Beneath all the glitz and glamor, there is a completely different side of Paris. While most of the visitors prefer flocking to the regular attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge and Notre-Dame Cathedral, there still is a little known Paris that is dotted with some weird yet wonderful tourist attractions. The city features one of the greatest subterranean mazes of all times found under any other place. No wonder, Paris is often referred as a city of hidden gems. Have a look at some of the prominent offbeat places to visit on your next trip to Paris.
Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures
The renowned Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures is actually a visual manifestation of dedicated research on vampirism, esoterism and occidental folkore conducted by Jacques Sirgent. The various items on display here patiently extrapolate the tales of the mysterious relics that the different curiosity cabinet contains. People making a visit to the place will surely be thrilled and astonished by the cryptic history of Paris and the cemeteries where most vampiric rituals were once believed to be practiced, medieval Christian hierarchy and its crusade against sin.
Shakespeare and Company
Featuring over 13 beds beautifully concealed as book shelves during the day, this offbeat location of Paris has for all good reasons become a utopia for the wanderlust-stricken travelers seeking a peaceful place to accommodate themselves. The owner of Shakespeare and Company, Mr. George has named his bookstore as “a socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore”. Over 40,000 people have slept in this unique shop over the years till date and have played guests to various activities that occur in the bookshop including Sunday tea, poetry readings and writers' meetings.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
A cemetery may or may not be actually the very first thing that comes into mind when one thinks of some offbeat attractions in a city like Paris, but Pere Lachaise is indeed special. One of the most intriguing cemeteries in the world, the attraction is visited by thousands of nature lovers each year. You can pay homage to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde at the cemetery and further walk through the cobbled paths that are guarded by dozens of trees. No wonder, most find Pere Lachaise a hauntingly beautiful place, especially during fall.
Musée des Arts Forains
This much popular museum of antique carnival objects invites the guests from all corners of the world to ride on century-old carousels and experience the exceptional wonder of amusement attractions. The museum holds some incredible vintage carnival items such as wooden carousels, fair stalls, German swings, and a Hooghuys Organ. The best part is that the visitors can play a carnival game and even ride on some of the uniquely styled and designed rides which have been even given distinct names like “Manège vélocipédique”.
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