the history of those days.
At the beginning of 1400, Flamel and his wife built this building that can be visited in Paris, this construction being considered as the oldest house in the city.
This four-story house was intended, on its upper floors, to house poor people, with the condition that they pray an "Our Father" and an "Ave Maria". In this sense, the Flamel spouses were recognized for their philanthropy.
Nicolás Flamel, is considered a legendary character, since his fortune has been related to the alchemical discovery of the "Philosopher's Stone", which some considered had the power to change lead into gold; one of the most important quests of antiquity.
Whether or not Flamel was an alchemist is still a matter of debate for some researchers.
However, his works speak for themselves, and if we consider alchemy as a process of spiritual transmutation; we can see that Flamel was not so far from that "Philosopher's Stone", although not under its apparent physical connotation.
Today, you can see the beautiful façade of the Casa Flamel, which houses the restaurant called “Auberge Nicolas Flamel” inside. This building is considered a National Historical Monument.
4. Woods of Vincennes
The Bois de Vincennes, as it is known in Paris, is the largest green space in the city, with an area of almost a thousand hectares, where numerous important attractions are located.
The origin of these forests dates back to the 12th century, under the reign of Felipe II, who used these spaces for his hunting activities ; something very common among kings and one of Felipe II's favorite activities.
In the vicinity of this park, you can make some of the most recommended visits to do in Paris, especially if your visit to the capital of France is for two or five days, let's see what they are:
Parc Floral : the favorite area for children and families, with its miniature golf, slides, table tennis, along with its gardens that are a jewel of botany. In this area, many cultural events are also offered, most of them free.
Paris Zoo : with animals from five continents.
Château de Vincennes – One of the largest medieval castles in Europe.
5. Victor Hugo House
Near the Place des Vosges, in the prestigious Marais district, is the Maison Victor Hugo, where the writer of the novel "Les Miserables" lived for sixteen years, a true portrait of Parisian society in the first half of the century. XIX.
The museum, which works there, is divided into three parts, each set in the periods of his life.
What is most surprising about the museum are its decorations, mainly the ceiling, along with drawings by Victor Hugo, and its interesting furniture.
There is also a library in the vicinity of this building, which can be accessed by making an appointment.
6. The Catacombs of Paris
The catacombs are one of the places that keep the most history in Paris, and are found under the busiest floors in the entire city.
They are one of the most interesting tunnel systems in Europe, which were developed by the Romans, when they dedicated themselves to mining in this city.
In the 18th century, the catacombs were used as an ossuary, that is, the place where millions of bones are kept, coming from different cemeteries in France.
Currently, a good stretch of this underground system can be visited by buying a ticket with access to part of the ossuary, along with several of its tunnels, along a route of approximately 1.5 kilometres.
It is an experience like no other, and one of the best things to do in Paris, France.
7. Montparnasse Tower, the viewpoint of Paris
There are several viewpoints in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or Notre Dame, however, the Montparnasse viewpoint is one of the best in the city, since excellent views of the Eiffel Tower can be seen.
Montparnasse is a tower 210 meters high, making it the second tallest skyscraper in the country.
To access the best views of the city, you'll need to climb to the 59th floor of this tower.
These have been some curious places in Paris, a city full of art, impressive architecture, and many charming places; that go beyond the most visited tourist sites.
