{"id":23050,"date":"2024-10-07T16:37:13","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T16:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/?p=23050"},"modified":"2024-11-21T11:37:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T11:37:12","slug":"unusual-sights-in-paris-where-to-wander-off-the-beaten-path","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/unusual-sights-in-paris-where-to-wander-off-the-beaten-path\/","title":{"rendered":"Unusual Sights in Paris: Where To Wander off the Beaten Path"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may be new to Paris or even a seasoned traveler, but either way, you probably know that the most recommended spots in Paris are usually the most crowded as well. If you’re a visitor to the city who wants a more personal and unique experience, then this guide is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll help you discover new, unexpected sights that are off the tourist track. These are the well-kept secret places locals know about and love. Each spot is worth a visit to see and experience the magic of Paris and encourage a genuine closeness to the city away from the usual crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the most of your visit, exploring both the touristy and hidden parts of Paris, take a look at the best Paris tours<\/a>. If you have a busy schedule, check out our Paris in a Day Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now without further ado, here are seven places that you need to add to your list of things to do in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ar\u00e8nes de Lut\u00e8ce (Lut\u00e8ce Arena)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Arenes<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Right next to the famous Rue Mouffetard, a hub for students and families who want a bite to eat or a boutique shopping experience in a not-so-touristy area, there\u2019s a historic Roman amphitheater hidden away in what seems like your average park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This arena was built in the first and second centuries and used to host gladiatorial combats in front of audiences that reached up to 15,000 people in the now abandoned stands. It\u2019s absolutely free to attend the empty arena today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you’re here, you should look out for the small enclosures that once most likely housed animals in cages and entrances for the gladiators. It\u2019s exciting to try to imagine what life was like for the gladiators then, their dramatic fights and glories \u2014 or maybe just play Frisbee in the sandy, open arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find this arena at 4 Rue des Ar\u00e8nes in the 5th Arrondissement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Le D\u00e9fenseur du Temps (Defender of Time sculpture)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Defender of Time (or in French, \u201cle D\u00e9fenseur du Temps) is an unusual clock made of brass and gold leaf. It was installed and created by Jacques Monestier, a local French artist, in 1979. This working clock and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be astonished by the imagination and fantasy world behind the sword-wielding man battling a bird, dragon and crab on a rock, which represent the air, land, and sea respectively. The animal sculptures attack individually but, at certain hours, all at once, accompanied by the sounds of wind, waves, or rumbling earth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The automata in this mechanical masterpiece were restored, and the clock was again put on display in 2023. Here\u2019s a video of how it looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n