Nine Unique Places in Paris Offer a World Tour Without Leaving the City

Around the World (Without Ever Leaving Paris): Nine Unique Places to Visit

Miss traveling? So do we! But who says you need a plane ticket to take a world tour? Paris, with its unmistakable charm, is also home to some truly unexpected getaways—no passport required. Buckle up (your metro pass will do), because here’s a journey to the nine most surprising and transportive spots in the city. Get ready for a whirlwind tour around the globe, all within easy reach of a croissant.

From America to Asia: Paris’s Global Side

• The United States on the Île aux Cygnes: Head to the 15th arrondissement and you’ll stumble upon a true symbol of friendship—the replica of New York’s Statue of Liberty. Sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi himself at the same time as the original, this impressive piece was gifted to France in 1889. You can almost hear the distant echoes of jazz and see yellow taxis (well, Parisian traffic might suffice).
• A Slice of Japan: The Japanese Garden of Albert Kahn: In the heart of Boulogne-Billancourt lies an oasis of tranquility—a typically Japanese garden planted by banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn, inspired by his travels in Asia. If you’re looking for a moment of zen without hopping on a plane, this idyllic place is your go-to spot!
• China, Paris-Style: The Loo Pagoda: Still in Asia but now in the 17th arrondissement: amidst classic Haussmannian buildings, one structure stands out—a vibrant pagoda. Once a mansion, it was transformed in 1920 into a jewel of Chinese culture by the wealthy collector Ching-Tsai Loo. Eye-catching, colorful, and as out-of-place (in the best possible way) as you could wish for, this is a must-discover in the capital.
• A Taste of India: Passage Brady: Take yourself to Passage Brady in the 10th arrondissement and let your senses be whisked away by culinary specialties, incense, and spices. It’s a hidden corner of India, so authentic you might wonder if you took a wrong turn into Mumbai instead of the Marais.

The African Influence and Paris’s Touch of Egypt

• Egyptian Style at the Louxor: Continue your world tour with a stop in Egypt. The Louxor cinema’s stunning facade in Paris is entirely inspired by ancient Egypt. Built in 1921 by architect Henri Zipcy for Henri Silberger, this movie palace is a real head-turner. Who knew you could step out of the metro and into the land of the pharaohs?
• The Louvre Pyramid: Let’s stay in Egypt (sort of) and behold the Louvre Pyramid. With its modern glass appearance, it sparked quite the debate upon its arrival in Paris in 1989. Designed at the request of President François Mitterrand, the pyramid is now an unmissable (and, dare we say, selfie-worthy) stop for any Parisian stroll. Indiana Jones hat optional.

Homesick for France? Discover Regional Escapes

• A Bit of Alsace in the 13th: After your global adventure, maybe you’re longing for the comforts of France? Head to a small, secretive hamlet in the 13th arrondissement, where a charming flower-bedecked courtyard and colorful little houses bring to mind Alsace’s picturesque villages. You might even start craving a good kugelhopf.
• The Alsatian Brasserie Above the Golden Arches: France’s eastern flair is definitely in the spotlight. Perched above a McDonald’s, don’t miss a facade of wood and brick with its tiled roof—unmistakably Alsatian in style. Originally a brasserie built in 1892, this quirky juxtaposition with the modern fast-food below adds a dash of surprise to your wander.
• Mountain Chalet by Buttes-Chaumont: Fancy a bit of alpine air (or at least pretending)? Not far from Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement stands a wooden chalet surrounded by typical Parisian buildings. Slip on your imaginary skis—this spot conjures up a mini escape to snowy slopes.
• The Charm of the Countryside: After your whirlwind cultural adventure, why not take it easy in the city’s own version of the countryside? In this peaceful neighborhood, picturesque streets and quaint houses offer a slice of rural serenity right in Paris. The only thing missing is the mooing of cows (but hey, maybe you’ll find a cat or two sunbathing).

Travel the World—Paris-Style

Who needs a suitcase when Paris is brimming with slices of the world? Whether you’re craving American grandeur, Asian serenity, Egyptian drama, or the comforts of the French countryside, the City of Light serves it up—sometimes with a side of fries, sometimes with cherry blossoms. So next time you miss traveling, remember: Paris offers a world tour, one metro ride at a time. Bon voyage, explorer!