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

Paris is stuffed with well-known sights: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur. The checklist 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 appeal to hundreds upon hundreds of holiday makers every day.

Whereas 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) sights (that didn’t include the annoying crowds that make so a lot of Paris’ sights insufferable).

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

Listed 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 around the globe 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 house within the Ménilmontant district firstly of her profession, which has been changed into a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life via her gold and platinum data, pictures, clothes, letters from followers, posters, recordings, and sheet music.

Admission is free, however you’ll have to 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 along with her historic discoveries.
 

3. Archives Nationales

Opened in 1867, the Nationwide Archives homes hundreds of historic paperwork courting again to 625 CE. Certainly one of six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds mild on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context via everlasting and non permanent exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (referred to as 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 properly. They at all times 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 have been situated in Venice and the Galignani title has been related to publishing books because the sixteenth century. Age apart, it is a excellent spot to browse as it’s completely filled with books. You can simply spend a pair hours right here looking via 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 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 a number of well-liked 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 folks 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 in the event you stand on the star with your beloved and kiss, your love will final without end.
 

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 flooring of the constructing, it’s residence to over 1,000 animal skeletons from around the globe, together with full skeletons of elephants, giant cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as attention-grabbing as it’s unsettling: all of the animals are dealing with the identical means, making it seem like you’re within the midst of some undead stampede!

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 via 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when the town expanded past its limits. It’s largely hidden behind buildings and coated in wild vegetation and grass now, although some sections are actually formally open to the general public. You’ll discover all types 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 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 road is known as after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s nonetheless a straightforward approach to see a chunk of art work by one of the well-known artists on the planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is situated close to Montmartre, making it a straightforward cease in your itinerary. It’s based mostly 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 features the power to move via partitions and he makes use of the ability to stand up to no good. On the finish of the ebook, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing via a wall…and he will get caught. For those who stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are further clean, because of numerous folks taking pictures of themselves making an attempt to drag the person free.
 

10. Montmartre Cemetery

Whereas the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the most important and hottest in Paris, for a extra secluded stroll, take a look at 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 residence 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 residence 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. Whereas some knockoffs are spectacular of their duplicity, it’s additionally humorous to see simply how unhealthy 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 number of a long time afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in your entire world. (And, truthfully, that is means nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover a number of bushes, 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 exquisite stroll. You received’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s slightly empty. It shortly turned 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. Building 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 folks), it’s largely a spot for locals who need 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 stress-free 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. Over time, the buildings have been residence 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 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 at all times value trying out, if you wish to be greater than a vacationer and develop a higher appreciation for the Metropolis of Gentle’s distinctive and complicated historical past, go to these unconventional and weird sights in Paris.
 

Get Your In-Depth Finances Information to Paris!

For extra in-depth data, take a look at 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 data it is advisable journey round Paris. You’ll discover instructed 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 suggestions, and rather more! Click on 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 suggestions in addition to free planning guides despatched straight to you and see extra of the nation for much less!