Exploring Paris' Belleville area-a local haunt

One wonders where the time goes? It is the end of the summer and smart travelers are gearing up for Fall travel or Spring travel ideas to save money and get early booking savings. Want to see a part of Paris that few know of?

MEET THE ARTISTS AND RESIDENTS: a tour for $17 (12 euros), offered several times weekly.

Just a few Metro stops away from the city's major monuments lies the overlooked Belleville neighborhood that's worth the detour, especially in the company of Angenic Agnero, who runs the nonprofit organization Paris par Rues Meconnues (Paris Along Unknown Streets).

Agnero has been walking the streets of the neighborhood for 10 years interviewing its residents. She now holds the keys — or rather the door codes — to many buildings, allowing visitors to discover a hidden side of the area. Once the doors close, it's easy to imagine you're miles away from Paris, in the quiet countryside.

Although unknown by many, Belleville has had its share of fame. "La vie en rose" singer Edith Piaf reportedly started her career here singing in the streets.

Many of Paris' ceramists, mosaic artists and various artisans call the Working-class area of Belleville home. Instead of lecturing on the area's long history, Agnero introduces you to her friends and shares stories, including one about a man who traveled to France by boat illegally and named his bar Le Petit Navire (the small boat) to show his gratitude.

Don't forget to pick up locally made hats, gifts and made-to-measure leather shoes they will mean so much more when you are back home, especially when you know you didn't go to the duty free Mall area but rather experienced the "local" look and feel.