As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris’ top attractions – like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral – are inundated by a dizzying number of tourists. Those eager to get off the beaten path and leave the crowds behind can still discover hidden gems in Paris!
Over the past 20 years, we have visited Paris countless times and ticked off all the major sights. On our most recent trips, we have made an effort to seek out lesser-visited locales and we’ve uncovered a surprising number of Paris hidden places!
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
15 Hidden Gems in Paris, France
We are highlighting our favorite secret spots that are fun to sprinkle into your Paris Itinerary. For each sight, we include a pin drop so you can easily find your way. Plus, we share our map of all the locations later in the article.
#1 Galeries Lafayette Free Rooftop View
Map. The Galeries Lafayette Department Store, which was established in 1895, is a Paris icon. What’s secret about the store, however, is the open-air rooftop that is free to visit!
To access the space, just ride the escalators up to the top. From the spacious balcony, views stretch across the cityscape.
#2 Paris Covered Passages
Map. Elegant passageways are true Paris hidden gems! Sunlight filters through glass ceilings and boutique shops line the covered lanes, evoking an ambiance of Paris in the 19th century. The most opulent is Galerie Vivienne.
We also recommend venturing to Passage des Panoramas (the oldest existing Paris passageway, built in 1799) and Passage Jouffroy (a ‘modern’ passageway, built in 1845). All three covered passages are featured in our Paris City Center Walk.
#3 Coulee Verte Rene Dumont
Map. Also called the Promenade Plantee, the Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont is a narrow 3-mile-long park that follows the old Vincennes-Paris railway tracks.
When the line became obsolete in 1969, developers repurposed the space, including the elevated tracks and tunnels, into a park. The trail is, no doubt, one of the best hidden gems in Paris.
The Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont was the inspiration for other old train track parks in the United States. They include the Highline in New York City, the Rail Park in Philadelphia and the Bloomingdale Trail in Chicago.
#4 Rue Cremieux
Map. Reminiscent of the brightly painted buildings in French towns like Colmar, Rue Cremieux is unlike any other street in Paris.
The houses that line the narrow lane are painted pastel pink, mint green and sunshine yellow – and each doorstep is decorated with potted plants. Although it is a residential street, shutterbugs flock to the enclave for creative photos.
#5 Paris Street Art Murals
Map. One of the things that we love about Paris is that art is everywhere – not just inside museums! In districts around the city, street art has become a popular medium, adding a splash of color to otherwise mundane buildings and drab underpasses.
Our favorite place for scouting these works is in the area around Canal Saint-Martin. Rue Oberkampf in the 11th arrondissement and Bellville are two more exceptional areas to find unique murals.
That said, street art – in many different forms – is found all over Paris. While sightseeing, keep your eyes peeled for small, tiled aliens. These are the works of a French street artist known as Invader.
#6 Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation
Map. Martyrs de la Deportation is an important – and often overlooked – memorial on Ile de la Cite.
The somber, subterranean monument pays tribute to the more than 200,000 French citizens who were sent to German concentration camps in World War II. In addition to the poignant memorial, there are a few exhibits and artifacts on display.
#7 Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Map. We debated whether or not to include the Pere Lachaise Cemetery as a hidden gem of Paris. The graveyard is far from being a secret, but it’s so often skipped and we feel that’s a shame.
Opened in 1804, the site was considered to be too far from the Paris city center. In an effort to attract burials, the remains of two famous French poets (Jean de La Fontaine and Moliere) were re-buried at Pere Lachaise.
With a desire to have a final resting place among renowned citizens, more people chose to be interred at the cemetery…including other famous figures.
Today, the most-visited Paris gravesites are of Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Frederic Chopin, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison. While seeking out these famous Paris tombstones is well worth it, the beautiful headstones and lush greenery are the real stars of this space.
#8 Classic Parisian Shopping Lanes
Strolling down a lane and popping into a boucherie (butcher shop), fromagerie (cheese shop), boulangerie (bakery) and cave a vins (wine shop) is undeniably Parisian.
The prime shopping lanes have carefully crafted window displays of gastronomic delights, luring in patrons to assemble a gourmet meal, a picnic lunch or a quick snack.
The most atmospheric shopping spots are Paris hidden treasures. Rue Cler is, far and away, the most picturesque street. Lined with luxurious boutiques, it’s just steps from the Eiffel Tower. Map.
The bustling Rue Montorgueil has a lively, real-life Parisian atmosphere – and is one of our favorite streets in all of Paris. The mostly pedestrian street features a mix of shops that fit a range of budgets. Map.
Rue du Poteau, in the 18th arrondissement, is not nearly as impressive, but radiates a true local vibe. You will definitely be shopping alongside more residents than tourists. Map.
#9 Abandoned Train Station and Le Hasard Ludique
Map. We are enthralled by abandoned places that are given a new life – which is exactly why we went to Le Hasard Ludique. The train-station-turned-cultural-center has a fascinating story and a hip appeal.
Summer weekends are best when visitors can lounge on the tracks with a Paris Craft Beer in hand, while a local band plays live music from the stage.
#10 Rosiers-Joseph-Migneret Park
Map. The easy-to-miss Rosiers-Joseph-Migneret Garden is a sublime oasis in the middle of historic Le Marais.
Complete with benches, a small children’s play area and a formal garden, the park offers a respite from busy sightseeing (and a great place to enjoy falafel from L’As du Fallafel).
Once the private gardens of the residences that surround it, the space is steeped in history. A small section of the original Paris City Wall is visible, as well. This concealed (but public) spot can be accessed at #10 Rue des Rosiers.
#11 Paris Botanical Garden
Map. A lovely escape from the hustle and bustle, the Botanical Garden (Jardin des Plantes) is a Paris gem on the Left Bank.
A garden was first established on the site in the year 1626. Converted into a medicinal herb garden in 1635, it was finally opened to the public in 1640.
Today, the garden is a National Historical Landmark and features greenhouses, a small zoo, libraries and museums.
At the west end of the gardens (outside the park) is the Great Mosque of Paris, which dates to the 1920s and is the oldest mosque in Paris.
#12 Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Map. Opened in 1867 on the site of a former quarry in northeast Paris, Parc des Buttes Chaumont is uncharacteristically hilly and feels more natural than most of the city’s gardens.
The space features intertwining paths, a suspension bridge, lake and waterfall. However, the most distinctive sight is the Temple de la Sibylle, which sits above the lake on the top of a rocky cliff.
We climbed to the top of the temple and were astounded by the panoramic views. From the vantage point, we could even see the Sacre Coeur.
We also noticed that Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a favorite park for locals to enjoy a simple lunch of cheese, bread and wine. Next time we go, we’ll be sure to bring items for a leisurely lunch!
#13 Montmartre Vineyard
Map. If we had not seen it with our own eyes, we would not have believed that there is a vineyard in the middle of the city. But it’s true – and it’s one of the best hidden gems of Paris, France!
The Montmartre Vineyard dates to the 12th century, when vines were cultivated to make wine at the Abbey of Montmartre.
Today, the small Clos Montmartre Winery is open to visitors – and even offers wine tastings. Tickets can be booked at the Montmartre Museum Shop.
#14 Canal Saint-Martin
Map. It wasn’t until our third trip to Paris that we visited the city’s canals – and they are fascinating! Built in the 1800s, they have served several purposes – from providing water to cleaning the streets to transporting supplies.
Less than 3-miles in length, more than half the Canal Saint Martin is now covered. The uncovered portion, however, remains a fascinating place to visit in Paris.
Lined by trees and walkways, the route features nine locks and several elegant iron bridges. Boat operators run Canal St Martin Cruises that travel from Parc de la Villette to the Paris Arsenal Marina near Place de la Bastille.
#15 Maison de Victor Hugo
Map. The Victor Hugo House is actually a Top Museum in Paris – yet it still flies under the radar. The dwelling, which is located at 6 Place des Vosges in the Marais district, is decorated with items that belonged to the famed author.
Items of interest include personal letters, original manuscripts and even his writing desk. There’s no charge to enter and there is even a free app to learn more about the exhibits.
It doesn’t take long to tour the property (we spent about 30 minutes inside), but we found interesting artifacts in each room.
Hidden Gems in Paris Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Paris Hidden Gems map below.
Top Tips for Paris Secret Spots
Our map highlights the locations of the hidden gems we outlined in our list. That said, we also feature many of the sights in our Self-Guided Paris Walking Tours.
Travelers who would rather a guide lead the way can join one of the Hidden Gems Paris Tours – like this one!
There are numerous ways to get off the beaten track in Paris – for example, go to Chateau de Fontainebleau instead of the Palace of Versailles.
Paris is one of our favorite places to visit – and we have heaps of advice to share. For our honest insider knowledge, read these Paris Travel Tips!
As you start outlining what to see and do in Paris, organization is key. Stay on top of the details of your vacation with our Printable Travel Planner.
Start planning your trip to France! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top European Destinations
- 2 Weeks in London, Paris and Rome
- Best of Spain in a Week
- 14 Days in Portugal
- 2 Weeks in Greece
- Plan a 1 Week Trip to Belgium
- What To See in Amsterdam
- Top Places to Visit in Croatia
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
