The fastest, most economical way off the beaten path is on foot. Wander away from your hotel and explore the neighborhood. Be on the look out for a place where the locals seem to be congregating. If you're not sure if they are local, look at their feet. It's not a hard and fast rule, but it is unusual to see the French wandering around in athletic shoes. Once you've found an appropriate spot, pull up a chair, order a coffee or a light meal, and let the day idle away. Most cafes have an outdoor dining area, which makes for great people watching, but if you're on a budget standing inside at the bar is a better move as you'll generally be charged less for your order.
When you've finished your coffee, stroll though the neighborhood market and check out the offerings. If bargain shopping is your thing, you might want to head for the flea market at Marche aux Puces de Clignancourt de St-Ouen. Open Saturday through Monday, the markets contain more than 3,000 stalls selling everything from fine art to fashion. A favorite shopping stop for Parisians, the market opens at 8 a.m. and tends to be quite crowded by lunchtime, so plan on arriving early.
Marche aux Puces de Clignancourt
140 rue des Rosiers
Telephone: (011) + 33 01 40 12 32 58
parispuces.com/en/historique/Default.htm
While many tourists will make the trek to the top of the hill to marvel at the white Basilique du Sacré Cœur that towers over the city, most will miss the charms of the surrounding neighborhood of Montmartre. Known for housing any number of starving artists, struggling poets and drunken writers, the area is still popular with creative types. For those just passing through, it can be a source of cheap but well-done art or a source of colorful culture. Fans of the musical will appreciate a chance to snap a photo of the actual Moulin Rouge, while those who appreciate the work of Dumas and Degas can pay their respects at the Montmartre cemetery on avenue Rachel.
Basilique du Sacré Cœur
Pl. du Parvis-du-Sacré-Coeur, 18e
Telephone: (011) +33 01 53 41 89 00
sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/us/index.html
Moulin Rouge
82 boulevard de Clichy
Telephone: (011) +33 01 53 09 82 82
moulinrouge.fr/home-flash-fr.html
For an interesting twist on the standard museum, take a tour of the Catacombs of Paris. Located near the entrance of a Paris Metro station, the catacombs house the remains of nearly 6 million Parisians. The narrow walkways form a creepy labyrinth beneath the city streets, and visitors are greeted by intricate stacks of skulls and bones at every turn. Fans of the macabre will not be disappointed. Tours take about 45 minutes and are not recommended for small children or for those suffering from nervous disorders, as the stairs are steep, the atmosphere is chilling on several levels, and, of course, the area is believed to be haunted.
Catacombs of Paris
1, avenue of Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Telephone: (011) +33 01 43 22 47 63
catacombes-de-paris.fr/english.htm
