7 Reasons Parisians Think You’re Missing the Real Paris

Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower and baguettes. To experience the City of Light, you must dive into the local culture and hidden gems. As Pierre, a lifelong Parisian, told me, “The real Paris lives in the quiet corners and vibrant neighborhoods tourists often miss.

Some of the best Paris experiences include climbing the Arc de Triomphe, taking a food tour of Le Marais, and exploring the sprawling Bois de Vincennes park. These spots offer a mix of iconic sights and local flavors that capture the essence of Paris. Marie, a tour guide I chatted with, said, “I love showing visitors the catacombs – it’s a spooky but fascinating slice of Parisian history most people don’t know about!”

Don’t forget to wander the charming streets of Montmartre or Saint Germain. Grab a coffee at a sidewalk cafe, browse quirky bookshops, and people-watch to your heart’s content.

That’s how you’ll stumble upon those magical Parisian moments that stick with you long after your trip ends. As my friend Sophie likes to say, “The best Paris experiences are the ones you find by accident!”

Reasons Parisians Think You’re Missing the Real Paris

1. Skip the Eiffel Tower

Want to experience the real Paris? Forget the tour Eiffel! As local tour guide Marie says, “The Tower is nice, but it’s not the heart of Paris.”

Instead, try these hidden gems:

• Wander the charming streets of Montmartre
• Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens
• Explore the quirky Père Lachaise Cemetery

“For the best views, head to Montparnasse Tower,” suggests Pierre, a lifelong Parisian. “No lines, and you can in fact see the Eiffel Tower in your photos!”

If you must visit, book ahead online. But why bother? Paris has so much more to offer! Grab a croissant, find a cozy cafe, and watch the world go by. That’s the true Parisian way.

“My favorite thing is just sitting by the Seine with a bottle of wine,” says Sophie, an artist. “No ticket required!”

So ditch the crowds and discover the city’s hidden charms. You’ll leave with memories far more special than a selfie stick photo.

2. Try a Local Boulangerie

Nothing says “Paris” like the heavenly smell of fresh bread wafting from a neighborhood boulangerie. These small bakeries are the heart and soul of Parisian food culture.

“The boulangerie is where we start our day,” says Marie, a lifelong Parisian. “A warm croissant and espresso is the perfect petit déjeuner.”

Pop into a local shop early in the morning to snag a crusty baguette straight from the oven. The best ones have a crisp exterior that crackles when you squeeze it.

For a sweet treat, try a pain au chocolat or buttery croissant. Many boulangeries also offer sandwiches at lunchtime – grab one for a picnic in the park.

Some top spots to check out:

• Du Pain et des Idées (10th arr.) – Known for amazing bread and pastries
• Boulangerie Utopie (11th arr.) – Creative flavors and beautiful designs
• Maison Landemaine (multiple locations) – Classic French baked goods

“Don’t be shy to point and smile if you don’t speak French,” advises Pierre, a baker. “We love sharing our passion with visitors.”

Remember to have some coins handy. Many small boulangeries are cash-only. Bon appétit!

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3. Discover a Hidden Courtyard

Paris is full of secrets, and I’m about to let you in on one of my favorites! Tucked away in the 11ème arrondissement is a magical little spot called Cité du Figuier. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale!

“This place is our little oasis,” whispers Marie, a long-time resident. “Tourists never find it!”

To get there, wander down rue Oberkampf until you spot a narrow passageway. Duck inside and – voilà! You’re in another world.

Colorful buildings surround you, draped in lush greenery. Flowers spill from window boxes, and yes, there are fig trees! (Hence the name.)

Keep your eyes peeled for quirky details:

• Whimsical sculptures
• Vintage signs
• Artsy murals

It’s quiet here, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. Perfect for a moment of peace or a picnic lunch.

“Sometimes I bring my sketchbook,” says local artist Antoine. “The light is just magical.”

Fair warning: Cité du Figuier is a residential area, so be respectful. Do not use loud voices or peek in windows! Just soak in the atmosphere and pretend you’re a Parisian in the know.

4. Explore Canal Saint-Martin

Want to see the real Paris? Head to Canal Saint-Martin! This hidden gem is where locals hang out. It’s a 4.5 km long waterway with iron des ponts and tree-lined banks.

“The canal is my favorite spot to relax on summer evenings,” says Marie, a lifelong Parisian. “We bring wine and cheese and watch the sunset.”

Along the canal, you’ll find hip cafes and quirky boutiques. Stop by Chez Prune for a coffee or picnic from Du Pain et des Idées bakery.

Don’t miss the street art! Colorful murals decorate buildings near the water. It’s like an outdoor gallery.

Feeling adventurous? Take a boat tour through the canal’s locks. Or rent a bike and cruise along the banks. At night, the area comes alive with buzzing bars and music venues. Le Point Ephémère hosts indie concerts in an old fire station.

“It’s not touristy here,” explains local artist Jean. “You get to see how we live and have fun in Paris.” So ditch the Eiffel Tower crowds and come chill by the canal. It’s the perfect place to soak up Parisian vibes!

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5. Join a Local Festival

Want to feel like a true Parisian? Dive into one of the city’s vibrant festivals! These lively events showcase the heart and soul of Paris.

Summer brings the Paris-Plages when the Seine transforms into a beach paradise. “It’s magical to see the riverbanks come alive,” says Marie, a lifelong Parisian. “We all become kids again, building sandcastles and sipping rosé.”

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Fête de la Musique on June 21st. Streets burst with free concerts of every genre imaginable. Rock, jazz, classical – you name it!

For film buffs, the outdoor cinema at La Villette is a must. Pack a picnic and watch movies under the stars. It’s a beloved local tradition.

Foodies, mark your calendars for October’s Salon du Chocolat. Indulge in heavenly cocoa creations and watch jaw-dropping chocolate fashion shows. Yes, really!

Art enthusiasts will adore Nuit Blanche in early October. Museums and galleries stay open all night and feature mind-bending installations.

Tip: Check local event calendars to find smaller neighborhood festivals, too. They’re often the most authentic experiences!

6. Experience a Dive Bar

Want to feel like a real Parisian? Skip the fancy cocktail lounges and head to a dive bar instead. These no-frills spots are where locals go to unwind after work.

“The best nights out in Paris happen at dive bars,” says Antoine, a bartender I met. “That’s where you’ll find the city’s true spirit.”

Some top picks:

• Au Petit Garage (11th arr.): Rock ‘n’ roll vibes and cheap beer
• La Cagnotte (20th arr.): Cozy spot to chat with locals
• Le Baron Rouge (12th arr.): Tiny wine bar with great cheap vino

Don’t expect anything fancy. These places are small, smoky, and a bit grungy. But that’s part of the charm!

Order a pression (draft beer) or pichet of house wine. Strike up a conversation with the regulars. You might make some new friends.

“At dive bars, we’re all equal,” laughs Sophie, a local I met. “Rich, poor, Parisian, tourist – none matters after a few drinks!”

Just remember: Cash is king at these spots. And don’t expect anyone to speak English. But isn’t that part of the fun?

So ditch the guidebook and follow the locals. You never know what characters you’ll meet or memories you’ll make at a Parisian dive bar!

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7. Picnic in a Paris Park

Want to feel like a true Parisian? Grab a baguette and head to one of the city’s gorgeous parks for a picnic! It’s a beloved local tradition.

“There’s nothing more Parisian than spreading out a blanket and enjoying some cheese and wine in the park,” says Marie, a lifelong resident. “It’s how we relax on summer evenings.”

Some top picnic spots:

• Champ de Mars: Awesome Eiffel Tower views
• Jardin du Luxembourg: People-watching paradise
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Hidden gem with follies and hills

Don’t forget the essentials:

• Fresh baguette (still warm if you’re lucky!)
• Cheese assortment
• Charcuteries
• Fruit
• Wine (but be discreet)
• Blanket or towel

Pro tip: Stop by a local market to grab supplies. The vendors love helping tourists put together the perfect picnic spread.

“Just please don’t feed the pigeons,” laughs Pierre, a park maintenance worker. “They’re chubby enough already!”

So channel your inner Parisian, find a shady spot, and enjoy a leisurely outdoor feast. It’s the perfect way to soak in the city’s laid-back charm.

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