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

Paris is full of 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 could spend days (heck, even weeks) just seeing the main, most well-known ones.

However there’s extra to Paris than the websites that entice 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 record beneath may not be “tremendous secret” sights or actions, they do fall into the class of “missed sights” 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 essentially the most well-known French singer from the Nineteen 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 somewhat condominium within the Ménilmontant district at the beginning of her profession, which has been changed into 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 College of Paris in addition to the primary girl to be entombed within the Panthéon on her personal deserves. Situated 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 courting again to 625 CE. One in all 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.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often known as the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally gorgeous. It’s within the late Baroque fashion, 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. Previous to that, they had been positioned 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 full of books. You possibly can 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. When you’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 just a few in style 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 often a handful of cash on the star). Others, nevertheless, insist that for those who stand on the star with the one you love 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 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, giant cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as fascinating as it’s unsettling: all of the animals are going through the identical means, making it appear like 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 largely 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 types 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 known 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. Situated 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). Whereas the sundial doesn’t truly work, it’s however a straightforward technique to see a chunk of paintings by probably the most well-known artists on the planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is positioned 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 printed in 1941. Within the story, a person beneficial properties the flexibility to go by partitions and he makes use of the talent to rise up to no good. On the finish of the guide, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by a wall…and he will get caught. When you rise up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are additional easy, due to numerous individuals taking photographs of themselves attempting 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, take a look at 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 dwelling 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 dwelling to counterfeit objects which were collected by France’s customs brokers and police (in addition to donated objects from manufacturers and shoppers alike). There are over 500 objects within the museum, starting from counterfeit artwork and luxurious items to extra mundane objects, like cleansing provides. Whereas 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 nearly 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 complete world. (And, truthfully, that is means nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover a lot of timber, 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 shortly turned one in every 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. 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 individuals), it’s largely a spot for locals who need to have a picnic and chill out. So, say no to the Seine, and are available have your out of doors picnic alongside the canal. It’s extra enjoyable and there can 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 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’s additionally a winery close by that dates again to the Center Ages but it surely makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment consists of all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

Whereas the principle sights in Paris are at all times value testing, if you wish to be greater than a vacationer and develop a higher appreciation for the Metropolis of Mild’s distinctive and sophisticated historical past, go to these unconventional and strange sights in Paris.
 

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