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 listing goes on. There are such a lot of wonderful websites right here that you would 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 holiday makers 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 lots of Paris’ sights insufferable).

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

Listed here 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 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 just a little residence within the Ménilmontant district in 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 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 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 along 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 way of everlasting and short-term exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (generally known as the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally beautiful. It’s within the late Baroque type, embracing lengthy columns and many statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as nicely. They at all times 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 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 might simply spend a pair hours right here looking by way of 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 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 common 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 nicely cease right here). Some individuals deal with the star as a wishing nicely, tossing a coin and making a want (which is why there are normally a handful of cash on the star). Others, nonetheless, insist that for those who 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 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 going through the identical manner, making it appear to be 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 principally hidden behind buildings and coated in wild crops and grass now, although some sections are actually 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 generally 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, for the reason that road is known as after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s nonetheless a simple solution to see a bit of paintings 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 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 features 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 guide, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by way of 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 additional clean, due to numerous individuals taking images of themselves attempting 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, 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 possibly can 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 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 many years afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in the complete world. (And, actually, that is manner 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 a protracted, straightforward, and delightful stroll. You received’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s moderately empty. It shortly turned one in every 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. Development 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 principally 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 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 have been dwelling 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’s 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 principle sights in Paris are at all times value trying out, if you wish to be greater than a vacationer and develop a better appreciation for the Metropolis of Gentle’s distinctive and complicated historical past, go to these unconventional and weird sights in Paris.
 

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