5 Little-Known Museums in Paris
This article was written by Christine Cantera on behalf of Viator.com.
The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and even the Paris Catacombs have become the default must-do list for visitors to Paris. But if you’ve come to the City of Light in search of a more authentic, or just plain weird, museum-going experience, then take a look at our picks for the top five little-known museums in Paris.
Le Musée du Fumeur (The Smoking Museum)
Smokers will definitely want to exit through the gift shop of this museum, where there’s all manner of accessories and other fun things. But don’t discount this place as an ironic choice; it takes you through the history of smoking throughout the world, and even has what I guess today is a “rogues’ gallery” of portraits of famous smokers throughout history.
Le Musée du Vin (The Wine Museum)
Just as smoking and drinking seem to go hand-in-hand, so too does the Museum of Wine belong on this list. If you’re planning on visiting any vineyards while in France, this will give you a solid background into the history of viticulture, without the boring parts. And, as you were hoping, the price of admission includes a glass of wine, and the museum also hosts educational wine tastings as well as houses a restaurant on its premises.
Le Musée des Égouts de Paris (The Paris Sewers Museum)
The sewer systems under Paris are roughly 900 years old, and you can tour them. OK, not all of them, and none that are actively working. But this underground (both literally and figuratively) tour is a truly unique look at what is otherwise the most visited city on the planet.
La Pagode (The Pagoda)
La Pagode, also known as Maison Loo (no tittering, Brits), is one of the many museums in Paris located in the former home of someone, but this one will really stand out—in fact, you can recognize its Belle Epoque Chinese exterior from a fair distance. Recently renovated, the Maison Loo can be visited, and lends interesting insight into a (well-off) immigrant’s life in Paris.
Le Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques (The Pet Cemetery)
Ok, this isn’t a museum, per se, but given the popularity of many of Paris’s museum-like cemeteries, this one deserves a shout-out. Its literal translation is “The Cemetery of Dogs and Other Domestic Animals,” and it’s where Parisians have been burying their furry (or scaly, or feathered) friends for well over a hundred years. Its most “famous” resident is Rin Tin Tin, but the gravestones are worth a look.
Want to include these on your next visit? Then do a Private Tour: Customize Your Perfect Day in Paris!
Related places
Top 8 Places to See the Northern Lights
This article was written by Zoë Smith on behalf of Viator.com's Travel Blog. One of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, few vistas can top the Northern Lights, officially known as the Aurora Borealis (signifying the meeting of Aurora, Roman goddess of the dawn, and Borealis, the Greek North Wind). Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the Lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow, and purple light dancing across the arctic skies. Visible throughout the so-called ‘Northern Lights Oval,' countries lying in the far-northern latitudes, optimally between 10 and 20 degrees from the magnetic North Pole, are most likely to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, which occurs predominantly between late-September and late-March, often close to midnight. While travelers flock to the world’s northernmost countries for a glimpse of the Northern Lights, seeing them is no exact science and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a good look. From the snow-enveloped wilderness of Siberia to the northernmost tip of Canada, here are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights. So wrap up warm, pick a crisp, clear night, and cross your fingers. IcelandWith its stark beauty, starry skylines and magnificent frosted landscapes, Iceland’s unique backdrop makes it a favorite place for photographers to capture the Lights. Auroral activity is greatest during the mid-winter months and the lights are visible from locations all over the country (on clear nights, you might even catch a few glimmers in Reykjavik). Two of the most popular watching areas are the ‘Golden Circle’—encompassing the Thingvellir National Park and the Haukadalur geothermic valley—and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the famous Snaefellsjokull glacier, both easy trips from Reykjavik. For some of the clearest views and viewpoints away from the crowds, head to the northern coast on the brink of the Arctic Circle—the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the northern city of Akureyri are both great choices. Browse Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik and read more about Things to Do in Iceland in Winter. AlaskaIn the far north of the United States, Alaska’s vast snowy wilderness casts an eerie shadow beneath the glow of the Northern Lights and the further you venture out of the cities, the brighter the lights seem to shine. Fairbanks, Denali, and the Yukon Territory are all popular locations for watching the lights (the Fairbanks Visitors Bureau claims an 80 percent chance of seeing them if you stay there for three nights), or else, you can hire a knowledgeable guide and just head north. Alaska also offers some of the most unique ways to see the lights, meaning that you’re guaranteed a memorable experience with or without the lightshow. Take an arctic cruise from Fairbanks, Anchorage, or Ketchikan and view the lights from the water; go ‘flightseeing’ for a chance to get up close to the lights by flying over the Arctic circle; take an overnight train over the snow covered Alaska Range; or stave off the frostbite by soaking in the Chena Hot Springs while you wait. Read more about When to Visit Alaska. LaplandThose looking for a dose of wintertime magic will find plenty to fuel their imagination in Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region and Santa Claus’ official European base. Along with visiting the home of Mr. Claus and whizzing over the snow on a husky-driven sled, viewing the Northern Lights is a right of passage for visitors to Lapland. In Finland the lights are known as Revontulet, meaning ‘Fox fire’, named after the local fairytale featuring a fox whose swishing tail sent sparks flying across the North sky. Northern Lights tours are everywhere in Lapland with in-season viewings occurring on an average of two out of three nights, and there are a plethora of viewing options. Take a reindeer safari, climb to popular lookout points on a snowmobile, stay overnight in an igloo or visit the world’s first Northern Lights Observatory atop the 904-meter Haldde Mountain. RussiaThe Northern Lights still hold special significance for the Russian Saami tribes, who gather to watch the lights from the shores of the vast Lake Lovozero and read their fortunes in the colored streaks. Perhaps one of the lesser-visited Northern Lights regions, Russia is the go-to place if you want the wilderness to yourself, with a mammoth stretch of the country lying close to the Arctic Circle and almost all of the northern regions offering great views. The Kola Peninsula, snaking towards Scandinavia in Northwestern Russia, is one of the principal Lights-watching areas thanks to its prime location on the Northern Lights’ belt and a number of guided excursions run from the Arctic city of Murmansk. Get there in December or January and you’ll be gifted with pitch-black days and nights, as the sun disappears from view for around six weeks. Alternatively, Severodvinsk is renowned for having some of the brightest lights in Russia, with red and green glows even visible from inside the city and Salekhard is the world’s only city located on the Arctic Circle putting it firmly inside the superior viewing zone. DenmarkThe most southern country in Scandinavia might be a bit far away from the Arctic Circle, but there are still opportunities to see the Lights on Danish shores. Greenland’s Inuit population have been enjoying some of the clearest views of the Northern Lights for centuries, believing that the eerie illuminations are the lost souls of the dead, and today the territory retains one of the highest hit rates of Aurora sightings. Head to the popular town of Kangerlussuaq or take a cruise along the sparsely populated East coast, with a backdrop of towering icebergs. Alternatively, Denmark’s Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago stranded halfway between Iceland and Norway, are likely one of the most unique locations to experience the Lights, with regular flights from Copenhagen. SwedenEach Scandinavian country has its own stake in Northern Lights tourism, but Sweden boasts its own unique claim to fame. Jukkasjarvi was home to the world’s first ice hotel and bar, fashioned entirely out of the cold stuff, inspiring dozens of imitations around the globe, and remaining one of the most atmospheric places to base your Northern Lights excursion. Abisko National Park is another one of Sweden’s highlights, where you can head to Torneträsk Lake, renowned for its unique micro-climate which affords weatherproof clear skies or visit the legendary Aurora Sky Station where you can take a chair-lift up to the summit, explore the special Northern Lights Exhibition and watch the night sky from the open-air observation deck. There are plenty of other prime spots, too—the Tornedalen region, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Laponia and the far northern town of Luleå are all popular choices. Time your visit for the darkest part of the year, between November and February, and if you’re lucky enough to catch the sky ablaze, make sure you keep quiet—local Sámi mythology dictates that it’s bad luck to make a noise during the Aurora Borealis. NorwayWith its wild landscapes blanketed with snow and ice-capped fjords glistening beneath the stars, Norway offers one of the most otherworldly backdrops for watching the Northern Lights. With the northern half of the country stretching into the Arctic Circle and more viewing locations than anywhere in Scandinavia, Norway has some of the brightest and most frequent sightings in the world. The Lofoten islands, Alta, Svalbard, and Finnmark all have high rates of Lights spottings, but Tromsø remains one of the most popular destinations, so much so that Hurtigruten ships even run Northern Lights cruises along the rugged Norwegian coastline. And there’s plenty to pass the time while you’re waiting for the midnight lightshow—Norway is one of Europe’s premier winter sports destinations, with skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling all popular ways to enjoy the snow. Read about more Winter Activities in Norway. CanadaWith the north of the country lying within the North Magnetic Pole and the western Yukon Territory crowned as one of the world’s best viewing spots, there are plenty of good reasons to take your Aurora quest to Canada. Make the most of snow while you’re there, by learning the popular local sport of dog mushing (riding husky-driven sleds) and exploring some of the most stunning winter landscapes in the Northern Hemisphere. Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador offer plenty of opportunities to see the Lights, as well as being snowmobiling hotspots home to over 1,500km of trails; or spot two winter wonders in one trip, with a visit to Manitoba, on the cusp of the Aurora Oval and a popular place to witness polar bears in their natural habitat. For a real adventure though, take a boat or plane to Iqaluit, a natural paradise tucked away on Baffin Island, where you’ll be in the heart of the Arctic and far away from the lights of the city. Book a 3-Day Northern Lights Tour in Whitehorse from Vancouver.
Cazenovia, NY, Makes An Impressive Leap in Our Coolest Small Town 2014 Contest!
Wow! Cazenovia, NY, has rocketed to second place in our Coolest Small Town 2014 contest, passing (at least for now!) the folks in Buckhannon, VA, who had held first or second place since the contest began in mid-January. (Berlin, MD, still holds the top spot.) Cazenovia, a charming upstate hamlet that's home to a vibrant downtown, lovely lake, and a variety of distinctive architectural styles, has received nice publicity from media outlets in central New York, including Syracuse,com. That, in turn, has clearly inspired the town's fans to spring into action and vote daily. Congrats, Cazenovia! So, how does a town with a population of fewer than 3,000 zoom to the number-two spot? Well, keep in mind that Budget Travel is all about, well, travel. The towns on our list were nominated by our audience because they are not just cool places to live but also cool destinations to travel to. Translation? The winning town will grab the title of Coolest by organizing its fan base—whether they are in town, in state, or even across the U.S. or the world!—so that each person casts one vote per day until the contest closes at 12:00 a.m. on February 25. (We allow up to one daily vote per IP address to prevent "robo-voting.") Here's where our 15 contenders currently stand: 1. Berlin, MD 2. Cazenovia, NY 3. Buckhannon, WV 4. Mathews, VA 5. Travelers Rest, SC 6. Galena, IL 7. Rockport, TX 8. Kelleys Island, OH 9. Elkin, NC 10. Estes Park, CO 11. Nevada City, CA 12. Deadwood, SD 13. Pahoa, HI 14. Everglades City, FL 15. Huntington Woods, MI
Berlin, MD, Leads Our Coolest Small Town Voting!
Congrats to the folks in Berlin, MD, who have organized a great early turnout in our Coolest Small Town 2014 voting! After Buckhannon, WV, shot to the top in the early days of voting last weekend, Berlin steadily built a lead. While we consider every one of our 15 contenders cool towns, the final results are now in the hands of folks like you all over the U.S. (and, really, all over the world) who visit us each day to cast a vote for their Coolest pick. In past years, we've seen incredibly devoted boosters organize worldwide campaigns to propel towns like Lititz, PA; Beaufort, NC; and Hammondsport, NY, to the toppermost of the list. Voting continues till 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday February 25 (that's more than four weeks away), and you're allowed to vote once each day. Got a fave town on the list? Vote early, vote often! And check back here at This Just In for regular updates. As of Sunday night, here's how our 15 contenders stood: 1. Berlin, MD 2. Buckhannon, WV 3. Mathews, VA 4. Travelers Rest, SC 5. Cazenovia, NY 6. Rockport, TX 7. Kelleys Island, OH 8. Galena, IL 9. Nevada City, CA 10. Elkin, NC 11. Estes Park, CO 12. Deadwood, SD 13. Pahoa, HI 14. Huntington Woods, MI 15. Everglades City, FL
Vote Now for America's Coolest Small Town!
Budget Travel knows a cool town when it sees one, and these 15 finalists—the result of weeks of nominations from BT's online audience—are now vying for bragging rights to the title of Coolest. This year's 15 contenders—which stretch from upstate New York to Hawaii—have a few things in common: populations under 10,000, beautiful locales, thriving downtowns, outstanding community spirit, and a noteworthy food, wine, art, or music scene. One thing they can't share is the top spot in our 9th annual America's Coolest Small Town contest. CAST YOUR VOTE—up to once a day!—between now and 12:00 a.m. on February 25, when one town will be crowned Coolest. Here, our 15 contenders for the title of America's Coolest Small Town 2014: Berlin, MD (Population: 4,563) Like the scenery in the films Tuck Everlasting and The Runaway Bride? You'll love Berlin, MD, where both movies were shot! Downtown is a National Register Historic District that plays host to fun events all year long, from a regular farmers market to one-of-a-kind bashes like the Berlin Fiddlers Convention, Victorian Christmas, and, yes, even bathtub races. Buckhannon, WV (Population: 5,645) Smack dab in the heart of West Virginia, Buckhannon received the most nominations of any town in this year's Coolest Small Towns preliminary round. With an artsy Main Street (with specialty shops, antiques, and galleries), historic downtown, and a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers just outside of town, Buckhannon just may be "the little town that could." Cazenovia, NY (Population: 2,756) If Central New York isn't already on your travel radar, get ready for a big, and very pleasant, surprise! Cazenovia, on the shores of Cazenovia Lake, may make you feel like you've discovered the perfect small town you thought didn't really exist. Stroll down Albany Street for a trip back in time, and drop by the Scottish-themed Brae Loch Inn for its exceptional Sunday brunch. Deadwood, SD (Population: 1,263) These days, the "wild" in "wild west" has more to do with gaming, fine dining, and having fun than white hats and shootouts on Main Street. Take a tour of the Broken Boot Mine, visit any number of historic homes and shops, and even visit the graves of real-life western legends Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Elkin, NC (Population: 4,024) Here, you'll find just about every outdoor activity you might like, including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and cycling. But when you're ready to relax after a day in the wild, the town's galleries, historic sites, shops, theaters, wine trails, and restaurants will make you feel that you're in a town more than twice the size. Estes Park, CO (Population: 6,017) When your town is the headquarters for Rocky Mountain National Park, you've got a pretty good head start on other cool burghs. Skiing and snowshoeing the surrounding mountains is a must in winter, and rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are on tap in warmer months (if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the iconic bighorn sheep with its curved horns). Everglades City, FL (Population: 403) This lovely, tiny town is truly the gateway to the unique mangrove estuaries and 10,000 Islands of Everglades National Park, not to mention a prized destination for tasty stone crabs (reserve a table at the Seafood Depot, a nice eatery housed in the town's 1928 train station). Galena, IL (Population: 3,400) Nestled among rolling hills along Illinois's Galena River, this bustling town, once home to Civil War general and 18th president Ulysses Grant, has a thriving downtown with unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visit one of the area's three local wineries, hike the easy, beautiful hills just outside town, kayak the gentle rivers, and golf at one of the state's most prized courses. Huntington Woods, MI (Population: 6,288) Ranked one of America's friendliest towns by Forbes and one of America's top 10 suburbs by MarketWatch, Huntington Woods is a quiet suburb of Detroit (with a small piece of the Detroit Zoo within town limits!) appropriately nicknamed the City of Homes. Kelleys Island, OH (Population: 313) Located in Lake Erie, about 12 miles from Sandusky, Kelleys Island proves that good things come in small packages: Spend a long weekend here (it's a 20-minute ferry ride from Marblehead) and you'll likely agree, especially if you like getting up close and personal with nature. Mathews, VA (Population: 8,884) Mathews is not just a town but also Virginia's smallest county, with just 84 square miles and no traffic lights. But we know "small" and "cool" go together like beaches and cottages. Speaking of which, Mathews includes miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline that make it a prime summer destination for beachgoers, bird watchers, cyclists, fishermen, and kayakers. Nevada City, CA (Population: 3,046) Nevada City may be a little off the beaten path (60 miles northeast of Sacramento, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains), but residents value the Gold Country town for its music and art scene, food, and proximity to some of California's amazing rivers, lakes, and the Sierras. Pahoa, HI (Population: 945) Located on Hawaii's Big Island not far from Hilo, Pahoa has unique shops, a retro mid-20th-century vibe, and puts you in beautiful volcano country, a short drive from dried lava fields and about an hour from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Rockport, TX (Population: 9.133) Never heard of Rockport? Well, we hadn't either, which just means it's now not only a candidate for Coolest Small Town but also for one of our best-kept secrets. Here, artists, saltwater fishermen, and birdwatchers have been lured to Texas's warm Gulf coast. Travelers Rest, SC (Population: 4,750) Travelers Rest gets its travel-mag-ready moniker from the pioneer days, when travelers followed a trail dotted with the occasional tavern or inn. But the town offers not only restful, comfy lodgings but also world-class outdoor activities.
