South Side

Paris, south of the river, is a largely tourist free area, the main attractions being between the river and Boulevard St Germain, or to the north. We stayed on the south side for the 3rd time in a row and I would recommend it. There are little secrets here, like Rue Mouffetard and the Butte aux Cailles, even a much altered Roman Amphitheatre.
Of course, one has to see the north side

and see the seedy attractions around Pigalle

But where else in the world would you see a huge tree growing eight floors up?
(Place d'Italie)
I carried out an experiment with the loos:204 metres up,

and 110 metres up.

Imagine that hitting the sewer!