What makes the world\u2019s passion for the city of lights never-ending is the mystery and wonder that time has engraved upon Paris. The memories of its inhabitants are palpable across the centuries. You can find odd houses, quirky statues, strange museums, unusual churches, and unimaginable buildings. More than the beauty of the city itself, these discoveries make you feel like you are a part of history. Each day you can discover Paris in a whole new way. <\/p>\n
One of the most unusual churches in Paris is located in the 14th<\/sup> arrondissement<\/em>, on the left bank, the Notre Dame du Travail. <\/em>This church was built just after the\u00a0Exposition Universelle<\/em> of 1900 in\u00a0Paris, and unlike its more famous namesake, many of the laborers hired to bring this grand exposition lived within<\/em> the city\u2019s 14th<\/sup>\u00a0arrondissement<\/em>. As more and more workers arrived to build the fair\u2019s various exhibits and attractions, the neighborhood soon outgrew its existing church. As a result, a new building was constructed to fit both the size and style of the neighborhood\u2019s working-class residents. The church was designed to make those more accustomed to factories than palaces feel at home. Even its name, which translates to \u201cOur Lady of Labor,\u201d pays homage to its parish. The result is a church unlike any other in Paris. Exposed metal beams stretch upwards, giving the space a distinctly industrial feel. Yet, the typical church features \u2013 pews, an altar, and religious art\u2014make it clear that it is indeed a place of worship. Three mural paintings in the side naves show the patron saints of handicrafts: Saint Eloi (metal workers), Saint Luc (art workers), and Saint Joseph (carpenters). It is also said that parts of the Exposition Universelle<\/em>\u2019s pavilions were used to build the church as thanks to the workers that made the event possible.<\/p>\n Numerous museums exist in Paris, including the three most famous museums in the world \u2013 the Louvre<\/em>, the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay<\/em> and the Centre Pompidou<\/em>. However, there\u2019s much more to its cultural scene than these behemoths. Off the beaten track, down cobbled side streets, and in the middle of touristy areas, you\u2019ll find many weird and wonderful little-known museums. One of them is said to be the only one of its kind in the world: The Vampire Museum in the North of Paris. This museum was created by Jacques Sirgent (an English teacher and Bram Stoker translator) who opened \u201cThe Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures\u201d as a visual record of his dedicated research on vampirism, esoterism, and occidental folklore. While the museum is only one room, the fascination of this place lies with Monsieur Sirgent himself, who is an enthralling storyteller and who will patiently explain the tales of the mysterious relics that his curiosity cabinet contains.<\/p>\n