Beyond the postcard-perfect Eiffel Tower and the mobs at the Mona Lisa, there’s a
whole other side of Paris waiting to be discovered.
Forget the guidebooks for a moment and listen up – here’s the inside scoop on 20
spots that’ll make you feel like you’ve unlocked secret Paris.
Montmartre’s Secret Vineyards Are a Delightful Surprise in the Heart of the City
Who would have thought you could find a proper vineyard right in Paris? Tucked
behind Sacré-Cœur, Clos Montmartre is a little slice of countryside heaven.
It’s party time with the Fête des Vendanges every October – think wine, music, and merry Parisians.
La Petite Ceinture Is Paris’s Version of New York’s High Line, Only Wilder
Do you fancy a bit of urban exploration? This old railway loop around Paris is now a
green belt where nature’s taking back control.
It’s a bit hush-hush, but access points are in the 12th, 13th, 15th, and 16th arrondissements.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Museum of Magic Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
and Grinning Like a Kid
Hidden in the Marais, this quirky spot is packed with old-school magic tricks and
optical illusions. It’s the place that’ll have you saying, ‘How did they do that?’ all
afternoon.
It’s way more fun than it sounds.
Rue Crémieux Is the Street That Instagram Dreams Are Made Of
This little cobblestone street in the 12th feels like someone spilled a rainbow. Every
house is painted in ice cream colors, making it look more like a film set than real life.
It’s almost too pretty.
The Paris Sewer Museum Is Way Cooler (and Less Stinky)
Than It Sounds
Okay, hear us out on this one. Yes, it’s a museum about sewers. But it’s also a
fascinating underground journey through Paris’s history.
Plus, you get bragging rights for doing something so offbeat.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Le Musée Carnavalet Tells Paris’s Story Better Than Any
History Book
Freshly revamped and always free, this museum in the Marais is a treasure trove of
Parisian tales. From medieval signs to Art Nouveau cafés, it’s like time-traveling
through the city’s past.
And the building itself is pure eye candy.
The Covered Passages Are Like Stepping Into a Wes
Anderson Film Set
These glass-roofed arcades are scattered around the 2nd and 9th arrondissements
like hidden portals to the 19th century. Think old-school bookshops, vintage toy
stores, and the kind of cafés where you half expect to see Hemingway scribbling
away in the corner.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Is Where Parisians Go When They Need to Escape Paris
This park in the 19th is like the love child of a romantic garden and an adventure
playground. A lake, waterfalls, and even a mini temple perched on a cliff.
It’s where locals go for picnics, jogs, or just to pretend they’re not in the middle of a bustling city.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
La Coulée Verte René-Dumont Lets You Walk on Paris’s Wild Side
Before New York had the High Line, Paris had this elevated park built on an old
railway. It’s a green streak running through the 12th arrondissement, perfect for a
stroll or some people-watching from above.
The Musée Nissim de Camondo Is Like Downton Abbey, Paris Edition
This mansion near Parc Monceau is frozen in time, packed with fancy 18th-century
furniture and art. But it’s the story of the Camondo family that’ll get you.
It’s part history lesson, part gossip, all fascinating.
Le Musée de la Vie Romantique Is the Ultimate Mood-Setter
Tucked away at the foot of Montmartre, this little museum was once home to the
painter Ary Scheffer. It’s all about the Romantic era, with a gorgeous garden perfect
for a tea break.
Bring a date—or a book if you’re feeling introspective.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bercy Village Is Where Old Paris Meets New in the Coolest
Way Possible
This spot in the 12th used to be where all the wine came into Paris. Now, it’s a
pedestrian area full of shops and restaurants, but they’ve kept the old stone
buildings. It’s like someone dropped a modern shopping center into a 19th-century
postcard.
The Musée des Arts Forains Is a Grown-Up’s Playground
Have you ever wanted to ride a 19th-century carousel? This private museum in
Bercy is full of vintage fairground rides and games.
You need to book a tour, but where else can you play on antique merry-go-rounds without anyone judging you?
Square René Viviani Has a Tree That’s Older Than Most
Countries
This little park near Notre Dame is home to the oldest tree in Paris – a 400-year-old
locust tree held up by crutches. It’s seen more of Paris’s history than any human
alive.
Plus, the views of the cathedral aren’t too shabby either.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature Is Probably the Quirkiest Museum in Paris
Hunting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this museum in the Marais is more art than
taxidermy. It’s full of weird and wonderful exhibits that’ll make you think about our
relationship with nature.
Even if you’re not into hunting, you’ll leave with plenty to talk about.
The Musée Bourdelle Is a Hidden Haven for Art Lovers
Have you ever heard of Antoine Bourdelle? No? Well, this museum in his former
studio will make you wonder why not.
It’s a peaceful spot with a lovely sculpture garden – perfect for escaping the crowds and pretending you’re a bohemian artist for an afternoon.
Parc de la Villette Is Where Science, Art, and Fun Collide
This massive park was like Disneyland for cultural vultures in the 19th century. It has
museums, concert halls, and weird red structures dotted around that kids love to
climb.
Parisians go there when they want to feel smart and have fun.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
La Défense Isn’t Just Suits and Skyscrapers – It’s a Massive Open-Air Art Gallery
Most tourists avoid this business district like the plague, but they’re missing out. The
area is packed with modern art installations—massive sculptures by famous artists
that you can touch, climb on, and take silly photos with.
The Catacombs of Paris Are Creepy, Cool, and Not for the
Faint-Hearted
Okay, this one’s not a secret, but it’s still off the beaten path for many visitors. It’s a
maze of tunnels lined with the bones of millions of Parisians.
It’s part history lesson, part spooky adventure – just don’t go if you’re claustrophobic.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: Making Paris Your Own
Paris isn’t just about ticking off famous landmarks – it’s about discovering its hidden
corners and local favorites. These spots are just the tip of the iceberg. The real
magic of Paris lies in wandering its streets, popping into intriguing doorways, and
stumbling upon your secret gems.
So, put down the map, get lost a little, and who knows? You might discover a side of
Paris that even the locals don’t know about.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Mind-Blowing Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do in the U.S.
- The Best Cruise Ship Experiences for U.S. Citizens
- The Best U.S Travel Destinations for Golf Lovers
- The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (Exercise Caution if Travelling There)
- The Best Fall Foliage Spots in New England (Must-See Places)
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.