Off the Postcard Track
Have you basked to your heart's content in sights like The Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Champs-Élysées? Looking to see something unexpected in the City of Light? You're in luck. While Paris remains the world's single most-visited city-- 26 million tourists strong in 2005-- there are plenty of nooks awaiting those willing to venture off the postcard track. The semi-secret Paris neighborhoods below are so well-loved by Parisians, there may even be some reluctance to share!
1. The Canal Saint-Martin Neighborhood
With its footbridges arching gracefully over a canal that feeds into the Seine River, the Canal Saint Martin area offers equal parts greenery, lyricism, and urban grit. Don't miss the Canal Saint-Martin for activities like strolling, picnics, offbeat shopping, and scenic biking.
This unusually relaxed corner of Northeastern Paris is a hotspot for fashion-conscious bohos and parents in search of a little repose. It has also made famous appearances in movies like Amélie and Hôtel du Nord.
2. The Rue Montorgueil Neighborhood
©2007 Courtney Traub.
3. La Butte aux Cailles
© 2006 Agnès Durvin.
Nestled between Montparnasse and Chinatown on the left bank is a hilly, well-hidden quarter whose narrow, winding streets, tiny houses, and art nouveau architecture recall a Paris of another era. La Butte aux Cailles is one of Paris' best-kept secrets, and for good reason. It is one of the only Paris neighborhoods where chain stores have not set up shop and where you can stumble on ivy-covered art deco townhouses. Come explore the Butte aux Cailles for gorgeous ambling, convivial dining and drinking.
