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 would 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 holiday makers every day.

Whereas I used to be dwelling 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 beneath may not be “tremendous secret” sights or actions, they do fall into the class of “missed sights” so I included them.

Listed here are among 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 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 a little bit residence within the Ménilmontant district at the beginning of her profession, which has been became a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life by means of her gold and platinum data, images, 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. Positioned within the fifth arrondissement, this museum, in her outdated laboratory, highlights her radiological analysis.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 among six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds mild on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by means of everlasting and non permanent exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often known 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 all the time maintain plenty 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 situated 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 means 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 a couple of well-liked 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 for those who 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 flooring of the constructing, it’s house to over 1,000 animal skeletons from all over the world, 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 method, making it appear like you’re within the midst of some undead stampede!

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 by means of 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when 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 types 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 situated 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, because the road is known as after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t truly work, it’s nonetheless a simple strategy to see a bit of paintings by one of the vital well-known artists on this planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is situated close to Montmartre, making it a simple cease in your itinerary. It’s based mostly 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 good points the power to go by means of partitions and he makes use of the ability to rise up to no good. On the finish of the e-book, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by means of a wall…and he will get caught. Should you rise up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are further clean, due to 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, 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 house to many cobwebbed mausoleums, in addition to a handful of stray cats. You gained’t see many individuals right here, so you may 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 dangerous some counterfeiters have been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

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

You’ll discover a number 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 an extended, simple, and exquisite stroll. You gained’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s fairly empty. It rapidly grew to become one among 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 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 outside picnic alongside the canal. It’s extra stress-free and there shall be fewer individuals!
 

14. Museé de Montmartre

Based in 1960, this museum is situated all through two buildings that date again to the seventeenth century. Through the years, the buildings have been house 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 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 value testing, 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.