While I have been to many European cities, the second I chose to write about is Paris, because I live here.
Most people when they go to Paris choose to go to the western half of the city, because that's where you'll find the Eiffel Tower.
Fun fact about the Eiffel Tower, it was supposed to be taken down after the Paris World Fair in 1889 and it is also why the Ferris Wheel was invented for the Chicago World Fair in 1893, because the USA wanted to create something more impressive than the Eiffel Tower.
Ok, back to the city.
If you are looking to explore a different part of the city away from all the tourists, stay in the Eastern part.
Go see an opera at the Opera Bastille, maybe visit the Opera Garnier because it is a beautiful building. They both house the National Opera of Paris, although two different opera's will be showing in each theatre. Garnier has a smaller stage and will host productions with a smaller choir. But they are the same members that sing at the Opera Bastille. And, in my opinion, if you want to see an opera, the Opera Bastille is the better venue. To reserve your tickets go here : Opéra national de Paris (operadeparis.fr)
While you're in this area, you can also visit the most Instgrammed street in Paris. No, not the Champs Elysees, Rue Cremieux. This street is so beautiful, residents have put a sign at the end of the street telling visitors not to take photos (the sign doesn't work).
Paris wanted to have more green space. So while Paris is inside the Péripherique, there are two woods outside the péripherique (which is like a highway that encircles the city).
One is the Bois de Boulogne, which is on the west-half of the city near the Eiffel Tower.
But, there is the Bois de Vincennes on the east half of the city. There is a big lake in this park called Lake Daumesnil. There are two small islands in this lake, the Ile de Reuilly and the Ile de Bercy. It is on this second small island that you will find all the peacocks. There are also lots of geese and pigeons, but the peacocks make it worth it.
Once you've seen the peacocks, you can rent a paddle boat (Les Barques du lac Daumesnil – Location de barques.) It's nice. My husband and I took a bottle of champagne out on the lake last year for my birthday.
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