14 off-the-beaten-path attractions in Paris (updated 2026)

Paris is full of famous attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The list goes on. There are so many amazing sites here that it would take days (even weeks) to look at just the most well-known major sites.

But there is more to Paris than the attractions that attract thousands of visitors every day.

Living in Paris over the past few months, I’ve made it my mission to see some of the more unique and lesser-known (but equally cool) attractions (that don’t come with the crowds that make many of Paris’ attractions unbearable).

And while some of the things listed below may not be “top secret” attractions or activities, we’ve included them because they fall into the “overlooked attractions” category.

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Paris off the beaten track.

1. Edith Piaf Museum

Édith Piaf was probably the most famous French singer from the 1930s to the 1960s, known around the world for her songs. La Vie En Rose and No, I don’t regret anything (Appeared in the film Inception) Early in her career she lived in a small apartment in the Ménilmontant district, which was turned into a small museum dedicated to her. You can get a glimpse into her life through gold and platinum records, photographs, clothing, letters from fans, posters, albums, sheet music, and more.

Admission is free, but reservations are required.

2. Curie Museum

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 invented). She was the first female professor at the University of Paris and the first woman to be enshrined in the Pantheon for her work. Located in the 5th arrondissement, this museum focuses on her radiological research in her former laboratory. Anyone unfamiliar with her historical discoveries will find them insightful and eye-opening.

3. National Archives

Opened in 1867, the National Archives houses thousands of historical documents dating back to 625 AD. One of France’s six national archives, the museum highlights France’s tumultuous past through permanent and temporary exhibitions, providing nuanced historical detail and context.

The building itself (Hôtel de Soubise), built on the orders of Napoleon I, is truly beautiful. It is in the late Baroque style, with long columns and many statues and sculptures. It also has neat grounds and gardens. There are always many good exhibitions held.

4. Gallignani Bookstore

The bookstore claims to be the oldest British bookstore on the European continent, having opened in Paris in 1801. Before that it was in Venice and the name Galignani has been associated with book publishing since the 16th century. Age aside, this is a great place to explore as it is full of books. You could easily spend hours here, rummaging through the piles and shelves. It’s a quiet, quaint shop and the staff are very knowledgeable. If you’re a bookworm like me, don’t miss it!

5. Paris Point Zero

This is the official center of Paris from which all streets in the city are measured. Although it’s just a simple brass star placed on the sidewalk near Notre Dame Cathedral, it has some popular rituals that make for a short but fun stop (since you’ll most likely be visiting the cathedral, it’s a good idea to stop here). Some people consider the stars to be wishing wells, where they throw coins and make wishes (this is why there are usually handfuls of coins in the stars). But others argue that if you stand on a star with your loved one and kiss them, that love will last forever.

6. Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy Gallery

Opened in 1898, this gallery is part of France’s National Museum of Natural History. Occupying the first floor of the building, the museum features more than 1,000 animal skeletons from around the world, including complete skeletons of elephants, big cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as interesting as it is unsettling. Since all the animals are facing the same direction, it looks like you’re in a horde of the undead!

7. Small belt

The railway around Paris, used from 1862 to 1964, was abandoned as the city expanded beyond its limits. Although it is now mostly hidden behind buildings and covered with wild plants and grass, some areas are now officially open to the public. You can find all kinds of flowers and street art along the track.

Although some sections are illegal to visit, there is a section of track near Parc Georges Brassens known as the ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ that is free and legal to visit. It’s located in area 15e.

8. Salvador Dali Sundial

This surrealist sundial was created by world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Located on Rue Saint-Jacques, it is a mixture of human faces and scallop shells (a symbol of the Camino de Santiago, as the street is named after the saint). Although the sundial is not actually working, it is nonetheless an easy way to view the work of one of the world’s most famous artists.

9. Month Pass

This iconic bronze sculpture is located near Montmartre, making it an easy stop on your itinerary. It was created based on the character of. the man who went through the wall (Le Passe-Muraille), a short story published in 1941 by Parisian Marcel Aymé. In this story, a man gains the ability to walk through walls and uses that skill to do bad things. However, at the end of the book, the moment he passes through the wall, his strength weakens… If you get closer to the sculpture, you can see that the statue’s hands have become particularly smooth, as many people are taking pictures trying to pull the man out.

10. Montmartre Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most popular cemetery in Paris, but for a more secluded stroll, check out Montmartre Cemetery. Many people visit the summit of Montmartre to see the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the scenery, but few take the time to explore this cemetery at the foot of the area. Opened in 1825, it is home to a cobweb-covered mausoleum and a few stray cats. You won’t see many people here, so you can explore in peace.

11. Forgery Museum

Opened in 1972, the museum displays counterfeit goods collected by French customs officials and police, as well as items donated by both brands and consumers. The museum has over 500 items, ranging from counterfeit art and luxury goods to more mundane items like cleaning supplies. The duplicity of some counterfeits is impressive, but it’s also fun to see just how bad some counterfeits are!

12. Promenade Plantet (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined promenade is a green area stretching for almost 5 km along the old Vincennes railway line. The rail line was discontinued in 1969, and the park opened decades later. Before New York built the High Line, it was the only elevated park in the world. (And honestly, this is a lot better than the NYC High Line).

Along this long road, which stretches from the Bastille to the edge of Paris, you’ll find plenty of trees, flowers, ponds and places to sit. It’s a long, easy and beautiful walk. You won’t find many people here. Even on nice days it’s pretty empty. It quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Paris and I can’t recommend coming here enough!

13. Canal Saint-Martin

The 4.5 km long Canal Saint-Martin was commissioned by Napoleon to build an artificial waterway. Construction was completed in 1825 and connected the Canal de l’Ourcq to the River Seine via above-ground locks and underground tunnels. It’s not a secret spot (on a nice day you’ll see people lining the canal), but it’s mostly a place for locals who want to picnic and relax. So skip the Seine and enjoy an outdoor picnic along the canal. It will be more comfortable and there will be fewer people!

14. Montmartre Museum

Established in 1960, the museum is located across two buildings dating from the 17th century. Over the years, the building has housed many famous writers and painters. The museum’s gardens have actually been renovated to look more like the gardens in Renoir’s paintings (there are also vineyards nearby that date back to the Middle Ages, but they make terrible wine). The museum’s permanent collection includes a variety of paintings, posters and drawings.

Paris’s main attractions are always worth a visit, but if you want to be more than a tourist and gain a deeper understanding of the unique and complex history of the City of Light, visit some of Paris’ unique and unusual attractions.

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