Ahh, Paris. For centuries the city of love has enticed travellers from around the globe, hoping to find their own Nicholas Sparks style love story in its wide boulevards and iconic cafés.
So romanticised has it been by poets, artists, writers, politicians, and more, it’s become almost a rite of passage for starry-eyed lovers and hopeless romantics to arrive in this beautiful city and (hopefully) leave head over heels in love.
From the main Paris tourist attractions, sunset strolls hand-in-hand along the Seine river, Eiffel Tower proposals, tango in the city square, candle lit dinners in St Germain; romance permeates through the city and the possibilities are endless.
But what happens when you’re travelling through Paris with your BFFL, not your better half? Or you’ve sworn off love forever (or at least till next month) after your douchebag ex treated your heart like a goldfish meal? Surely Paris must be the cruelest of cruel places for the unattached, solo, traveller amongst us, right?!
WRONG! Paris has a very cool, alternative, underground, and sometimes creepy side just waiting to be explored.
For those who would much prefer to explore catacombs by candlelight than eat by it, here’s your guide on how to enjoy Paris without the vom-worthy PDAs.
1. The Catacombs of Paris
Escape the lovers by going deep underground and exploring the creepier side of Paris at The Catacombs.
The catacombs are a labyrinth of tunnels underneath Paris which were used as quarries to build some of Paris’ most notable buildings, including the Notre-Dame and the Louvre. In the late 1700’s, the tunnels were converted into an Ossuary (literally a room for the bones of dead people) in the name of public health.
Since then millions of remains have been placed here, neatly arranged in dark galleries and passages. No champagne and baguettes here, just skulls and bones.
2. Searching for Street Art
Paris might be an art capital of the world, but there’s so much more to see here than just walking arm-in-arm around the Musee d’Orsay or the Louvre. Fortunately, there’s also a heap of incredible street art just hanging around on walls waiting to be found.
The uber hip suburb of Le Marais is a haven for street art, with works by acclaimed artists Jef Yosh, Space Invaders, Clet, Sobr, Gzup and more lining the streets. While the Montmartre district gained notoriety thanks to its former residents Dali, Picasso and Braque it has kept its cool thanks to the street art that’s taken over its laneways. Other areas to visit include Belleville and the Left Bank.
3. Père Lachaise Cemetery
While some great novels romanticise death, we’re pretty sure the cemetery isn’t the best place to take bae for a date – which is exactly why Père Lachaise is the perfect place to get your exploration of the darker side of Paris on!
Since 1804 Père Lachaise has become the final resting place of over one million people in over 70,000 tombs. Hundreds of celebrities, writers, artists, and musicians are buried in this beautiful, tree-lined cemetery; the most famous being legendary author Oscar Wilde.
Others famous plots include composer Frederic Chopin, cabaret singer Edith Piaf, mime Marcel Marceau and author Gertrude Stein. Oh, and Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors is also buried here after dying of a suspect drug overdose in 1971, aged 27. Go visit and share a beer with ol’ Jim.
4. Paris Sewer Museum
It goes without saying that anything poop related is about as far from romantic as you can get, so a visit to the Paris Sewer Museum and its extensive sewerage system is a must.
The sewers have been in use since the 13th century, when the city’s streets were paved and drains were built. Today’s network of 2,100km of tunnels was commenced in 1850. While underground, walk through the sandstone tunnels and learn about the system’s extensive history, passing everything from sanitary sewers, telecommunications cables and pneumatic tubes between post offices (weird, but awesome!).
And the best part? There isn’t a love-lock adorned bridge in sight!
5. Beers and Baguettes on the Seine
This may sound a little romantic, but this is a pastime you can also enjoy solo or with your new buddies, Do as the Parisians do; grab a fresh baguette from the Marais district, a few beers, and head down to the banks for the Seine for a lunchtime chill out spot, or to watch an epic sunset.
There you have it, top ways to enjoy Paris without the usual cliche tourist attractions. If you would like to be more than just a tourist, these pages will appeal to you: