A visit to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the Louvre, pictures at the Eiffel Tower, and a walk along the Seine. What happens when you’ve seen the essentials or want to do something unique? Or worse, when the things you planned are doing were closed? We were facing a little bit of all those reasons, with the last weighing heavily; we were first time visitors during a national strike. Paris has more than enough to offer, no matter the reason you are looking for something a little different.
- Drink like it’s the Jazz Age at Harry’s New York Bar.
Harry’s New York Bar, which opened in Paris in 1911, was a favorite watering hole for the Lost Generation. It’s easy to picture F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein sitting in the bar, which has kept it’s old time charm and college pennants. Gershwin played the piano at Harry’s–he’s said to have composed An American in Paris on it.
Not a literature fan? The Bloody Mary, French 75, and the Side Car were allegedly created here.
Beware, the drinks are pretty pricy (14 euro and up). I like to think you’re paying for the atmosphere too, so make the price worth it and head over after 10:00pm. Go down to the basement (there’s a second bar down there) and listen to jazz played on the famed piano.
2. Do the Time Warp at Studio Galande.
Studio Galande in the Latin Quarter has been showing cult film Rocky Horror since 1978, a thirty-nine year reign.
Granted, seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a weird enough experience as is, especially as a “virgin” to the show. Add complete unfamiliarity with the French language and we were clueless–but that didn’t stop us from having a great time! The movie screens in English with French subtitles, but most of the live jokes are made in French.
You can catch the show at 10:00pm every Friday and Saturday (and “some” Thursdays at 9:30pm). I’ve heard it’s best to get tickets early and I’m glad we did! The show we went (Thursday) sold out. If you go, make sure to take a full water bottle, a bag of rice, and latex gloves. You’ll understand when you get there.
3. See the rollerblade police at the Louvre.
You’ve seen police on foot, you’ve seen police in their cars. Perhaps you’ve even seen police on horseback…but have you seen rollerblade police?
Stakeout at the Louvre (and stand on one of the concrete blocks to “hold” the pyramid)…if you’re lucky, the elusive rollerblade police will make an appearance.
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