Paris is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. These are all remarkable tourist destinations, but the seasoned traveller knows that there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to Paris’s charm.
If you plan to visit the City of Lights, I’m here to reveal 10 amazing hidden gems in Paris, so you can get off the tourist track and see more of this city.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
Map of the best hidden gems in Paris
Use the map below to see where all of my favourite hidden gems in Paris are located:
1. Parc des Buttes Chaumont
This 61 acres of immaculate landscaping was built back in the 1860s. What was once a quarry, and ground for revolutionary retribution, became the stunning Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
It’s located at the heart of the city, in the 19th arrondissement, which makes it a reprieve among its urban surroundings.
This miraculous achievement came at the hands of the great Baron Haussmann, who’s also credited for the reinvention of Paris to the city we now know and love.
And speaking of grand architecture, you can walk on a suspended bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The centrepiece of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a rocky island that’s almost 50 metres high, or roughly as high as a 14-story building!
At the top, there’s a miniature version of the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy, which is the Temple de la Sibylle. You can get there via Eiffel’s bridge.
From the top, you’ll have an amazing view of Montmartre. You can also take a leisurely stroll around the lakes, the grotto, and the waterfalls.
2. Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is a botanical garden located in the 16th arrondissement.
The 18-acre garden was created in 1761 for King Louis XV’s pleasure. In 1898 it opened its doors to the public.
The garden has magnificent Art Nouveau greenhouses, Japanese gardens, themed gardens, a palm house, and a wide assortment of exotic plants collected from the four sides of the world.
The lush plantations are home to a variety of birds, so there’s so much to see and experience around the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.
3. Musée Nissim de Camondo
If you want to see how an affluent Parisian family lived in the early twentieth century, then you should visit the Musée Nissim de Camondo.
This elegant mansion, near Parc Monceau, was built in 1921. Moïse de Camondo was a successful banker and, after losing his son Nessim in World War I, he decided to turn his house into a museum and name it after his late son.
The Musée Nissim de Camondo houses an impressive collection of 18th-century decorative pieces.
Its grand staircase, servants’ quarters, lavish furniture, and personal portraits immortalise the life and tragedy of the Camondo family.
4. Rue Crémieux
The quaint and colourful buildings of Rue Crémieux were built in 1857 to provide housing for workers. Its cobblestone paving and well-preserved houses are absolutely charming.
The 144-metre-long street is a feast for the eyes with its lavender and pastel-coloured housefronts.
Rue Crémieux is pretty close to Gare de Lyon, at the heart of the 12th arrondissement. It’s an Instagram-worthy location, but fortunately, not too many people have discovered it yet!
5. Promenade Plantée
The Promenade Plantée stretches for about five kilometres, starting from the Bastille all the way to the Bois de Vincennes.
This transformed railway line is also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, and it’s the world’s first elevated park, with its lush walkway hanging 10 metres above street level.
The promenade has many tunnels and passes through viaducts, which provide an enchanted feel and a wonderful view of Paris.
Right below the promenade, there’s the Viaduc des Arts, which houses artisan workshops and craft boutiques.
6. Parc de Belleville
Parc de Belleville is a hilltop park located in the 20th arrondissement. It’s actually the highest in the whole of the city, and it has one of the best views of Paris.
Here you’ll find a complete vista of all the iconic landmarks of the city.
The park was built in 1988, and it features a waterfall fountain reaching 100 metres, terraced gardens, and a children’s play area.
There’s also an environmental education centre, the Maison de l’Air, which measures the air quality in Paris and exhibits various climate-related materials.
7. Musée Bourdelle
Antoine Bourdelle is a French sculptor who lived in Paris at the turn of the 20th century.
He was one of Rodin’s students, and that shows clearly in his massive Archaic Greek and Romanesque statues.
Musée Bourdelle is dedicated to the works of this brilliant artist, and it’s located in Montparnasse.
The museum is built around Bourdelle’s former apartment and studio, plus a modern extension.
While the museum’s gardens house the sculptor’s bigger statues like the Dying Centaur and Hercules the Archer. It’s a real oasis amidst the urban neighbourhood.
8. La Campagne à Paris
La Campagne à Paris is a charming little neighbourhood located in the 20th arrondissement.
It’s themed as a piece from the countryside, giving Parisians a glimpse of the quaint village life.
This picturesque spot was built in the 20th century as a garden city, primarily for the blue-collar folks.
Three cobblestone streets define the area, and around them, lie around 90 houses.
The houses are mostly built from stone, and over the years, became heavily covered with climbing plants.
9. Espace Dalí
Paris is rife with art everywhere, but Montmartre has an extra bit of dedication to the cultural scene. That’s where you’ll find Espace Dali.
This museum showcases the works of the surrealist Salvador Dalí, where more than 300 original pieces are exhibited.
The artist was quite prolific, and he tried every available medium to articulate his art.
So you’ll find paintings, engravings, sculptures, and lithographs. I particularly like the eccentric jewellery designs!
Virtual reality and interactive displays add so much to the experience and bring Dali’s unique art to life.
10. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges
Le Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris, as it was built around 1615. It’s located at the heart of the upbeat Marais district.
This market got its interesting name from the red uniform the children of a nearby orphanage used to wear.
This market is a dream come true for foodies. I, for one, love the variety and freshness of its culinary delights.
In the mood for traditional French dishes? you‘ll find plenty of selections. Feeling adventurous? There’s also incredible Italian, Japanese, and Moroccan food over there.
Food isn’t the only thing that Le Marché des Enfants Rouges has to offer; you can get the freshest produce and the loveliest flowers from this enchanting spot!
Have you heard of or visited any of these hidden gems in Paris? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, have a read of my guides before you go:
- 19 amazing things to do in Paris
- 15 best Paris museums to visit
- 20 luxury hotels in Paris
- 10 Eurostar destinations that aren’t Paris
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