Beyond the Eiffel Tower: 5 Lesser-Known Paris Destinations

Although the beautiful Eiffel Tower is a can’t-miss Paris destination, don’t let your trip stop there. We’ve compiled a list of five of the best lesser-known Paris attractions to help you see all that the City of Love has to offer. Enjoy your trip off the beaten path!

Musée Marmottan—Claude Monet

For those looking to avoid the crowds at the Louvre, this museum is a fantastic option. Despite being one of the city’s less famous museums, Musée Marmottan houses a collection of over 300 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, including the world’s largest collection of art by Claude Monet. The Monet paintings, most of which were donated by the artist’s family, include vibrant and colorful canvases of his water garden in Giverny. The museum also features works by Renoir, Degas, and Manet.

Les Puces

Although Paris does have its share of designer fashion, it is also home to some of the best flea markets in the world. The largest is the market at Porte de Clignancourt, known by locals as Les Puces. Les Puces is also the largest flea market in the world, attracting between 120,000 and 180,000 visitors each weekend. Check it out to find anything from souvenirs to valuable antique furniture. Just don’t forget to check your calendar—Les Puces is only open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays!

Stade de France

In a city full of timeless art and architecture, it’s easy to forget about sports. If that’s what you’re into, this is the place: The Stade de France—France’s national stadium—is home to both the French national football team and the French rugby union team for international competition. It was built in 1998 to house the FIFA World Cup. In addition to sporting events, the Stade has also hosted musicians including Paul McCartney, Madonna and Lady Gaga.

Musée du Vin

In case wine aficionados didn’t already have enough to do in Paris, the Musée du Vin in the 16th arrondissement is a shrine to the French art of winemaking. Its collections contain more than 2,000 pieces, some of which date back over 2000 years. Displays include the tools of the vine, wine cellars, and objects to serve and taste wine, among others.The museum pays tribute to the generations of artisans who have made French wine what it is today—a must-see for any wine lovers or collectors!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which was opened during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, is a smaller park that is a beautiful destination for both romantic getaways and families with children. For couples, the park’s lakes, bridges, waterfall, caves and giant cedars create a gorgeous natural atmosphere. The park’s playgrounds and pony rides, however, make it an equally child-friendly spot. For a beautiful view, check out the Temple de la Sybille—a roman-inspired temple sitting atop one of the park’s cliffs.

Ready to stop reading and start sightseeing? Check out http://www.hipmunk.com/ to book your flights and find your perfect hotel.