I'm going to Paris over spring break. What are some nice non-touristy places to visit?

Question

I'm going with my high school. I'll only be in Paris for about 3 days and I won't have that much leisure time since they have us on a pretty tight schedule. We do have a few afternoons/evenings off. Are there any nice places to visit that are teenager friendly? What about shopping areas? Any other suggestions? I will also be in Switzerland and Belgium. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Part of what makes Paris "Paris" is that, unfortunately, it's just a big touristy place. It's unavoidable. Don't let that stop you, though--Paris is an absolutely gorgeous, opulent city, and attracts all those tourists for a good reason. I don't know what your schedule will have you do, and whether it will include seeing some of the more famous sights, but I'd definitely recommend seeing some of the more famous ones... the Eiffel Tower, all the palaces, the Seine River, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Obilisk, the Louvre (and the Louvre's garden), Notre Dame, and so on. The Palace of Versaille isn't too far away from Paris, either, although I never had the time to visit it myself, regrettably. There is no shortage of travel guides you can find in any book store that are devoted exclusively to Paris, and even more websites... the best thing you can do is to do a little studying beforehand; refer to those books and websites, and familiarize yourself with the city's general layout, where the big attractions are, and what's in between them. I'd suggest doing the exact same thing for the other stops on your trip--Belgium and Switzerland. I could recommend some things to see in both countries, but you didn't specify where you are headed to in those countries... again, you'll find no shortage of travel guides and websites about both. I've been to Paris, Belgium, Switzerland, and LOTS of other places in Europe, and the one thing I always did before picking a place and going to it was that study and familiarization beforehand, so that I knew what to look for and what I wanted to see. You'll likely experience fewer crowds and tourists, and slightly cheaper prices, in Belgium and Switzerland than in Paris--but that depends highly on where you go! Feel free to ask me for more specific pointers, if you like, on any of the three... just be sure you bring a good camera with you! :)

Answer 2

While in Paris:
Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Market
Rue Mouffetard
Montmartre
Latin Quarter
a boat ride on the Seine
walk along the Canal St. Martin
Bois Du Bologna
the Catacombs

Answer 3

Oh my 3days isnt enuf to explore anything but nevertheless, as for shopping, head down to Champs Elysees, u'll find dozens of shops that u can shop till u drop! U can stroll around the streets at Montmarte ..or have a picnic at the Invalides.There is 2 long rows of trees, wer people like to have picnics,play frisbee,read etc on the grass alone.Last time i was in Paris, i had "lunch" there almost everyday..a plus thing is u can do " people seeing" wer u can check out guys..LoL.. and they the same :P Some might even ask u out or join u on the grass..Have fun !

Answer 4

I want to go to France SO bad, you are so lucky!lol, yeah, i know some beautiful places that may be a little touristy but they are beautiful. First, the Stravinsky fountain.... it looks great, The Georges De pompidou center, the catacombs, there are a lot of parks to walk in there also, so ask a Frenchmen to help you find one that is just what your looking for. I hope you have fun!!