Less Popular Sites in Paris - Recommendations
March 15, 2010 by Paris Vacations
Filed under Paris Attractions
I will be in Paris in late July (yes the peak of tourist season). Apart from the very popular sites The Louvre, Versailles etc, I would like to see some less common and popular places.
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Some of the less touristed places might be:
1. Musée des Plans-Relief
An overlooked museum that is housed over the Army Museum on the Esplanade des Invalides. For years this place was just a garret filled with models of the various fortifications and walled towns in France. Prior to 1950 the public was not admited since some of information that could gleaned from the models was considered a state secret. The collection of models was started by Louis XIV. The oldest model, representing the town of Perpignan, dates back to 1866.
2) Arena Lutetia on the rue Monge.
These are the remains of a Roman arena destroyed in the 3rd century. Completely forgotten during 1500 years they were rediscovered in 1869, when new streets were planned and diggings ordered. It was one of the largest amphitheatres of Gaul and could accomdate at least 15,000 spectators.
3) La Maison du Haut-Pignon at 51, rue de Montmorency, Paris 3rd arr.
This is the oldest house in Paris. It was built in 1407 by the writer and alchemist Nicolas Flamel. Look at the façade and see the inscription: "Ora et labora" (pray and work), which was the motto of the alchemists.
4) Cimetiere de Picpus
This is the burial place of the Marquis de Lafayette which can be found at 35, rue de Picpus. The only way into the cemetary is through an unmarked door in a larger, perpetually-closed gateway. You have to ring the doorbell and turn to the right after you pass through the door and find the entry ‘official’ who takes your entry fee.
An American flag flies over his grave and did so even during the Nazi occupation of Paris.