As a dynamic and creative city, there are tons of cool things to do in Paris. Instead of merely seeing the classic sites, I highly recommend you include some unique experiences in your Paris itinerary. Learning the craft of a local artisan, hunting down funky antiques or street art, and cruising the city’s offbeat canals, put yourself into the shoes of a Parisian on my favorite unique experiences to try in Paris.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Marché Vernaison via Facebook
Visit the world’s largest flea market
Technically located just outside Paris, le Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is the largest flea market in the world, and browsing its stands is a popular Parisian pass-time. Held from Saturday to Monday, Les Puces has a whopping 1,700 vendors spread across 14 market zones.
If you visit the market on your own, I suggest starting with the picturesque Marché Vernaison, whose stalls generally sell smaller quirky items that are easier to pack. However, the market can be overwhelming, so if you’d like to visit it with an expert, consider taking a small-group tour. You’ll learn the ropes of the market, get tips on which areas to visit, and how to get the most out of your experience.
Join a small-group tour of Le Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen | Saint-Ouen
Image Courtesy of Viator
Go behind the scenes at a Parisian bakery
Going to Parisian bakeries is a highlight of any trip to Paris. Instead of simply consuming France’s heavenly baked delights, you can get an insider look at how French boulangeries work and how the country’s emblematic baguette and breakfast pastries are made on this special experience.
The two-long workshop takes you behind the counter at an award-winning boulangerie, where a baker will reveal some of the best secrets to this French art. And of course, at the end, you’ll get to taste these delectable wares hot out of the oven!
Book a behind the scenes of a boulangerie tour | 4th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Make your own perfume with an expert perfumer
One of France’s top products, the French have been perfecting the art of perfume-making for centuries. Taking place in an artisanal perfumery in the Marais, these unique experiences to try in Paris begin with learning about the history and basics of perfume creation.
Afterward, you’ll put your new knowledge to work by devising your own scent. You’ll leave with a small bottle of your fragrance – which makes for a very special Paris souvenir. I’ve taken this workshop with a group of friends, and we all had an amazing time.
Learn more about these perfume-making workshops | 4th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Hunt down “Space Invader” street art
Paris is filled with amazing street art and some of the most famous works are small pixelated ‘space invaders’ by an artist called ‘Invader.’ Inspired by early video games, there are over 1,400 space invaders, of varying themes and styles, in sneaky places around the city. You might not have time to find them all, but you can have fun tracking down some of them during your Parisian wanderings.
You can check the ‘authenticity’ of an invader (there are copycats out there) and earn points by scanning them with the free Flash Invaders app. Alternatively, you can learn more about this unique urban art and discover some of the best space invaders in Paris by joining a Space Invader tour offered by Street Art Tours Paris.
Take a Space Invader tour | Various Arrondissements | WA
Image Courtesy of Viator
Create your own hat with Lady Gaga’s renowned hatmaker
Definitely among the most unique experiences to try in Paris, this class takes you into the workshop of a world-famous hat maker whose creations don the heads of top international celebrities. Fashion ateliers are notoriously difficult to access in Paris, which makes this experience that much more unique. The 3-hour workshop gives you a first-hand look at this Parisian craftsmanship during which you’ll personalize your own made-to-measure creation.
Learn more about these hat-making workshops in Paris | 2nd Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Try your hand at making butter and cheese
French cheese and butter are famous around the world, but have you ever wondered what goes into making them? Here’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and find out. In these hands-on workshops at Paris’s Living Cheese Museum, you’ll step into the shoes of a cheesemaker for a few hours.
Guided by a master cheese maker, you’ll craft your own tomme fraîche and churn up some seriously delicious artisanal butter. Once you’ve done the hard work, you get to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, tasting your creations with a well-earned glass of wine.
Take a Butter and Cheesemaking Workshop | 4th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Viator
Blend your own bottle of wine
If you’re a wine lover then these unique experiences to try in Paris are the perfect match for you. The only place in Paris where you can make your own wine, the workshop takes place in historic wine cellars commissioned by Louis XV.
In the company of a wine-maker guide, you’ll first learn about different grape varietals before enjoying the task of making your own personal blend. Afterward, you’ll get to create a personalized wine label and leave with your custom-designed bottle of wine.
Reserve a wine-making workshop in Paris | 1st Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of La Marine Douce
Cruise along the Canal de l’Ourcq on a self-drive boat
Sure, there are great cruises along the Seine, but if you want to try your hand at actually driving a boat, then head to the Canal de l’Ourcq. On this cool waterway in northeastern Paris, you can rent self-drive boats (*no license required).
Pack a picnic and join fellow Parisian boaters cruising along this offbeat canal. From the unique vantage point of the water, you’ll gaze up at locals strolling or playing pétanque, street art murals, buzzing café terraces, and colorful barge-bars. Super fun, you won’t even notice the time fly by.
Rent a boat through Akwa | 19th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Trip Advisor
Design and paint your own custom canvas tote over macarons or brunch with a Parisian handbag designer
If you’re visiting with a group of friends, you may like to organize one of these unique experiences to try in Paris. These workshops offer you the opportunity to spend an afternoon learning the techniques of handpainted bags with handbag designer and Paris fashion expert Kasia Dietz. The workshops take place in Kasia’s Marais apartment and can be combined with macarons or brunch, adding an extra Parisian element to the experience. You’ll leave with your own beautiful tote bag, which you can use for shopping in Paris or back home.
Learn more about handpainted canvas tote workshops here | 3rd Arrondissement
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