14 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See in Paris (Updated 2025)

Paris is crammed with well-known points of interest: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur. The record goes on. There are so many wonderful websites right here that you could possibly spend days (heck, even weeks) simply seeing the principle, most well-known ones.

But there’s extra to Paris than the websites that appeal to 1000’s upon 1000’s of holiday makers every day.

While I used to be dwelling in Paris the previous few months, I made it my mission to see among the extra uncommon, lesser-known (however equally superior) points of interest (that didn’t include the annoying crowds that make so lots of Paris’ points of interest insufferable).

And, whereas among the issues on the record beneath may not be “super secret” points of interest or actions, they do fall into the class of “overlooked attractions” so I included them.

Here are among the finest off-the-beaten-path issues to see and do in Paris:

1. Musée Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf is maybe probably the most well-known French singer from the Thirties to the Nineteen Sixties, and recognized all over the world for her songs La vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien (which appeared within the film Inception). She lived in just a little house within the Ménilmontant district at first of her profession, which has been was a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life by her gold and platinum data, images, clothes, letters from followers, posters, recordings, and sheet music.

Admission is free, however you’ll must make an appointment.

2. Musée Curie

Marie Curie was the primary girl to win the Nobel Prize (and the one girl to win it twice) for her analysis into radioactivity (a phrase that she invented). She was the primary feminine professor on the University of Paris in addition to the primary girl to be entombed within the Panthéon on her personal deserves. Located within the fifth arrondissement, this museum, in her previous laboratory, highlights her radiological analysis. It’s insightful and eye-opening for anybody unfamiliar together with her historic discoveries.
 

3. Archives Nationales

Opened in 1867, the National Archives homes 1000’s of historic paperwork relationship again to 625 CE. One of six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds gentle on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by everlasting and momentary exhibitions.

Built by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often called the Hôtel de Soubise) is completely beautiful. It is within the late Baroque model, embracing lengthy columns and plenty of statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. They all the time maintain a number of good exhibitions too.
 

4. Librairie Galignani

This bookshop claims to be the oldest English bookstore in continental Europe, having opened in Paris in 1801. Prior to that, they had been positioned in Venice and the Galignani identify has been related to publishing books because the sixteenth century. Age apart, this can be a great spot to browse as it’s completely full of books. You may simply spend a pair hours right here looking by the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the employees are tremendous educated. If you’re an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!
 

5. Paris Point Zero

This is the official heart of Paris, from which all distances within the metropolis are measured. While it’s only a easy brass star set into the sidewalk close to the Notre Dame Cathedral, there are just a few well-liked rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll doubtless be close by visiting the Cathedral, you would possibly as effectively cease right here). Some folks deal with the star as a wishing effectively, tossing a coin and making a want (which is why there are often a handful of cash on the star). Others, nevertheless, insist that for those who stand on the star with your beloved and kiss, your love will final ceaselessly.
 

6. The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy

Opened in 1898, this gallery is part of the French National Museum of Natural History. Taking up the bottom flooring of the constructing, it’s house to over 1,000 animal skeletons from all over the world, together with full skeletons of elephants, giant cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as fascinating as it’s unsettling: all of the animals are dealing with the identical manner, making it appear to be you’re within the midst of some undead stampede!

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 by 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when town expanded past its limits. It’s principally hidden behind buildings and coated in wild vegetation and grass now, although some sections at the moment are formally open to the general public. You’ll discover all kinds of flowers and avenue artwork alongside the tracks.

While some sections are unlawful to go to, close to Parc Georges Brassens you’ll discover a part of the tracks often called the ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ that’s each free and authorized to go to. It’s positioned within the 15e arrondissement.
 

8. The Salvador Dalí Sundial

This surrealist sundial was created by world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Located on Rue Saint-Jacques, it’s a mixture of a human face and a scallop shell (the image of the Camino to Santiago, because the avenue is known as after the saint). While the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s however a simple technique to see a bit of paintings by some of the well-known artists on the planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is positioned close to Montmartre, making it a simple cease in your itinerary. It’s primarily based on a personality from The Man Who Walked Through Walls (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé revealed in 1941. In the story, a person beneficial properties the flexibility to move by partitions and he makes use of the ability to stand up to no good. At the top of the e book, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by a wall…and he will get caught. If you stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the palms of the statue are additional easy, due to numerous folks taking photographs of themselves attempting to tug the person free.
 

10. Montmartre Cemetery

While the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the most important and hottest in Paris, for a extra secluded stroll, try the Montmartre Cemetery. Plenty of individuals go to the highest of Montmartre for Sacré-Coeur and the view, however few take the time to wander this cemetery sitting on the foot of the district. It opened in 1825 and is house to many cobwebbed mausoleums, in addition to a handful of stray cats. You received’t see many individuals right here, so you possibly can discover in peace.
 

11. The Museum of Counterfeiting

Opened in 1972, this museum is house to counterfeit gadgets which were collected by France’s customs brokers and police (in addition to donated gadgets from manufacturers and customers alike). There are over 500 gadgets within the museum, starting from counterfeit artwork and luxurious items to extra mundane gadgets, like cleansing provides. While some knockoffs are spectacular of their duplicity, it’s additionally humorous to see simply how dangerous some counterfeiters had been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends virtually 5km alongside the previous Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated just a few a long time afterward. Until New York constructed their High Line, it was the one elevated park in your entire world. (And, truthfully, that is manner nicer than the NYC High Line).

You’ll discover plenty of timber, flowers, ponds, and locations to take a seat alongside this lengthy path that stretches from Bastille to the sting of Paris. It’s a protracted, straightforward, and delightful stroll. You received’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s quite empty. It rapidly turned considered one of my favourite issues to do in Paris and I can’t suggest coming right here sufficient!
 

13. Canal Saint-Martin

Stretching 4.5km, the Canal Saint-Martin is a man-made waterway commissioned by Napoleon. Construction completed in 1825, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine by way of each above-ground locks and underground tunnels. While not any secret spot (on a pleasant day, you’ll discover the canal lined with folks), it’s principally a spot for locals who wish to have a picnic and calm down. So, say no to the Seine, and are available have your outside picnic alongside the canal. It’s extra enjoyable and there might be fewer folks!
 

14. Museé de Montmartre

Founded in 1960, this museum is positioned all through two buildings that date again to the seventeenth century. Over the years, the buildings had been house to many well-known writers and painters. The gardens of the museum had been really renovated to look extra just like the gardens in Renoir’s work (there may be additionally a winery close by that dates again to the Middle Ages but it surely makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment contains all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

While the principle sights in Paris are all the time value testing, if you wish to be greater than a vacationer and develop a larger appreciation for the City of Light’s distinctive and sophisticated historical past, go to these unconventional and weird points of interest in Paris.
 

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For extra in-depth info, try my guidebook to Paris written for finances vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guides and will get straight to the sensible info you could journey round Paris. You’ll discover steered itineraries, budgets, methods to save cash, on- and off-the-beaten-path issues to see and do, non-touristy eating places, markets, bars, transportation and security ideas, and far more! Click right here to study extra and get your copy right now!

Plan your journey to Europe like a professional

Get all my finest Europe journey ideas in addition to free planning guides despatched straight to you and see extra of the nation for much less!