Paris by Bob Hall (Creative Commons)
For travellers seeking out of the ordinary fun, Paris provides an abundance of activities to fulfil diehard thrill seekers. Our friends at Hostelbookers.com have listed their Top 5 places of where to go to find activities to indulge in for those seeking adventure in the City of Light.
Aerokart’s Free-fall Wind Tunnel
This simulated sky dive is placed in a tunnel that creates winds up to 155 mph. This is one of the most realistic free-fall experiences in the world. You are given brief training before taking the dive and proper attire is provided. You are also instructed about various positions to use during the fall and ways to communicate while inside the tunnel. There will be physical requirements and reservations are needed. But for anyone holidaying with an adventurer and are not so into taking big risks yourself there is also a racetrack with go-karts for adventure on the ground. Visitors can find this adventure at 199-203 route de Pontoise.
Dans Le Noir
“Paris is a feast” said Hemingway and this one is specifically for adventurous foodies! At Dans Le Noir you can get back in touch with your lost senses. Choose from a decadent menu for seafood and meat lovers such as grilled octopus and whiskey marinated filet mignon but vegetarians are most welcome to feast on grilled Portobello mushrooms and vegetables. Dinners include a starter, entree, and dessert. The ultimate foodie can opt in for a surprise menu, which is actually recommended when dining in the dark. Of course this is the whole point since the French emphasize using all the senses when experiencing great food. Dans Le Noir is located at 51, rue Quincamopix.
Montparnasse Tower
For those who love venturing to new heights (see what we did there) the tower provides a spectacular view of the city. With 59 floors and reaching close to 700 feet at the roof, the tower provides a stunning 360 degree view of Paris as far as the eye can see. The elevator, reportedly Europe’s fastest, will get you to the top in a mere 38 seconds. After experiencing the city at massive heights, enjoy dinner at the 360 Café a panoramic bar or stop at beautifully designed Le Ciel de Paris for gourmet dining. The tower is located at 33 Avenue du Maine.
Carisiolas Adventure Park
Play among the tree tops at this unique adventure park that resembles a medieval forest. There are several activities to enjoy for all ages and different levels of thrill seeking. Activities include quad rides, a Tyrolean jump, and a medieval village to explore. The great part about Carisiolas is that there is fun to be had for the adult as well as the child. The park is located in Crisolles, a little more than an hour north of Paris. For those who have already been to Disneyland, it would make an equally great day trip while visiting Paris.
Friday Night Skate
Every Friday evening thousands of roller skaters journey through Paris on a course that is around 25 kilometres. The event can get pretty raucous, especially near the front. But it’s a great physical activity and a way to be involved with thousands of locals as well as travellers. However it must be said this is an event for experienced skaters only. Being able to nimbly manoeuvre and quickly stop is necessary to thoroughly enjoy this activity. The skate starts at 10 pm at the Montparnasse Train Station and ends at the same place.
Photo credit: Bob Hall