Best Authentic Experiences in Paris, France

The Best Authentic Experiences

• Picnicking on the Canal St-Martin: On a nice day, pack a picnic lunch and head to the banks of the charming Canal St-Martin, where you'll find bohemian Parisians relaxing under the shady plane trees and dining with friends.

• Feasting on Oysters and Chablis: During oyster season (Sept-Apr), take the time for a briney lunch of fines de claire oysters washed down with a glass -- or two -- of Chablis, a white wine from Burgundy. Many bistros and brasseries serve oysters during this period -- you'll know by the heaping mounds of oysters set up on tables in front of these establishments.

• Eating Asian in Chinatown: While most visitors don't associate Paris with Asian food, the city has an important Asian community originating primarily from China, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. There are three different Chinatowns in the city; the two most important Chinatowns are located at Metro Belleville and in the 13th arrondissement near Metro Porte d'Ivry. Here you can eat well (and cheaply) while seeing a different side of the city.

• Riding a Bike: The city's small size and predominantly flat terrain make it ideal for cycling. The city government actively encourages bike riding: you'll see bike paths around the city, and there's even an efficient municipal bike rental system, the Vélib (www.velib.paris.fr). It's an invigorating way to see the city.

• Bathing in a Hammam: Bathhouses are common in Paris; this custom was imported by Paris's important communities from Maghreb, where hammams are prevalent. The best known and perhaps most beautiful hammam is the one inside the La Grande Mosquée de Paris. Strip down (it's women or men only) and relax in the succession of increasingly hot steam rooms, before plunging into a cold pool. Finish off the experience with a cleansing mint tea.

• Perusing the Local Food Markets: Possibly everything there is to say about the charm of the city's local food markets has already been said -- it's a delight for all the senses. Get inspired by the variety of fresh French produce, from its cheeses to charcuteries to fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, and world-class bread.

• Hitting the Sales: Twice a year Paris shops sacrifice their current collections, with up to 75% reductions, to make way for new stock. Summer sales start in the last week of June, and winter sales start in early January. Parisians stock up on everything from clothes to home goods to electronics at these city-wide sales.

• Taking an Aperitif: The apéro (predinner drink) is a common ritual in Paris, where Parisian meet in their favorite local bars and bistros for a chat and a drink, usually around 7pm. The aperitif is meant to open the appetite, and classic examples include white wine, champagne, pastis, or vermouth.