As we enter the second week of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, we’ve put together the most distinctive places in the city to visit during the sporting month. From exploring the Paris Games art collection at Unesco House, to stepping into the weird and wonderful Centre Pompidou modern art museum – these hidden gems will be the final touches to a trip of a lifetime.
UNESCO House
Over the summer months, visitors can explore the Unesco House as it celebrates the World of Heritage, looking into the backdrop of the Paris Games. With collections of sporting personalities and the values of Olympism showcased through photographs – it’s for sure to be an exhibition to put on the list.
The house is renowned for serving as the headquarters for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, helping contribute a culture of peace, eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.
Catacombes de Paris
For history lovers, visitors can go underground to a passage which hold the remains of more than six million Parisian people. The Catacombes of Paris recalls the history of past Parisians and allows visitors to explore the largest and one a kind catacombs located underground.
‘Catacombs’ are known as human-made underground passages which are primarily used for religious purposes. But to those coming from afar – is a key way in learning the city’s history.
Centre Pompidou
A truly unique building in the centre of Paris, Centre Pompidou is known as the ‘inside out’ art museum of the city. Showcased as an outside the box conceptual art piece – the museum is absurd yet surreal. The building is host to different coloured plumbing pipes as its exterior which are actually the buildings’ functional appliances. The colour coded pipes are blue for heating and cooling, green for plumbing pipes, yellow for electrical wiring, and red for the escalator.
However, it isn’t just what’s on the outside that makes the museum one of a kind – the interior is just as unique. The National Museum of Modern Art was placed in the centre of the building – making it the largest modern art museum in the whole of Europe. The museum is also audio based, and offers a top floor view restaurant to admire the whole of Paris – a great spot to catch the Olympians!
Musée de la Vie Romantique
Another museum to visit – but make it romantic. The Musée de la Vie Romantique is built across two buildings, one with temporary exhibition space and the other with two floors of artifacts related to Romantic art and literature. With a purpose of reminiscing on life back in the Parisian Romantic Era of the 18th century, this experience is found at the end of a quaint street with an outdoor café and a courtyard full of endless flowers for that perfect Instagram picture.
Steel Cyclewear And Coffeeshop
Want to catch a glimpse of the Olympic cyclists whilst enjoying a cup of coffee? The first cycling café and clothing store, Steel Cyclewear And Coffeeshop offers just that. With an abundance of cycling fanatics in the heart of Paris, this spot is perfect for those with a passion for wheels or even to those who just fancy a sit-down mid-exploring.
The showroom features high profile clothing brands suited for all cyclists and as well as the café - it’s a perfect alternative from a standard coffee shop, located just East of the Right Bank.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
As the largest cemetery – and green space – in Paris, Cimetière du Père-Lachaise welcomes 3 million visitors each year. With endless history, heritage and biodiversity, the grounds are a great place to spend the day walking. Chapels hidden behind greenery, flowers on every corner and the historic remains of renowned Parisians – visitors can mix leisure with history.
Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île
Known for being a beautiful well-preserved monument, the Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île is a Roman Catholic church which was dedicated to King Louis IX of France. With its traditional interior, visitors can learn about the church’s design through an audio guide too.
The church also hosts classical music and organ concerts for its visitors – a great end to a day of history, sports and hidden gem fun!
Free Places to Watch the Game
Paris City Hall have opened free spaces to host screenings of the Olympics for those who fancy an update on their sightseeing routes. With activities, refreshments and play areas – they are the perfect hub for all.
· Parc Rives de Seine and Quartier Jeunes
· Fabrique de la Solidarité
· The Arènes de Lutèce
· The Place Saint-Sulpice
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