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

Paris is full of 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 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 1000’s upon 1000’s of holiday makers every day.

Whereas I used to be dwelling 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 irritating crowds that make so a lot 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 “missed sights” so I included them.

Listed here are a few of the greatest 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 Nineteen Thirties to the Sixties, and recognized world wide for her songs La vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien (which appeared within the film Inception). She lived in somewhat residence within the Ménilmontant district initially of her profession, which has been became a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life by way of her gold and platinum data, images, 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 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 together with her historic discoveries.
 

3. Archives Nationales

Opened in 1867, the Nationwide Archives homes 1000’s 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 way of everlasting and non permanent exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often called the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally gorgeous. It’s within the late Baroque type, embracing lengthy columns and many statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. They at all times maintain quite a lot 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 good spot to browse as it’s completely full of books. You can simply spend a pair hours right here searching by way of the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the employees are tremendous educated. In case you’re an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!
 

5. Paris Level Zero

That is the official middle 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 number of in style rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll possible 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 normally a handful of cash on the star). Others, nevertheless, insist that in the event you stand on the star with your beloved and kiss, your love will final eternally.
 

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 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 approach, making it appear like 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 largely hidden behind buildings and coated in wild vegetation and grass now, although some sections at the moment are 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 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, for the reason that road is known as after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s however a straightforward technique to see a bit of art work by one of the well-known artists on the 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 means of Partitions (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé printed in 1941. Within the story, a person features the flexibility to go by way of partitions and he makes use of the ability to stand up to no good. On the finish of the e-book, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by way of a wall…and he will get caught. In case you stand up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are additional easy, because of numerous individuals taking images of themselves making an attempt 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, 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 dwelling 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 dwelling 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 previous Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated a number 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 approach nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover a lot 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, straightforward, and delightful stroll. You gained’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s quite empty. It shortly turned one in all my favourite issues to do in Paris and I can’t advocate 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 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 need 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 likely 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 may be 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.

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 sophisticated historical past, go to these unconventional and weird sights in Paris.
 

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