1. Covered Passages of Paris
- Paris is dotted with covered passages or “passages couverts”—narrow, glass-roofed shopping arcades from the 19th century. Each has its own character, often with small bookstores, cafes, and artisan shops.
- Passage des Panoramas: One of the oldest, it’s a paradise for stamp collectors and unique antiques.
- Galerie Vivienne: Known for its elegant mosaic floors and upscale boutiques.
- Passage Jouffroy: Houses the Musée Grévin, an intriguing wax museum, along with quaint shops.
2. Rue Crémieux
- This colorful, lesser-known street in the 12th arrondissement is Paris’s own little slice of Notting Hill. Each house on Rue Crémieux is painted in a different pastel hue, with charming flower boxes and vibrant facades. It’s a great spot for photography, but early visits are recommended to enjoy it quietly.
3. La Promenade Plantée
- For a slice of nature above the city, the Promenade Plantée (also known as the Coulée Verte) is a beautiful elevated park stretching nearly 3 miles along an old railway line. It was actually the inspiration for New York City’s High Line, with sections that feel like a secret, leafy oasis in the midst of urban Paris.
4. Atelier des Lumières
- This digital art museum is an immersive experience that blends art, sound, and movement in a former iron foundry. Atelier des Lumières uses 140 video projectors and incredible music to animate works by artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, and others. It’s unlike traditional art museums and truly captivating.
5. Butte-aux-Cailles
- This lesser-known neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement feels like a small village in the middle of Paris. Known for its cobblestone streets, quaint houses, and vibrant street art, it’s a favorite among locals for its offbeat, authentic charm. Don’t miss Place Paul Verlaine, where there’s an old-fashioned public swimming pool with a natural spring.
6. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature)
- An unusual but fascinating museum in Le Marais, this place celebrates the relationship between humans and the natural world through hunting, history, and art. It’s beautifully curated with taxidermy animals, intricate weapons, and surrealist artworks that make it feel like a journey through a surreal, Victorian hunting lodge.
7. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- While most visitors flock to the Luxembourg Gardens, this hidden park in the 19th arrondissement offers a more dramatic landscape. Built on a former quarry, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has a lake, waterfalls, a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, and even a cliff-top temple with sweeping views of Montmartre.
8. La Petite Ceinture
- Once a circular railway line around Paris, the Petite Ceinture is now an abandoned rail track that has been reclaimed by nature. Some parts are open to the public and have been turned into walking trails, offering a mix of urban decay and green escape.
9. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
- This is the largest flea market in the world and a true treasure trove for vintage hunters and antique lovers. Located on the outskirts of Paris, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen has everything from rare books and records to furniture and artwork, with entire sections dedicated to different eras and styles.
10. La REcyclerie
- Located in a former train station, La REcyclerie is a sustainable café, urban farm, and workshop space all in one. It’s committed to eco-friendly practices and frequently hosts events on environmental topics. A great place to experience Paris’s thriving community vibe and learn about its green initiatives.
11. Saint-Denis Basilica
- Just outside Paris, this basilica is where many of France’s monarchs are buried, making it a quieter but deeply historic alternative to Notre-Dame. It’s an exceptional piece of early Gothic architecture and houses the tombs of notable French royalty, including Marie Antoinette.
12. Jazz in Caveau de la Huchette
- For an authentic Parisian jazz experience, head to Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter. This venue, once a medieval cellar, is now an underground jazz club. The ambiance is as electric as the music, with a lively, unpretentious vibe that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back to the Jazz Age.
13. Palais Garnier Rooftop Beehives
- On the rooftop of the Palais Garnier opera house, there’s an unusual resident community of bees. They produce the “Opéra Honey,” which is sold in limited quantities. It’s a little-known feature of the building, symbolizing the city’s dedication to biodiversity and its surprising connection to nature.
14. Canal Saint-Martin Picnic Spot
- Unlike the Seine, the Canal Saint-Martin area is a favorite for young Parisians, particularly in the evenings. You can buy a bottle of wine, some cheese, and bread from nearby shops, then join locals for a relaxed riverside picnic. It’s a wonderful way to experience the social side of Paris in a very local setting.
15. Maison de Victor Hugo
- For a touch of literary history, visit Maison de Victor Hugo in the Place des Vosges. The author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame lived here for years. The museum captures his life and creative process with original manuscripts, personal artifacts, and artworks he collected.
16. Shakespeare and Company Bookshop
- This legendary English-language bookstore near Notre-Dame has hosted writers and readers for over a century. Shakespeare and Company still offers beds to young writers who work in the shop, known as “Tumbleweeds.” It’s packed with charm and literary history, with cozy reading nooks and regular events.
17. Musée des Arts Forains
- Tucked away in a former wine warehouse, Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) is a quirky museum of vintage carnival rides, fairground games, and 19th-century curiosities. It’s an immersive experience and only open for tours, making it one of Paris’s best-kept secrets.
Each of these places offers a slice of Paris beyond the usual tourist spots, giving a unique look at the city’s art, history, nature, and culture. Whether you want to explore tucked-away neighborhoods, indulge in the Parisian food scene, or see where the locals hang out, this list should bring an added layer of magic to your Parisian adventure.
