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 checklist goes on. There are such a lot of superb websites right here that you might spend days (heck, even weeks) simply seeing the principle, most well-known ones.

However there’s extra to Paris than the websites that appeal to 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 few of 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 a few of 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 below are a few 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 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 somewhat condo 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 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 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 relationship again to 625 CE. One among six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds gentle on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context via everlasting and momentary exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often called the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally beautiful. It’s within the late Baroque model, embracing lengthy columns and plenty of statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. They all the time maintain a number 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, this can be a good spot to browse as it’s completely filled with books. You can simply spend a pair hours right here searching via the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the workers are tremendous educated. In the event 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 common rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll doubtless 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 normally a handful of cash on the star). Others, nonetheless, insist that should you 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 over the bottom flooring of the constructing, it’s house to over 1,000 animal skeletons from around the globe, together with full skeletons of elephants, massive cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as fascinating as it’s unsettling: all of the animals are going through 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 principally hidden behind buildings and lined 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 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 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 called after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s however a simple option to see a bit of paintings by probably the most 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 Via Partitions (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé revealed in 1941. Within the story, a person positive aspects the power to go via partitions and he makes use of the talent to stand up to no good. On the finish of the guide, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing via a wall…and he will get caught. In the event you stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are additional clean, because of numerous individuals taking images of themselves making an attempt 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 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 house 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 had been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends virtually 5km alongside the previous Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated just a few a long time afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in all the world. (And, truthfully, that is means nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover plenty of bushes, 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 fairly empty. It shortly grew to become one in all 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 individuals), it’s principally 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 enjoyable and there will probably 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 house to many well-known writers and painters. The gardens of the museum had 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 however it makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment consists of all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

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Whereas the principle sights in Paris are all the time price trying out, 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 strange sights in Paris.