Paris is full of famous attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the Catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur. The list goes on. There are so many incredible sites here that you could spend days (heck, even weeks) just seeing the main, well-known ones.
But there’s more to Paris than just the places that attract thousands and thousands of visitors every day.
While living in Paris over the last few months, I made it my mission to see unusual, lesser-known (but equally amazing) attractions (ones that don’t come with the aggressive, unbelievable crowds).
And while some of the things on the list below may not be “super-secret” attractions or activities, they fall into the category of “overlooked” attractions, so I included them.
Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path things to see and do in Paris:
1. Musée Édith Piaf
Édith Piaf is perhaps the most famous French singer from the 1930s to the 1960s, known worldwide for her songs La Vie en Rose and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (which appeared at the start of the movie Inception). She lived in a small apartment in the Ménilmontant district early in her career, which has been turned into a tiny museum dedicated to her. You’ll explore her life through her gold and platinum records, photographs, clothing, fan letters, posters, recordings, and sheet music.
Admission is free, but you’ll need to make an appointment.
2. Musée Curie
Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize (and the only woman to win it twice) for her research on radioactivity (a word she coined). She was the first female professor at the University of Paris, as well as the first woman to be buried in the Panthéon for her own merits. Located in the 5th district, this museum, housed in her old laboratory, highlights her radiological research. It’s insightful and eye-opening for anyone unfamiliar with her groundbreaking discoveries.
3. National Archives
Opened in 1867, the National Archives house thousands of historical documents dating back to 625 CE. One of six national archives in the country, the museum sheds light on France’s tumultuous past, providing nuanced historical context through permanent and temporary exhibits.
Commissioned by Napoleon I, the building itself (known as Hôtel de Soubise) is absolutely stunning. It’s built in the late Baroque style, featuring long columns and numerous statues and sculptures. The grounds and gardens are also immaculate. There are always plenty of great exhibitions too.
4. Librairie Galignani
This bookstore claims to be the oldest English-language bookstore on continental Europe, opening in Paris in 1801. Before that, its location in Venice and the Galignani name had been associated with book publishing since the 16th century. Aside from its age, this is a fantastic place to browse, as it’s absolutely filled with books. You could easily spend a couple of hours here hunting through piles and shelves. It’s a quiet, picturesque shop with super knowledgeable staff. If you’re an avid reader, don’t miss it!
5. Paris Point Zero
This is the official center of Paris, from which all distances in the city are measured. While it’s just a simple brass star embedded in the pavement near Notre Dame Cathedral, there are a few popular rituals that make this a short but fun stop (and since you’re probably nearby visiting the Cathedral, you might as well do it). Some people treat the star as a wishing well, tossing in a coin and making a wish (so you’ll often see a handful of coins on the star). Others insist that if you stand on the star with your loved one and kiss, your love will last forever.
6. Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy
Opened in 1898, this gallery is part of France’s National Museum of Natural History. Taking up the ground floor of the building, it’s home to around 1,000 animal skeletons from around the world, including complete skeletons of elephants, big cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as fascinating as it is eerie: all the animals face the same direction, making it feel like you’re in the middle of some undead stampede!
7. Petite Ceinture
In use from 1862 to 1964, this railway once circled Paris but was abandoned when the city expanded beyond its limits. It’s mostly hidden behind buildings and now covered in wild plants and grass, though some sections have been officially opened to the public. You’ll find all kinds of flowers and street art along the tracks.
While some sections are illegal to visit, near Parc Georges Brassens you’ll find a section of the tracks known as ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ that is free and legal to visit. It’s located in the 15th district.
8. Salvador Dalí Sundial
This surreal sundial was created by the world-famous artist Salvador Dalí. Located on Rue Saint-Jacques, it’s a blend of a human face and a scallop shell (the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, since the street is named after the saint). While it doesn’t actually function as a sundial, it’s an easy way to see a piece of art by one of the world’s most famous artists.
9. Le Passe-Muraille
This iconic bronze sculpture is located near Montmartre, making it an easy stop on your itinerary. It’s based on a character from The Man Who Walked Through Walls (Le Passe-Muraille), a short story by Parisian Marcel Aymé published in 1941. In the story, a man gains the ability to walk through walls and uses it for mischief. At the end of the book, however, his power fades just as he’s walking through a wall… and he gets stuck. If you get close to the sculpture, you’ll notice the statue’s hands are very smooth, thanks to countless photos of people trying to pull the man out.
10. Montmartre Cemetery
While Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most popular in Paris, for a more secluded stroll, check out Montmartre Cemetery. Many people visit the top of Montmartre for Sacré-Coeur and the view, but few take the time to wander this cemetery at the foot of the district. It opened in 1825 and is home to many cobweb-covered mausoleums, as well as a handful of stray cats. You won’t find many people here, so you can explore in peace.
11. Museum of Counterfeiting
Opened in 1972, this museum houses counterfeit items collected by French customs agents and police (as well as items donated by brands and consumers alike). There are over 500 items in the museum, ranging from forged art and luxury goods to more mundane items like cleaning supplies. While some imitations are impressive in their duplicity, it’s also fun to see how bad some counterfeiters were!
12. Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte René-Dumont)
This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that stretches nearly 5 km along the old Vincennes railway line. The railway stopped operating in 1969, with the park opening a few decades later. Until New York built its High Line, this was the only elevated park in the world. (And honestly, it’s much nicer than New York’s High Line.)
You’ll find plenty of trees, flowers, ponds, and places to sit along this long path that runs from the Bastille to the edge of Paris. It’s a long, easy, beautiful walk. You won’t encounter many people here. Only on a nice day does it get a bit busier. It quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Paris, and I can’t recommend it enough!
13. Canal Saint-Martin
Stretching 4.5 km, the Canal Saint-Martin is a man-made waterway commissioned by Napoleon. Construction finished in 1825, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine via locks and underground tunnels. While it’s not a secret spot (on a nice day, you’ll find the canal full of people), it’s mostly a spot for locals looking to have a picnic and relax. So, skip the Seine, and come have your outdoor picnic along the canal. It’s more relaxing and you’ll meet fewer tourists!
14. Musée de Montmartre
Founded in 1960, this museum is housed in two buildings dating from the 17th century. Over the years, the buildings were home to many famous writers and painters. The museum’s gardens were renovated to resemble the gardens in Renoir’s paintings (there’s also a nearby vineyard dating back to the Middle Ages, though it produces horrible wine). The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide variety of paintings, posters, and drawings.
While it’s always worth visiting the main sights in Paris, if you want to be more adventurous and develop a deeper appreciation for the City of Light’s unique and complex history, visit these unconventional and unusual attractions in Paris.
