Paris has often been called the capital of Europe mainly because of what it managed to offer from the 17th to the 19th century. Aside from monuments and museums you may already know, here are 5 things you cannot miss if you have planned a weekend in the French capital.
The Batignolles district
Located in the former train station is the Batignolles district that stretches between Rue Cardinet, Place Charles Fillon and Rue de Rome and can be reached by Metro line 13. Built in the year 2007 on 6.5 hectares, it reached a size of 10 hectares in 2020. This beautiful park by the way is eco-friendly, has a natural and family style based on 3 themes: sports, seasons and water. In fact, the park is embellished by its many water sources and many flowers that color the landscape making it much more striking, refined, and sometimes even fairy-like. The sports theme, on the other hand is based on specially designed playgrounds for people of all ages, including children. The Batignolles neighborhood will charm you with its small village style that offers a natural and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to Martin Luther King Park which is just a short walk away, however, not to be missed is the Square des Batignolles i.e. an oasis of peace where you can relax in the shade of the trees and lulled by the sound of the adjacent stream.
The Montmartre district
One of the most bohemian neighborhoods in Paris is Montmartre known for its cobblestone streets, village-like atmosphere, intense nightlife and many street performers. Located on a hill where the narrow streets climb and bend up to the Sacre Coeur i.e., a white church visible from almost all of Paris, the setting has so much to offer you. Indeed, at the foot of the neighborhood you will also find the Moulin Rouge and many bars open late into the night. However, Montmartre has much more to offer you, so aside from restaurants, streets and stores to explore, you can appreciate the taste of baguettes prepared by some of the best boulangeries.
Tour of Montparnasse
Another interesting and lively neighborhood in Paris is Montparnasse, which has been a place of history and art for centuries. Dominated by the bold and modern tower of the same name i.e., the only real skyscraper in the French capital, the lively avenues of the area are populated by cafes and brasseries where famous artists, writers, poets, musicians and distinguished Parisians for centuries gathered and exchanged ideas, particularly before World War II. Today the Montparnasse district is a bit more faded than in its heyday, but it still has much to offer visitors especially those who love art, architecture and theaters. The markets located in the various pedestrian streets in the setting are also interesting and have much to offer. The Montparnasse district is located on the left bank of the Seine and precisely in the 14th arrondissement of Paris and just southwest of the Latin Quarter.
The Canal St. Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin located in the eastern part of Paris is 4.5 km long and connects the Canal de l’Ourcq with the Seine. Among other things, the reservoir boasts nine locks and two swing bridges. The Canal Saint-Martin is the perfect mix for experiencing intense days of both liveliness and tranquility. In fact, in this context on your visit to Paris, you can enjoy the atmosphere that French hipsters are able to give you. Among other things, the context is full of buildings with walls featuring numerous graffiti that blend perfectly with the bourgeois and bohemian style. Finally, the Saint Martin Canal can be reached by subway but also by public transportation. Finally, you should know that the canal has been lowered and almost half of it is covered by wide grassy boulevards. So if you find yourself walking on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir and Jules Ferry, know that you are walking on the old ground once flooded with water by the Canal St-Martin itself.
The Garden des Tuileries
Located in the 1st arrondissement, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most famous green spaces in Paris. The park specifically is located between the Louvre and the Champs Elysee near the Seine, so you will find it quite easy to find. You can in fact walk to this site directly from the Louvre as well as from the Musée d’Orsay and Place de la Concorde. The place is magnificent and proves to be the ideal place to sit among the many benches and enjoy the fountains and the atmosphere that the surrounding greenery manages to create. The Jardin des Tuileries is a park that combines historical elements and modern art. In 1553 Catherine de Medici had Italian-style gardens laid out here with beautiful, large fountains. From 1660 to 1664, however, the setting was redesigned by the Sun King’s personal architect, also known for designing the gardens of Versailles. The Jardin des Tuileries was one of the first parks to be opened to the public, and it quickly became a place where people like to stroll to keep up the so-called flaneur (stroll for stroll) mentality typical of the Parisian population. In fact, the setting is ideal not only for walking and picnicking, but it also turns out to be the green lung of the city is therefore a great escape from the hectic daily life of Paris.
