Paris might be the last place you’d think to find a wine-producing vineyard, but there is one (just the size of a city block) tucked away in Montmarte! In the shade of Parisian apartment blocks, the twisted stems of hillside grapevines is a curious sight to see. It’s so small, that many people walk by … More The Tiny Vineyard Right In The Middle Of Paris
There’s a statue in Paris that indicates how badly the Seine is flooding. Water level at his feet? No problem. Waist deep? Time to get very concerned. Shoulders submerged? Evacuate the paintings of The Louvre! Over his head? Time to take a boat to work! The statue is a Zouave infantryman, a form of light … More The Zouave Infantryman Of Paris – How One Statue Measures The Seine Flooding
On the 28th of July, 1830, a cannon was aimed at the Hôtel de Sens in Paris. The powder exploded, and the projectile, a lump of iron weighing several kilograms, collided with the stone with a hefty thunk. Instead of breaking the stone or bouncing off harmlessly, it embedded into the side of the hotel, … More The Cannonball Lodged in the Wall of the Hotel de Sens
One of the most well-known and beloved bookstores in Paris is the Shakespeare and Company, tucked away in the shadow of the Notre Dame in the 5th arrondissement. In operation since 1951, Shakespeare and Company is an independent store specialising in English language books. But inbetween the shelves, you might find something unexpected – beds, … More The Tumbleweeds Living in Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
With a muffled thunk, the petanque ball landed in the sand of the arena, landing next to another heavy steel ball. Sheltered from the stress and the noise of Paris, there’s often a group of older gentlemen playing petanque in the sands of the Arènes de Lutèce, a little-known Roman ruin in Paris. It’s a … More Arènes De Lutèce – The Secret Roman Ruins In Busy Paris
In the quiet backstreets near Musée Georges Pompidou is one of Paris’ most unusual clocks – the Defender of Time (Défenseur du Temps). The clock is a mechanical scene of a brass warrior swinging a sword at a crab, a bird, and a dragon. Every hour from 9am to 10pn, the clock would initiate a … More Le Défenseur Du Temps – The One-Ton Automated Clock In Paris
Paris has some famous and beloved parks. The Jardin des Plantes, The Tuileries, and the Jardin du Luxembourg are all famous green spaces that Parisians and visitors love. However, there’s a little-known park that is just as wonderful as any of these – the Promenade Plantée. It’s elevated up to 10 metres above the city, … More The Promenade Plantée – A Secret Elevated Park Walkway In Paris
Hidden away in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris is the Carousel of Extinct and Endangered Animals, also called Le Dodo Manège. It’s a kid’s ride with an interesting theme that features a collection of extinct or endangered animals. Fancy jumping into the back of a glyptodon, dodo or thylacine for a ride? This is … More Dodo Manege – Carousel of Extinct and Endangered Animals in Paris
The grave of Victor Noir is one of the most unusual resting places in Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery. The effigy of Noir is lying on his back, and while normally a greenish-bronze, he has a brightly polished crotch and lips from frequent rubbing. In modern times, Noir’s unusual tomb has become a symbol of fertility and … More The Grave Of Victor Noir – Is This Paris’ Sexiest Tomb?
Ever wondered that Paris doesn’t have enough beaches? Worry no more! For Parisians who can’t make it to a beach in August, the beach comes to them. A lot of locals leave the city on holidays around that time, and the tourists flood in. But there’s a treat for those left behind – the city … More Paris Plage – Every Year, Truckloads of Sand Are Dumped In Paris
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