If you are planning a trip to Paris, I am sure you have a “must-see” list that includes the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur church, Musee d’Orsay, the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the Jardin du Luxembourg. These are great places and people enjoy them. But if you are the adventurous kind that want to experience Paris in all its glory, here are a few places that are a must see:
1 – The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Quen market, better known as the Paris flea market, is a must. Especially for the vintage lover interested in unique mementos, it is in every single way adventurous, surprising, unforgettable, delightful as well as an unforeseen gratification. The flea market covers around three thousand merchants in a seven hectare area. In a weekend, the flea market welcomes 180,000 guests. It is no doubt, the biggest flea market in the world. The articles sold in this bazaar range from the sublime all the way to the bizarre. On any given day, the vintage shopper can find a vanity table from the 1800s or a telescope from the British Royal Navy from 1895 in mint condition. Perhaps the treasure may be a little shocking like a dissected cat body with the head of a duck. Or it may be a Mexican charro along with copies of Frida Khalo’s self portrait. No matter what the taste of the vintage lover is, the flea market promises not to disappoint.
2- The Paris Opera Ballet is definitely a must see because it is the oldest national ballet company in the world. Any performance that you see will be unforgettable. But besides an amazing performance, if you want to experience ballet as Parisians do, you must go because there are a couple of things that you will observe they do when they go to the Paris Opera Ballet:
a- At intermission, everybody leaves their seat and gather around the bar area. They buy a glass of wine and then they bring out of their bags sandwiches, cheese, fruit and desserts; and spread them on the tables to share with friends and significant others and even strangers. It’s almost like you are having a picnic at the Paris Opera House.
b – At the end of the performance, Parisians may not do standing ovation, not even when the performance was superb. What they do instead is applaud in unison in a nice rhythm for as long as they can to show their appreciation.
3- Le Cordon Bleu, need I say more? If you are the adventurous kind in the kitchen and dream of learning how to make your favorite french pastry or dish, look no further. Le Cordon Bleu offers special workshops to the public where you learn from renown chefs. This event is not only a learning experience but a lifetime keepsake since you will get a certificate of completion at the end of the class, an achievement that you are part of those few who have been trained by the best.
Include these activities in your visit to Paris and you will not only come back home adventure-satisfied but also an explorer for being a Parisian connoisseur.
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