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 checklist goes on. There are such a lot of superb websites right here that you possibly can spend days (heck, even weeks) simply seeing the principle, 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 residing in Paris the previous few months, I made it my mission to see a number of the extra uncommon, lesser-known (however equally superior) points of interest (that didn’t include the irritating crowds that make so lots of Paris’ points of interest insufferable).

And, whereas a number of the issues on the checklist beneath may not be “tremendous secret” points of interest or actions, they do fall into the class of “ignored points of interest” so I included them.

Listed below are a number of the finest 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 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 bit of condo within the Ménilmontant district in the beginning 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, pictures, 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 hundreds of historic paperwork courting again to 625 CE. One in all six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds mild on France‘s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by everlasting and short-term exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often called the Hôtel de Soubise) is completely gorgeous. It’s within the late Baroque fashion, embracing lengthy columns and many statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. 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 have been positioned in Venice and the Galignani identify has been related to publishing books for the reason that sixteenth century. Age apart, it is a excellent spot to browse as it’s completely filled with 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 workers 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 a couple of well-liked 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 often a handful of cash on the star). Others, nonetheless, insist that if you happen to 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 fascinating as it’s unsettling: all of the animals are dealing with the identical approach, making it seem 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 lined 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 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 often called 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 truly work, it’s nonetheless a simple option to see a bit of art work by one of the crucial well-known artists on this planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is positioned close to Montmartre, making it a simple cease in your itinerary. It’s primarily based on a personality from The Man Who Walked By way of Partitions (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé printed in 1941. Within the story, a person good points the flexibility to move by 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 a wall…and he will get caught. When you rise up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the arms of the statue are further easy, due to numerous individuals taking pictures of themselves attempting to tug 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 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 gained’t see many individuals right here, so you’ll be able to discover in peace.
 

11. The Museum of Counterfeiting

Opened in 1972, this museum is house to counterfeit gadgets which have been 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 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 a long time afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in your entire world. (And, actually, that is approach nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover plenty 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 an extended, straightforward, and delightful stroll. You gained’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s quite empty. It shortly turned certainly one 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. Building 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 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 out of doors picnic alongside the canal. It’s extra stress-free and there shall 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 have been house to many well-known writers and painters. The gardens of the museum have 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 nevertheless it 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 larger appreciation for the Metropolis of Mild’s distinctive and complicated historical past, go to these unconventional and weird points of interest in Paris.