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 listing goes on. There are so many superb websites right here that you would 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 tourists every day.

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

And, whereas a few of the issues on the listing under 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 a few of the greatest off-the-beaten-path issues to see and do in Paris:

1. Musée Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf is probably essentially the most well-known French singer from the Thirties to the Nineteen Sixties, and identified 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 slightly condominium within the Ménilmontant district firstly of her profession, which has been became a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life by way of 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 lady to win the Nobel Prize (and the one lady 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 lady to be entombed within the Panthéon on her personal deserves. Located within the fifth arrondissement, this museum, in her outdated laboratory, highlights her radiological analysis.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 courting 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 way of everlasting and short-term 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 type, embracing lengthy columns and plenty of statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as properly. They at all times maintain quite a lot 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 situated in Venice and the Galignani identify has been related to publishing books for the reason that sixteenth century. Age apart, it is a good spot to browse as it’s completely filled with books. You might simply spend a pair hours right here searching by way of 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 a number of standard rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll probably be close by visiting the Cathedral, you would possibly as properly cease right here). Some individuals deal with the star as a wishing properly, tossing a coin and making a want (which is why there are normally a handful of cash on the star). Others, nonetheless, insist that when you stand on the star with the one you love 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 dwelling 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 means, making it appear to be you’re within the midst of some undead stampede!

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 by way of 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when the town expanded past its limits. It’s largely hidden behind buildings and lined in wild crops and grass now, although some sections are actually formally open to the general public. You’ll discover all types 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 situated 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, for the reason that avenue is called after the saint). While the sundial doesn’t truly work, it’s nonetheless a simple approach to see a chunk of paintings by one of the crucial well-known artists on the planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is situated close to Montmartre, making it a simple cease in your itinerary. It’s based mostly 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 features the flexibility to cross by way of partitions and he makes use of the ability to stand up to no good. At the top of the ebook, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by way of a wall…and he will get caught. If you stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are further easy, because of numerous individuals taking pictures of themselves attempting to drag 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 dwelling to many cobwebbed mausoleums, in addition to a handful of stray cats. You gained’t see many individuals right here, so you possibly can discover in peace.
 

11. The Museum of Counterfeiting

Opened in 1972, this museum is dwelling to counterfeit gadgets which were collected by France’s customs brokers and police (in addition to donated gadgets from manufacturers and shoppers 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 unhealthy some counterfeiters had been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends nearly 5km alongside the outdated Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated a number of 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 means nicer than the NYC High Line).

You’ll discover a lot 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 exquisite stroll. You gained’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s moderately empty. It rapidly turned certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Paris and I can’t advocate 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 through each above-ground locks and underground tunnels. While not any secret spot (on a pleasant day, you’ll discover the canal lined with individuals), it’s largely 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 individuals!
 

14. Museé de Montmartre

Founded in 1960, this museum is situated all through two buildings that date again to the seventeenth century. Over the years, the buildings had been dwelling to many well-known writers and painters. The gardens of the museum had been truly 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 nevertheless it makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment contains all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

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

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