14 Off-the-Overwhelmed-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 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 appeal to 1000’s upon 1000’s of tourists every day.

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

And, whereas a number of the issues on the record under may not be “tremendous secret” sights or actions, they do fall into the class of “missed sights” so I included them.

Listed here 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 probably the most well-known French singer from the Thirties to the Nineteen 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 just a little house 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 way of her gold and platinum data, images, 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 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. Situated within the fifth arrondissement, this museum, in her outdated laboratory, highlights her radiological analysis.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. Considered one of six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds mild on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by way of everlasting and momentary exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often known as 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 all the time maintain lots 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 good spot to browse as it’s completely full of books. You may simply spend a pair hours right here searching by way of the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the workers are tremendous educated. Should 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 seemingly be close by visiting the Cathedral, you would possibly 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, nevertheless, insist that should 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 on the bottom flooring 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 dealing with the identical method, making it seem like you’re within the midst of some undead stampede!

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 by way of 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when the town expanded past its limits. It’s largely hidden behind buildings and lined in wild crops and grass now, although some sections at the moment are 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 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 road is called after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t truly work, it’s however a simple method to see a chunk of art work by one of the vital well-known artists on the 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 Partitions (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé revealed in 1941. Within the story, a person positive aspects the power to move by way of partitions and he makes use of the talent to stand up to no good. On the finish of the e book, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by way of a wall…and he will get caught. Should you stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are further clean, due to numerous individuals taking photographs of themselves attempting 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 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 objects which have been 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 unhealthy some counterfeiters had been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends nearly 5km alongside the outdated 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, actually, that is method nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover a number of timber, flowers, ponds, and locations to sit down alongside this lengthy path that stretches from Bastille to the sting of Paris. It’s an extended, straightforward, and exquisite stroll. You received’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s somewhat empty. It rapidly 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 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 stress-free and there might 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. Over time, 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 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 consists of all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

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

Get Your In-Depth Price range Information to Paris!

For extra in-depth info, try my guidebook to Paris written for price range vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guides and will get straight to the sensible info it is advisable journey round Paris. You’ll discover steered 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 way more! Click on right here to study extra and get your copy at present!

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!