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

Paris is stuffed 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 such a lot of wonderful websites right here that you could spend days (heck, even weeks) just seeing the main, most well-known ones.

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

Whereas I used to be residing 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 irritating crowds that make so a lot of Paris’ points of interest insufferable).

And, whereas among the issues on the listing beneath won’t be “tremendous secret” points of interest or actions, they do fall into the class of “ignored points of interest” so I included them.

Listed here are among the greatest 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 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 slightly condominium within the Ménilmontant district initially 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 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 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 College of Paris in addition to the primary lady 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 1000’s of historic paperwork courting again to 625 CE. One in every of six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds mild on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by everlasting and momentary exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often called the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally gorgeous. It’s within the late Baroque fashion, embracing lengthy columns and many statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as nicely. They all the time maintain plenty 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 have been situated in Venice and the Galignani identify has been related to publishing books because the sixteenth century. Age apart, it is a great spot to browse as it’s completely filled with books. You can simply spend a pair hours right here searching by the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the workers are tremendous educated. For those who’re an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!
 

5. Paris Level Zero

That is the official heart 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 a couple of common rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll probably be close by visiting the Cathedral, you may as nicely cease right here). Some folks deal with the star as a wishing nicely, 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 eternally.
 

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 over the bottom ground of the constructing, it’s dwelling to over 1,000 animal skeletons from all over the world, 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 going through the identical method, 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 the 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.

Whereas 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. Positioned 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 called after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s nonetheless a simple approach to see a chunk of paintings by one of the crucial well-known artists on this planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is situated close to Montmartre, making it a simple 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 revealed in 1941. Within the story, a person positive factors the power to go by partitions and he makes use of the talent to rise up to no good. On the finish of the e-book, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by a wall…and he will get caught. For those who rise up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the arms of the statue are further clean, because of numerous folks taking images of themselves making an attempt to tug 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 folks 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 received’t see many individuals right here, so you may discover in peace.
 

11. The Museum of Counterfeiting

Opened in 1972, this museum is dwelling to counterfeit gadgets which have been 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. Whereas some knockoffs are spectacular of their duplicity, it’s additionally humorous to see simply how dangerous some counterfeiters have been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends nearly 5km alongside the previous Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated a couple of many years afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in your complete world. (And, actually, that is method nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover a number of bushes, flowers, ponds, and locations to sit down 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 slightly empty. It rapidly grew to become one among 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 by way of each above-ground locks and underground tunnels. Whereas 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 shall be fewer folks!
 

14. Museé de Montmartre

Based in 1960, this museum is situated all through two buildings that date again to the seventeenth century. Through the years, the buildings have been dwelling to many well-known writers and painters. The gardens of the museum have been really renovated to look extra just like the gardens in Renoir’s work (there’s additionally a winery close by that dates again to the Center Ages however it makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment consists of all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

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

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