10 Unique and Unforgettable Things to Do in Paris
There's no doubt that Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. But it's also much more than that! This amazing city has something for everyone, from wine and cheese tastings with French experts to professional photoshoots and museum explorations. So if you're looking for a unique travel experience, Paris is the place to go!
When picking things to do, I always favor more authentic activities than tourist attractions. Although sightseeing is great and a must-do in some places, I think being able to immerse yourself in the culture and everyday life of a city is what makes travel so special. With that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in Paris that will give you a true taste of this amazing city!
Wine Tasting with a French Sommelier
One of the best ways to learn about French culture is to taste its wine! And what better way to do that than with a professional sommelier? A sommelier is a wine expert who can teach you all about the different types of wine, how to taste them, and what foods they pair well with. They are one of the best resources for learning about wine, and they can also help you find the perfect bottle to take home with you.
Enjoying the wine of the area is one of my favorite things to do when I'm exploring a new place, and Paris is no exception. There are so many different wines to try, and each one has its own unique flavor. I made sure to plan wine tastings early in the trip so that I could learn about the different wines from the region, which made choosing wine's throughout the trip much easier.
If you're a wine lover, I highly recommend doing a wine tasting with a French sommelier. I recommend this experience at Wine Tasting in Paris with Thierry. He's a professional sommelier who offers private wine tastings and food pairings in his beautiful tasting room. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about wine, and I learned so much from him about French wine culture. The experience was definitely one of the highlights of my trip!
Have A Parisian Picnic in the Park
One of the best things about Paris is that there are so many beautiful parks to relax in. And what better way to enjoy the parks than with a Parisian picnic? Pack a lunch or pick up some food from one of the many great cafes and restaurants in the city, and then find a spot in one of the parks to enjoy your meal. Charcuterie originates from the French word for “pork butcher”, so it’s no surprise that this meat-centric dish is popular in France. A charcuterie board typically includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, bread, and pickled vegetables, and is the perfect thing to enjoy on a picnic. Along with a nice bottle of wine, of course.
Some of the best parks for picnicking in Paris are the Jardin des Tuileries, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Parc Monceau.
French Pastry Cooking Class
If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the activity for you! In a French pastry cooking class, you'll learn how to make classic desserts like macarons, eclairs, and tarts. There are so many different boulangeries and patisseries in Paris, and it's impossible to try them all. But by taking a pastry cooking class, you'll be able to taste (and make!) some of the best desserts in the city.
Although I did not have time to take a pastry cooking class, I was able to visit some of the best bakeries in Paris. I highly recommend visiting Pierre Hermé for macarons, Ladurée for pastries, and Jean Paul Hévin for chocolate. These are some of the most famous bakeries in the city, and their desserts are absolutely delicious!
If you're looking for pastry cooking classes, these classes have great reviews and come highly recommended:
Cheese Tasting with a Cheese Monger
France is well-known for its cheese, so it's no surprise that tasting cheese is one of the best things to do in Paris! Cheese is such a big part of French culture, and there are so many different types to try. A cheesemonger is a cheese expert who can help you choose the right cheeses for your taste, and they can also give you tips on how to pair them with wine or other food.
I did not have time to do a cheese tasting during my trip, but I was able to visit some of the best cheese shops in Paris. I recommend visiting Tartine Gourmande, Laurent Dubois, and Androuët. These are all great places to buy cheese, and the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect cheese for your taste.
If you're interested in doing a cheese tasting, these experiences come highly recommended:
Explore the Museums
Paris is home to some of the best museums in the world, so it's no surprise that exploring them is one of the best things to do in the city. From the Louvre to the Musée d'Orsay, there are so many different museums to choose from. And with a Paris Museum Pass, you can get free entry into over 60 of the most popular museums and attractions in the city.
I personally love visiting museums, and I made sure to visit as many as possible during my trip. I highly recommend checking out the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and the Musée du Quai Branly. These are some of the most popular museums in Paris, and they're definitely worth a visit. If you are looking for something quieter and more intimate than hundreds of people crowded around the Mona Lisa, there are plenty of smaller, off-the-beaten-path museums that are just as amazing. I would recommend the Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Rodin, and the Musée Marmottan Monet.
Take a Professional Photo Shoot
One of the best things about Paris is that it's such a beautiful city, and there are so many great places to take photos. If you're looking for some amazing photos of your trip, I highly recommend booking a professional photo shoot with a local photographer. They'll be able to take you to all the best photo spots in the city, and they'll also help you pose and capture some amazing memories.
I did a professional photo shoot during my trip, and it was one of the best experiences I had. My photographer, Alex, was so great and he took me to some of the most beautiful spots in Paris. He also helped me pose and capture some amazing memories that I'll cherish forever.
If you're interested in doing a professional photo shoot, I would highly recommend Alex and his team. He's an amazing photographer and he did an incredible job with my photos. I would also recommend checking out his Instagram to see some of his work.
Watch a Show at the Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is one of the most famous cabarets in the world, and it's definitely a must-see when you're in Paris. The shows are incredibly popular, so I recommend booking your tickets in advance. You can also opt for a dinner show, which includes a three-course meal and unlimited champagne.
There are other cabaret spots in Paris, but the Moulin Rouge is by far the most famous. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, I recommend checking out the Lido de Paris or the Crazy Horse.
Explore Along the Seine
The Seine is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, and it's definitely worth exploring. There are several different ways to do this, but I recommend taking a boat tour along the Siene. This is a great way to see all the major landmarks in the city, and it's also a lot of fun. You can also rent a bike and ride along the Seine, or just take a leisurely walk along the river.
There are also many small shops and stalls along the Seine, so it's a great place to do some shopping. They sell a variety of things, but you can find everything from souvenirs to clothes to food.
Make Your Own Perfume
France is famous for its perfume, and there are a number of places in Paris where you can make your own custom scent. This is a great activity to do with friends or family, and it's also a unique way to remember your trip to Paris. Perfume is a very personal thing, so it's definitely worth taking the time to create your own signature scent.
There are a few different places that offer this service, but I would recommend checking out these perfume-making classes and experiences
Dive into the Paris Fashion Culture
Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world, so it's definitely worth exploring the fashion culture. There are a number of different ways to do this, but I recommend taking a walking tour of the major fashion districts. This is a great way to see all the different shops and boutiques, and it's also a great way to learn about the history of Parisian fashion.
If you're interested in learning more about the Paris fashion scene, I would also recommend these hands-on experiences:
Paris is an amazing city with so much to see and do. I hope this list of 10 unique and unforgettable things to do in Paris has inspired you to explore the city and create some amazing memories. Thanks for reading!
