Hidden beneath "The City of Light" is a dark underworld, the final resting place of more than six million Parisians. The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries formed of a network of tunnels, caves, and quarries filled with mortal remains, where the former citizens of Paris now form a part of its foundation. As Paris went on its way to becoming an important hub, thousands flocked to the city. This spurred justified concerns about the limited cemetery space, leading to the creation of the catacombs in 1810 at the site of the old Montrouge stone quarries. Although in use as an ossuary as early as the 1780s, it was not until this time that the catacombs were organized. The bones were arranged as per the cemeteries they were taken from, creating a subterranean skeletal world, where the last of the lot were brought down in 1860. During World War II, this network of galleries was used as a hideaway for the Résistance movement; its vastness and the discretion of its entrances were great assets indeed. These ossuaries, illustrated by texts, create a chilling atmosphere and describe some of the defining events in the history of Paris, giving visitors substance for meditation. It is also occasionally used as a macabre venue for concerts, parties and other events.
See fashions from centuries past and the present day at the Palais Galliera. The facility opened its door sin 1894 and went through several incarnations before housing the 70,000 pieces of fashion history inside today. You'll see clothes, jewelry, art, and other items belonging to royalty and celebrities throughout history. Paris is the fashion capital of the world, so this exhibit is not to be missed!
The crypts Saint Paul and Saint Ebrégésile, better known as the Jouarre crypts, are some of the best preserved crypts from the early middle ages. The crypt Saint Agilbert was founded in the year 660, and contains three sarcophagi of it's original founders. Please check the website for seasonal timings.
Theatre Guignol Anatole puts on delightful puppet and marionette shows that are perfect for the whole family. Located in the Parc Des Buttes Chaumont, Theatre Guignol Anatole was established in 1836 and the theater has perfected the art of traditional French marionette plays. These shows are entertaining whether you are 4 or 40. Concerts are occasionally held at the venue as well.
Musée des Arts Forains was established in 1996 by Jean-Paul Favand, celebrated actor and art director. Breathing new life into a rustic warehouse at Les Pavillons de Bercy , this museum is an expression of allure and an ode to fairground art. Explore the scene for fairytale unicorns, magic fountains, distorting mirrors, regal theater props, opulent chandeliers and Belle Époque artifacts. The wonderland woods are replete with cottages and a Baroque castle that are reminiscent of fairytale classics. This museum also features a collection of 19th-century fair objects like stalls, carousels and other carnival rides.
Home to the annual Harvest Festival, Clos Montmartre is a charming Montmarte vineyard dating back to 1933. Spread over an area of 1500 square meters (16145.9 square feet), this hilltop winery sells a variety of wines for a good cause. Proceeds benefit a number of charities throughout the city. Clos Montmarte is open to the public every day of the week and is an excellent destination to experience a vineyard in the heart of Paris.
Theatre Guignol Anatole puts on delightful puppet and marionette shows that are perfect for the whole family. Located in the Parc Des Buttes Chaumont, Theatre Guignol Anatole was established in 1836 and the theater has perfected the art of traditional French marionette plays. These shows are entertaining whether you are 4 or 40. Concerts are occasionally held at the venue as well.
Envisioned and opened by actor and antiques dealer Jean Paul Favand, Le Pavillions des Arts Forains is Paris' premier funfair museum. Housing everything from working amusement rides, merry-go-rounds and carousels to fair stalls and historical attractions, the museum brings over 100 years of carnival history to life. Its three large salons showcase the museum's collection of objects, while the garden allows visitors to wander through a dreamlike outdoor space. Situated in the 12th arrondissement, Le Pavillions des Arts Forains is any circus lover's dream.
Among the various bridges spanning the Seine, the Pont des Arts is without doubt one of the most romantic, its all-metal structure providing a link between the Louvre and the L'Institut de France. This delightful little footbridge, built during the 18th Century, has always been a pedestrian bridge. Originally, a tollgate was installed at each end, ensuring that access was only given to the upper classes. The bridge faced destruction during the world wars, however, in 1981, it was restored to its former glory.
Musée des Arts Forains was established in 1996 by Jean-Paul Favand, celebrated actor and art director. Breathing new life into a rustic warehouse at Les Pavillons de Bercy , this museum is an expression of allure and an ode to fairground art. Explore the scene for fairytale unicorns, magic fountains, distorting mirrors, regal theater props, opulent chandeliers and Belle Époque artifacts. The wonderland woods are replete with cottages and a Baroque castle that are reminiscent of fairytale classics. This museum also features a collection of 19th-century fair objects like stalls, carousels and other carnival rides.
Home to the annual Harvest Festival, Clos Montmartre is a charming Montmarte vineyard dating back to 1933. Spread over an area of 1500 square meters (16145.9 square feet), this hilltop winery sells a variety of wines for a good cause. Proceeds benefit a number of charities throughout the city. Clos Montmarte is open to the public every day of the week and is an excellent destination to experience a vineyard in the heart of Paris.
The idea of visiting the sewers of a major city may not seem very appealing at first. Nevertheless, it is an original way to discover part of Paris' foundations. With over two kilometers (one mile) of galleries, the Paris Sewer Museum presents an exhibition about the city water system through a historical approach of the sewer's evolution. A display of machines and models illustrate the techniques used through the ages to deal with the water cycle. The museum also presents the way manpower was involved in its maintenance.