Discover or rediscover the capital during the summer months with these unusual tours

Paris under the summer sun is an alluring city, inviting you to discover its hidden secrets and explore new horizons. Whether you're a Parisian or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover about this city; its possibilities are endless. Take the opportunity to see what the more unusual tours are all about, because we think you’ll be fascinated as you see Paris from a fresh perspective and make the acquaintance of places that are away from the usual tourist trails. Just to give you an idea of some of the incredible depth of interest our city has to offer, here are a few recommendations.  Buttes-aux-Cailles area - Tourist Office Paris - Photographer E. Boucher

Be seduced by the Paris of the 1950s

Have you ever dreamed of plunging into the romantic Paris of the 1950s? Well, although you cannot go back in time, you can do the next best thing and take a tour of the timeless parts of the city in a vehicle that reached its height of popularity in that halcyon decade and which has become synonymous with Paris: the iconic Citroen 2CV. The company offering this fun and innovative service is 4 roues sous 1 parapluie and they offer a choice of themed routes. Your multilingual driver, dressed in classic French garb, will act as your guide and answer all your questions about the city he loves. Roll back the sunroof, relax and leave the driving to him. All you need to do is enjoy!

An unusual and natural capital

If you stay in the Hotel Marais Bastille, you'll be in the middle of the action. Should you want to stroll along the banks of the Seine and visit world famous attractions, all the possibilities are available to you. However, if you prefer to get away from the hordes of tourists and enjoy nature’s bounty, remember that there are many delightful green spaces scattered throughout the capital. Enjoy the sunny paths of the Botanical Gardens. Head off to the former royal hunting preserve of the Bois de Vincennes and explore this tranquil landscape on foot, by boat or on horseback, while taking the time to discover its picturesque medieval castle. Walk the Promenade Plantée, a former railway line tracing a verdant path from the Place de la Bastille to Varenne Saint-Maure.

A cultural capital

Paris is a cultural capital bursting with museums and historical buildings. Yet, away from the Paris of postcards and tourism you can find lesser-known places of interest which are minor masterpieces in themselves. Do you know the Butte-aux-Cailles is higher than Montmartre and offers a view of the capital that will take your breath away? Lovers of marine life should not miss the tropical aquarium at the Palais de la Porte Dorée, where there is also a museum dealing with the history of immigration. Shopaholics should check out Bercy Village, where former wine warehouses have been turned into delightful shops. Then visit the National Library of France for a glimpse into cultural richness.

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For more information on these unusual visits, the Tourist Office Paris can help or see below: • Paris Authentic • Parc floral de Vincennes (floral Park) • Promenade plantée (Planted promenade) • Tropical Aquarium at Palais de la Porte Dorée • Bercy village

Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3 star Design hotel in the heart of Paris.