14 Off-the-Crushed-Path Issues to See in Paris (Up to date 2025)

Paris is crammed with well-known sights: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur. The record goes on. There are such a lot of superb websites right here that you would spend days (heck, even weeks) simply seeing the primary, most well-known ones.

However there’s extra to Paris than the websites that entice hundreds upon hundreds of tourists every day.

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

And, whereas a few of the issues on the record beneath won’t be “tremendous secret” sights or actions, they do fall into the class of “neglected sights” so I included them.

Listed below are a few of the finest 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 Sixties, and identified world wide for her songs La vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien (which appeared within the film Inception). She lived in a little bit condominium within the Ménilmontant district firstly of her profession, which has been become a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life by means of her gold and platinum information, 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 College of Paris in addition to the primary girl to be entombed within the Panthéon on her personal deserves. Positioned 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 Nationwide Archives homes hundreds of historic paperwork relationship again to 625 CE. One among six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds gentle on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by means of everlasting and non permanent exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (referred to as the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally beautiful. It’s within the late Baroque fashion, embracing lengthy columns and plenty of statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. They all the time maintain a variety 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. Previous to that, they had been positioned in Venice and the Galignani identify has been related to publishing books for the reason that sixteenth century. Age apart, this can be a excellent spot to browse as it’s completely full of books. You possibly can simply spend a pair hours right here searching by means of the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the employees are tremendous educated. In the event you’re an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!
 

5. Paris Level Zero

That is the official middle of Paris, from which all distances within the metropolis are measured. Whereas it’s only a easy brass star set into the sidewalk close to the Notre Dame Cathedral, there are just a few widespread rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll seemingly be close by visiting the Cathedral, you may as effectively cease right here). Some individuals deal with the star as a wishing effectively, 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 your beloved and kiss, your love will final perpetually.
 

6. The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy

Opened in 1898, this gallery is part of the French Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past. Taking on the bottom ground of the constructing, it’s house to over 1,000 animal skeletons from world wide, together with full skeletons of elephants, massive cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as attention-grabbing 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 means of 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when town expanded past its limits. It’s principally hidden behind buildings and lined in wild vegetation and grass now, although some sections are actually formally open to the general public. You’ll discover all kinds of flowers and road artwork alongside the tracks.

Whereas some sections are unlawful to go to, close to Parc Georges Brassens you’ll discover a part of the tracks referred to as 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. Positioned 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 road is called after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s however a straightforward method to see a chunk of paintings by one of the vital well-known artists on the earth.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is positioned close to Montmartre, making it a straightforward cease in your itinerary. It’s primarily based on a personality from The Man Who Walked Via Partitions (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé printed in 1941. Within the story, a person positive factors the flexibility to move by means of partitions and he makes use of the ability to rise up to no good. On the finish of the guide, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by means of a wall…and he will get caught. In the event you rise up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the palms of the statue are additional easy, due to numerous individuals taking photographs of themselves making an attempt to drag the person free.
 

10. Montmartre Cemetery

Whereas the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the biggest and hottest in Paris, for a extra secluded stroll, try the Montmartre Cemetery. Loads 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. Whereas 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 virtually 5km alongside the previous Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated just a few many years afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in your entire world. (And, actually, that is manner nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover numerous 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, simple, and delightful stroll. You received’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s quite empty. It rapidly grew to become one in every 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. Development completed in 1825, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine through each above-ground locks and underground tunnels. Whereas not any secret spot (on a pleasant day, you’ll discover the canal lined with individuals), it’s principally a spot for locals who wish to have a picnic and loosen up. So, say no to the Seine, and are available have your out of doors picnic alongside the canal. It’s extra enjoyable and there will probably be fewer individuals!
 

14. Museé de Montmartre

Based in 1960, this museum is positioned all through two buildings that date again to the seventeenth century. Through 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 Center Ages but it surely makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment contains all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

Whereas the primary sights in Paris are all the time price trying out, if you wish to be greater than a vacationer and develop a higher appreciation for the Metropolis of Mild’s distinctive and complicated historical past, go to these unconventional and strange sights in Paris.
 

Get Your In-Depth Finances Information 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 it’s good to journey round Paris. You’ll discover urged itineraries, budgets, methods to economize, 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 on right here to be taught extra and get your copy at the moment!

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!