A couple new Big Stuff articles

I'm knocking out a bunch of easy Big Stuff articles today: Notre Dame and the Panthéon. More soon!
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Les Arènes de Lutèce — an ancient Roman arena hidden in the 5th arrondissement

The Arènes de Lutèce is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating things in Paris, and most Parisians have never even heard of it. It's a real-ass Roman arena dating from the first century, hidden right in the fifth arrondissement! Some historical information from the "Histoire de Paris" sign by the front entrance: "This amphitheater of simple stone brickwork was erected around the end of the first century AD. ... Destroyed during the barbarian invasions of the third century, its materials were reused by the Gallo-Romans, who were taking refuge on the Île de la Cité [the small island on the Seine in central Paris]. ... Its exact location remained unknown until 1858. It was rediscovered... Read more ►

Museum of the History of Medicine

Le Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine is one of my favorite finds in all of my time in France. It's a relatively small but absolutely fascinating museum if you're into creepy medical stuff. The Musée is full of things like scary old medical instruments, creepy medical models, strange prosthetic limbs, and more. One of the strangest and coolest items, which you'd totally miss if you're not looking for it, is a small circular table right by the staircase to go up to the second floor. At a glance, the little table doesn't seem too noteworthy, but take a closer look. It's got an intricate design under the glass top, which is made entirely of human... Read more ►