10 unforgettable experiences in Paris

Introduction:

Hello, Paris!

Paris is the fashion capital of the world and home to some of the world's most beautiful works of art and architectures. But we won't talk about the grandeur today and save it for some other time. Instead, we will talk about the small packets of happy experiences that make Paris the city of love and a city to fall in love with.

1. Experiencing the pub culture of Paris around Quartier Pigalle:

Quartier Pigalle is known for being home to some of the famous cabarets in Paris, including Moulin Rouge. However, if you are not in for a cabaret show and only looking for a place to sit back and chill, this up and coming neighbourhood won't be disappointing you either. Get yourself a table, order your drink and enjoy the Paris night.

I personally liked the On The Road Pub, which was situated next to my hostel Le Village. Although this is not exactly in the Pigalle neighbourhood, it is in close proximity, a few minutes' walk from Anvers metro station. In spite of being lively, this area is not very loud and rather chilled.

Alternately, if you feel like socialising, join a pub crawl and make new friends while pub hopping.

Have a chilled evening with Rosé wine

2. Playing Pentaque/Boules in Canal de l'Ourcq:

Pentaque is a form of Boules. The first player throws the cochonnet (which translates to piglet), a small wooden ball. Next, the players take turns to throw the small steel balls standing behind a pre-defined line. The steel ball closest to the cochonnet wins the game.

Okay, so as it goes, I met these two fellow travellers during my last trip to Paris. One of them came up with the idea of doing something local and led us to this bar, BarOurcq, a few minutes' walk away from Laumière metro station. This bar, other than being cheaper than those in the tourist hotspots, offers its customers a chance to play Pentaque or Boules for free. We ordered a flask of Rosé wine. Upon finishing, we borrowed the game and headed to the sand stretches next to the canal for playing.

You must take a note, however, on this timings of the bar, which is only open in summer and spring:

• Wednesday and Thursday, 3pm to 12am
• Friday to Saturday, 3pm to 2am
• Sunday, 3pm to 10pm

Also, this bar does not take any advanced booking, hence try to go there early to avoid disappointment.

3. Snowfall in Paris:

To be fair, this is an exclusive winter experience, and no, I'm not talking about walking down the snow clad streets on a busy day, decked up in your favorite winter collection. The experience which I wish to share is about waking up early in the morning when the streets are still dark and quiet, and looking outside your hotel room to find tiny white flakes covering up the roofs; then rushing out of the hotel, excited and wrapped in whichever warm items came handy; standing in the middle of the street, hours past midnight, without a soul around: a snowfall experience to remember.

4. Pampering the sweet tooth inside with some savory desserts:

Among the first few things, which come to our minds talking about Paris, is patisserie. A trip to Paris is incomplete without patisserie hopping. Eclair, Creme Brulee, Madeleines, Macarons, Pastries and what not! The varieties and flavours are enough to give us the desire to indulge into those sinful extra calories and it really must not be resisted.

Time for some macarons

5. Eiffel tower lights after midnight:

Eiffel tower after sunset is one of the most sought after sights in Paris, especially the twinkling lights dancing along the four legs of the tower. The lights twinkle with an hourly interval and it continues for 5 minutes. However, the last show of the twinkling lights is just dreamy. The golden lights of the Eiffel tower go off at 12:55 am. It is then that the white lights twinkle one last time before the highly lit up area becomes completely dark. Bring a mat, grab yourself a place to sit on the grasses and enjoy the show.

Last show of twinkling nights

6. Enjoy a glass of Pastis at a local bar:

Pastis is an anise, or licorice flavoured French spirit or aperitif. Emerging 17 years after the ban on absinthe, it carries a similar taste but has a lot less alcohol content. It's a very popular drink in southern France, specially Provence and Marseilles.

A glass of Pastis

7. Try some fruits from the local fruit sellers:

As you explore the city, grab some fruits from the local fruit sellers and enjoy them on the go. Also, if you're on a budget trip, this could serve as an excellent, healthy and inexpensive meal as well.

A common fig

8. Visit the world's largest underground necropolis: Catacombs of Paris:

Remains of more than 6 million people rest in this huge ossuary built in a small part of the tunnel network built to consolidate Paris's ancient stone mines. This ossuary was created as part of the effort to eliminate the city's overflowing cemeteries. It extends south from the Barrière d’Enfer (literally, Gate of Hell) former city gate.

Please take a note here, do NOT play with, or vandalise the bones: they are real parts of deceased people and deserve the due respect.

Catacombs of Paris

9. Cruise the Seine river:

Many of us often wonder whether the Seine river cruise is worth it. Well, if you trust me, it is! Very much! I prefer the sunset or the post sunset cruise. Just board the boat, pick your glass of complimentary champagne, get to the open deck (or the closed cabin if you will) and enjoy the lit up cityscape.

You can get the tickets for the cruise from the counter at the bank of the river.

10. Bakery hopping:

Bakeries or boulangeries form a very crucial part of the French culture, thus making it an essential part of a trip to Paris. Croissants, Baguette, and all their different variants, with cheese, ham, chocolate, etc. are forever ready to treat your taste buds. In fact, so much is their significance in local culture, that if you're booking a hotel in Paris with breakfast option, chances are that you'll find some of these as a part of your breakfast.

Paris restaurants, morning croissants

11. Bonus experience: Hop on a public bus and enjoy the city views

I am always a fan of public buses wherever I go. They give you a lovely view around the city. Also, as chances are that you are surrounded by locals, you can get some insight into the local style of living.