The other side of Paris

Paris. Midnight in Paris. Gay Paree. The City of Lights. The City of Romance. Need I carry on? Everyone knows the glamorous Hollywood version of France’s capital city. So much so that there have been reports of Paris-induced depression, suffered by disappointed tourists who arrive to find that the streets aren’t filled with mimes, no-one really wears a beret, and the Champs-Elysées is more super-cher than super-chic.

While you can hunt down the old Parisian stereotypes if you’re really desperate to find them, why not go in search of the more contemporary city? When you're planning your holiday in Paris, it’s always more interesting to go off the beaten track. And the same applies to sightseeing. Here are three spots you probably won’t find in every guidebook.

Take a Pissoir

Paris wasn’t always the sophisticated centre of civilisation you might think it is now. In fact, it wasn’t so long ago that Parisians (the men at least) didn’t think twice about relieving themselves en plein air - that is, out in the open. Find your way to the La Santé prison on Boulevard Aragó, and you can gawp at the last remaining pissoir, or outdoor urinal, in Paris. You can even indulge in this age-old Parisian tradition yourself, if the mood takes you - the last of the 1,200 conveniences that once dotted Paris’s streets was fully functional at the time of writing.

Shop for charity

If you fancy bringing home some unusual and inexpensive souvenirs, or you simply want to treat yourself (why not?), then Neptune is where you need to go. Take the Métro to Mairie de Montreuil to find yourself within walking distance of this bargain-hunter’s heaven spread over two buildings. You’ll find all manner of weird and wonderful objects. Always wanted a brightly-coloured espresso set? You might just find it here. What about a brilliantly tacky parrot-themed lamp? There’s a good chance of that too! But in amongst the trashy fun items, there are plenty of real gems at rock-bottom prices. And the best part? It’s all for a good cause - Neptune’s revenue is spent on helping the socially disadvantaged get back on their feet.

Mourn the mutts

In the Cimetière de Père-Lachaise, you’ll find a host of illustrious permanent guests, including the likes of Oscar Wilde. But if you’ve already visited the graves of the great human heroes, why not swing by the Cimetière des Chiens near Métro Gabriel Péri to pay your respects to some dearly-departed canine companions? As well as being full of extravagant and zanily-decorated tombstones, the burial ground is home to some of the world’s most famous dogs. Barry, a St Bernard who saved over forty people in the mountains, rests here, as does Rin Tin Tin, the Hollywood showdog who reputedly died in the arms of film legend Jean Harlow.

There are a ton of other low-cost and free things to do In Paris. One paid-for "attraction" - although it isn't attractive - that I'd recommend would be the Catacombs under the streets of Paris. Good old freaky fun!