I thought I would end this blogging assignment with a more upbeat post on my favorite places in Paris (just in case anyone would like to go there). Of course you should go to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and so on, but here are a few lesser visited places I recommend.
First, I think if you're not creeped out super easily, one of the coolest places to go in Paris are the catacombs! It's basically an underground cemetery which holds the remains of 7 million people. The bones were moved into the underground quarries after cemeteries became too crowded in the 18th century. It's a really interesting story, so to learn more visit: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/paris-catacombs-180950160/?no-ist. There is more than 200 miles of tunnels underneath Paris (the catacombs only makes up a tiny part of them). Anyway, the bones are arranged into cool shapes like this heart:
In fact, all the cemeteries (both above and below ground) are great to see. The three main cemeteries Pere Lachaise, Montmartre and Montparnasse are beautiful and hold the graves of some very interesting people: Edgar Degas, Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Jim Morrison. More info on those here: http://www.pariscemeteries.com/
Next place you have to go in your in the City of Lights is the Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Located on top of the hill at Montmartre, this gigantic white church is a must see. It's a bit of a climb but at the top you can see all of Paris. There is also a lovely market behind the basilica. Be careful though, there are a lot of pickpockets and people trying to take your money here. Well, actually pickpockets are everywhere so be on the look out.
Well, that's it for now! Thanks for reading! And as always, I recommend everyone go explore Paris, it's an experience you will never forget!
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