Here is a list of 10 sites in Paris that should be of interest to an Invisible Paris reader, some of which have already been featured on the blog, others that will probably be featured in the future...
1. The Musée des Moulages Dermatologiques
From its origins as a 17th century out of town hospital for plague victims, the Hopital Saint Louis became a specialised institution for infectious and skin diseases. As part of its role as an educator of future doctors, a service was set up to create moulds of most of these diseases, working directly from the bodies of the patients. The results, displayed in a rarely accessible museum, are frighteningly life-like and often extremely gruesome. It's a fascinating collection, but not one for the faint-hearted!
Click here for access information and opening times.
2. The Gare de Lyon
Visits will be organised throughout the weekend around the station, taking in the wonderful fresques in the main hall and the ornate Train Bleu restaurant. However, what attracts me most here is the opportunity to visit the famous clock tower!
Click here for access information and opening times.
3. The Pitié Salpêtrière
Yes, it's another hospital, but the Pitié Salpêtrière is always a fascinating place to wander around (as I once explained on the Soundlandscapes blog). The Journées du Patrimoine though will offer, in addition, a long list of interesting-sounding organised events.
Click here for access information and opening times
4. Le Corbusier's Cité de Refuge
One of Le Corbusier's lesser-known buildings perhaps, but this structure, designed for Salvation Army to house those struggling to find somewhere to live in the city, is colourful and playful.
Click here for access information and opening times
5. The Institut de Paléontologie Humaine
The real interest of the Journées du Patrimoine is to get inside places you wouldn't normally be able to access. I've long had a fascination with this building, with its ornately carved facade, as well as with the articles relating to the origins of our species that are displayed inside, but access is extremely restricted. This will be my opportunity to visit.
Click here for access information and opening times
6. The Palais d'Iéna
The architect Auguste Perret was behind a number of interesting buildings in Paris, but this was his masterpiece. I recently visited the interior, but access is complicated and you need freedom and time to explore the building, particularly the wonderful auditorium. This weekend will offer that opportunity.
Click here for access information and opening times
7. The Résidence de l'Ambassadeur de Serbie
I interviewed a Serbian journalist on Invisible Paris about this building in 2009, and she outlined just how sumptious and well-positioned it is. This weekend is your only chance of the year to see it for yourself.
Click here for access information and opening times
8. The Caserne des Sapeurs Pompiers de Paris
Although there are many fire stations across Paris, the headquarters of the service is in a large building near the Porte de Champerret in the 17th arrondissement. For the Journées du Patrimoine this year, access will be given for the first time to a private area where the history of the force, its successes and those who died in service, is remembered. There will also a display of vintage fire engines, and perhaps even access to the central clock tower that has long intruiged me. Oh, and of interest to some perhaps, there will also be lots of firemen.
Click here for access information and opening times
9. 36, Quai des Orfèvres
A very famous address, particularly to fans of Maigret and readers of crime fiction. Somewhat surprisingly it will open this year for the first time ever during a Patrimoine weekend, so expect it to be a popular site (with possible long queues). On top of having access to address, you will also be able to investigate a crime scene and have your fingerprints taken!
Click here for access information and opening times
10. Mémorial du Bazar de la Charité
On May 4th 1897, 130 people - mostly female members of the aristocracy - lost their lives in a terrible fire in a temporary building holding a charity event. In the following years a church was built on the site of the tragedy, and a small memorial area was placed to the rear. This micro-museum and place of remembrence is only ever very exceptionally open to the public, with the Journées du Patrimoine being one of those occassions.
Click here for access information and opening times
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