true-life cultural experiences?

I will be in Paris for a week and a half. I am definitely going to do the Louvre and other cultural things, but what about every-day experiences. Like here in the States we might go to the movies, go bowling, et cetera. Are there unique things like that I could perhaps do in Paris? Hope this isn%26#39;t a stupid question!! Thanks!

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Go to a local park and play petoncles (bocci ball). Hit a live jazz session at a local cafe. Shop at a morning market.

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You can see many movies in their original language (v.o.). Go to a show and even the theater if you want to listen to some French. There is an occasional play in English too.

Go to a concert in a church or in a concert hall/club.

Take a pic nic on pont des Arts.

Yes, you could play %26quot;petanque%26quot; but not sure those guys would let you, they take it so seriously it is funny to watch.

Buy Pariscope at news stand to see what%26#39;s on.

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Go to the Luxembourg Gardens on a Saturday afternoon to watch the French children play with their toy boats in the bassins.

Or go to the Place des Vosges on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to see all the French families playing and strolling, doing what they do.

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Depending on when you go...you could go to the races at Auteuil or Longchamp...both in the Bois du Bulogne on the west side of Paris. Both Hippodromes are easily accessible by Metro Line 10 to Porte du Auteuil (and short free bus ride to Longchamp). You won%26#39;t run into many tourists there.

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Trip to a supermarket? Perhaps it%26#39;s more the case outside Paris, but I know I%26#39;m really in France, when we%26#39;re wandering round an out-of-town %26#39;grande surface%26#39; seeing what%26#39;s on sale :-)

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Thanks so much for all of your input. I am forwarding this on to my travel partners, and we will make our lists!! Thanks again!

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