If you’re looking to explore Paris beyond its iconic monuments, we’ve got you covered. To get a true flavour of Paris, one must experience the city through its multiple quartiers, or neighbourhoods, each establishing itself as a separate sub-culture.  

Le Marais

Take Le Marais, for instance. This boho-chic neighbourhood, known to be a Jewish enclave, is now home to the city’s poshest bars, homegrown fashion boutiques as well as a whole host of design, vintage, and bric-à-brac stores. When in Le Marais, don’t miss grabbing lunch at Breizh Café, a charming eatery dishing out the best Breton style crêpes along with cider. 

Montmatre and Canal Saint-Martin

Then there’s Montmartre which has now been gentrified with a slew of chic baguette vendors, patisseries, and design-heavy boutique hotels. It’s also home to Paris’ best-kept secret, a vineyard hidden in plain sight, Vignes du Clos Montmatre. In contrast, the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin is a completely different vibe where you can experience picnics along the canal, local breweries, international eateries, and cool wall art. Earlier this year, in the summer months, Canal Saint-Martin was home to Paris Plages (Paris Beaches) with beach chairs and umbrellas, transforming the riverside to a fun, beachy ambience.

Île Saint-Louis and Avenue George V

You could also spend a couple of hours on Île Saint-Louis (an island in the middle of the Seine River), which is largely residential and ignored by tourists, save for its iconic Berthillon ice cream, easily the best in the city. And finally, Paris would be incomplete without its luxe circuit in the neighbourhood in and around Avenue George V; a mandatory high tea at La Galerie at the historic Four Seasons Hotel George V; a spot of shopping for handmade macarons at Pierre Hermé, and shopping for luxury brands along the avenue.   

Day trips from Paris

Chantilly

Paris also offers travellers a slew of day trip options. The picturesque town of Chantilly, a short train ride away, is known for its racecourse, eponymous lace, and whipped cream. At its centre is the spectacular Château de Chantilly, dating back to the 19th century, with its glorious Musée Condé. The château is surrounded by formal French-style gardens and is built atop a vast water body. Chantilly is also among the most visited equestrian sites in the world, with its Great Stables housed in a massive domed structure. The town is lined with lush green parks, ideal for strolls and summer picnics.  

Champagne

A day trip to the Champagne region is also a great idea to break away from the urban chaos of Paris. In under two hours (by train or car), you will find yourself in Reims, at the heart of the region. Walk through the cobbled streets and explore its grand cathedral, which has stood witness to several coronations in the past. Then head to the house of Veuve Clicquot, where visitors are taken to the labyrinthine cellars lying under the city of Reims, for a private champagne tasting session. Other champagne maisons like Mumm and Taittinger also offer bubbly experiences, paired with haute gastronomy.  

Versailles

Though a town in itself, Versailles is also considered an extended suburb of Paris, located just about 50 minutes from the city centre. It is synonymous with the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the former seat of the French Royalty for many centuries. The best way to get here is by train and a short walk from the station brings you to the expansive front courtyard of the Palace. Spend hours inside the Palace’s state rooms, the royal family’s private apartments, and the historic Hall of Mirrors, before stepping out into the Palace gardens to see its famous fountains, including the Neptune Fountain. A short walk from the Palace is located Queen Marie Antoinette’s enclave, Le Petit Trianon, preserved to perfection.   

Auvers-sur-Oise

Art lovers will surely enjoy a trip to Auvers and may remember the name Auvers-sur-Oise from one of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. The artist spent a significant part of his life here, less than 30kms from the Paris city centre, and made several iconic paintings of this town, including its fields and church. 

Van Gogh breathed his last in Auvers and one can visit his grave here. The room where he resided has been preserved, alongside a mini museum called Maison de Van Gogh. Visitors will also enjoy its rustic, rural charm, replete with wheat fields and an open-air museum. 

Getting there: Air India flies non-stop to Paris from Delhi. Visit www.airindia.com to book your tickets.

Contributed by Riaan Jacob George