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Unusual things to do in Paris

I am going to Paris with my husband in early June. I lived there 10 years ago when I was in school (budget living, of course). I am looking for some unusual things to do in or around Paris. We will go to some of the museums and the usual sights but I am really searching for something different (I don't know what which is why I need some help!). Any ideas would be appreciated! thanks Also, any ideas on how to get French Open tickets? (that's one idea)

Jackie See my message about a special promotion in Paris. I'll bring it up for you.

jackie, check out this article, about the Viaduc des Arts in Paris, a restored rail viaduct converted to artists' studios, craft shops. http://archives.seattletimes.nwsourc...ry=pucci+paris

When you were a student, you might have already done the things I enjoy. I am not sure these are unusual, but they are things I enjoyed. 1. Visit Vaux le Vicomte 2. Take in an opera. (Only if you are an opera fan of course.) 3. Visit some of the lesser known museums. (Marmatton if you like Monet.) These are not far out stuff, so I hope they have some appeal.

My husband and I really enjoyed the Catacombs. Acres and acres of bones artistically arranged hearts, skulls and cross bones. The were placed in the catacombs from cemetaries all over paris when they became too crowded during the 1700's I believe. It's pretty different, but really interesting!

I found the catacombs interesting as well. Other things you might see/do: - Tour of the Paris sewers (les egouts) made famous in Les Mis -- I have not done this, but believe it is still possible to do - Pere Lachaise cemetary (Jim Morrison's grave as well as the graves of famous Frenchmen) - Chinatown (Metro: Placed'Italie, I believe) -- interesting to see a foreign culture within a foreign culture - Hanging out in front of the Beaubourg (Pompidou Center) to listen to and watch the many "acts" that appear in this area on a summer's night Have a great trip john

How about a trip to Auvers-sur-Oise (http://www.auvers-sur-oise.com), stopping along the way to see La Maison Fournaise on the Ile des Impressionistes, where you can have a delightful lunch in the restaurant where Renoir painted "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and visit the museum (http://www.realfrance.com/rt/artfourn.htm)? You might take a trip down the Canal St-Martin. Chantilly and Senlis is another good daytrip out of Paris. Within Paris, you might want to check out the new Bercy Complex, or the Parc La Villette, or go to that amazing taxidermy shop everyone talks about (and the address of which I've lost). Have you been to the Mosquée de Paris and the Institut du Monde Arabe? These, combined with a stroll down the rue Mouffetard, make a great day. And be sure to pick up a copy of Pariscope as soon as you arrive and see what special events are taking place during your stay.

I tried to find Gregoire's list from a couple of years ago, but no dice, so I'll try to recreate based on my experience: 1) Museums: coin, music, key and lock, doll, Delacroix, Zadkine, Edith Piaf, Legion of Honor, Jeu de Paume, Balzac's house, Le Corbusier foundation. 2) Outdoors: Bois de Vincennes and its chateau; sail toyboats at Tuilleries; ferris wheel in same location; rent a bike for canal tour or Sunday rollo; rent inline skates for the Friday night skate. 3) Transportation: Boat tour Canal St Martin; hop on a city bus and ride it 'til the end and then back again; take the Batobus i/o the metro or regular bus; take the Balabus. 4) Neighborhoods: the following website, most in French (5-20) - http://www.parisbalades.com/ 5) Shopping: eyes open for neighborhood flea markets (look for 'brocantes' on overhead banners and bills on streetlamps); d'Aligre and Bastille street markets; Trois Freres; church/orphanage second-hand store at corner of rue Fontaine and Leon Blum or Leopold something in the 16eme; Dehillerin. 6) Education: take a cooking course or demonstration; take an art class at the Louvre; take a French course. 7) Outside Paris: one Sunday a month, the kitchen gardens at Versailles are open; Malmaison; Ste Genevieve des Bois (Russian Orthodox cemetery - Max Gorky, Nureyev)

Ask the guard at Jim Morrison's grave if she or he has to stay there all night and what that is like and if they have to stay all night is it alone in a locked or unlocked cemetary. Also, kiss Oscar Wilde's edifice. That's what everyone else seems to have done. (Both at Pere Lachaise). Mary C

Go for a swim in the seine.