14 Off-the-Overwhelmed-Path Issues to See in Paris (Up to date 2025)

Paris is crammed 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 wonderful websites right here that you 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 holiday makers every day.

Whereas I used to be residing 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 lots of Paris’ sights insufferable).

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

Listed below are among 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 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 condo within the Ménilmontant district firstly of her profession, which has been was a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life via 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 Positioned within the fifth arrondissement, this museum, in her outdated laboratory, highlights her radiological analysis.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 hundreds of historic paperwork relationship again to 625 CE. Certainly one of 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 (referred to as the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally gorgeous. It’s within the late Baroque model, embracing lengthy columns and many statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. They at all times 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 have been positioned in Venice and the Galignani title has been related to publishing books for the reason that sixteenth century. Age apart, it is a excellent place to browse as it’s completely full of books. You might 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 case 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 widespread 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 folks 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 should you stand on the star with the one you love 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 ground of the constructing, it’s residence 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 manner, making it appear 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 kinds 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 referred to 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. 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 avenue is known as after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t truly work, it’s nonetheless a straightforward option to see a chunk of paintings by one of the vital well-known artists on this planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is positioned close to Montmartre, making it a straightforward 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 printed in 1941. Within the story, a person positive factors the power to go via partitions and he makes use of the talent to stand up to no good. On the finish of the ebook, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing via a wall…and he will get caught. In case you stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the palms of the statue are additional easy, due to numerous folks taking images 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, try the Montmartre Cemetery. Loads of folks 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 residence to many cobwebbed mausoleums, in addition to a handful of stray cats. You received’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 residence to counterfeit objects which have been collected by France’s customs brokers and police (in addition to donated objects from manufacturers and customers 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 outdated 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 all the world. (And, truthfully, that is manner 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 a protracted, simple, and delightful stroll. You received’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s relatively empty. It shortly turned 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. Development 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 folks), 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 stress-free and there might be fewer folks!
 

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 have been residence 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.

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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 Mild’s distinctive and sophisticated historical past, go to these unconventional and strange sights in Paris.