The City of Light, or as most people know it, Paris, is one of the most famous destinations in all of Europe, known famously for its many iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. Planning a trip often involves considering popular desires, like finding the best places to stay in Paris for an Eiffel Tower view. Beyond these iconic attractions is a variety of gorgeous secret spots that even some of the locals don’t know too well. So if you’re looking to wander off the beaten path, here are some of the best hidden gems in Paris.
10 Secret Places and Hidden Treasures of Paris to Explore
Paris is an intricate and cozy city, with winding streets, secretive passageways, and plenty of hidden gems! From stunning romantic viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower untouched by tourists, to some of the best places to eat in the city, here are Paris’ top 10 hidden gems!
1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
One of the most beautiful places in Paris for nature, Parc des Buttes-Chamont is full of waterfalls, cliffs, and bridges! Tucked away in the 19th arrondissement, this stunning park opened in 1867, having been built on a former quarry, it boasts stunning views for those willing to hike to the viewpoint.
A peaceful escape from the busy surroundings, not only is this one of the best parks in Paris, it is also one of the best free things to do in Paris. It’s easy to get here by metro. Take line 7b to Brotzaris Station or Buttes Chaumont Station.
2. Rue Crémieux
Similar to the famous Notting Hill in London, Rue Crémieux, located in the 12th arrondissement, is a lesser-known escape. These tiny, pastel-colored French houses line a cobblestone street and are adorned with flowers, plants, and Parisian architectural touches, making it a truly stunning sight to see.
Keep in mind while visiting that people do live here, so be mindful to pass through quietly. It’s a dreamy spot for any photographer and can be reached by metro. It’s a great choice if you’re wondering where to stay in Paris. Take line 5 to Quai de La Rapée and head up Av. Ledru Rollin towards Rue Crémieux.
3. Museum of Counterfeit Goods (The Musée de la Contrefaçon)
Tucked away on a little side street in the 16th arrondissement, the Museum of Counterfeit Goods (Musée de la Contrefaçon) is easy to miss if you’re simply passing through, making it a true hidden gem in Paris.
The museum’s mission is to educate visitors about fake goods and how they can not only have economic consequences but can also be deadly! Though it’s only small, it showcases a range of counterfeit items, from children’s toys to art, many of which are almost impossible to tell apart from the real thing! It’s a great way to spend an hour or two on a rainy Parisian afternoon, and is located just around the corner from the Porte Dauphine tram stop.
One of the truly best-hidden spots in Paris, be sure to put this one at the top of your list when planning your perfect quick mini-break in Paris!
4. The Little Red Car
While not a landmark per se, this little, red, retro car has been gracing Instagram feeds from travelers across the world who bump into it in Paris! The winter season could be the best time to visit Paris if you’re interested in getting an Insta-worthy pic here, as the car is often dressed up in seasonal décor. It can be found in the small courtyard area of the main high street in Le Marais, in the 4th arrondissement.
There’s a great selection of hip and trendy fashion, homeware, bookstores, and cafes in The Merci concept store which sits directly behind it. The car and store both sit opposite the Saint-Sébastien – Froissart metro station on line 8.
5. Petite Ceinture – Paris’ Abandoned Railway
After the metro system was implemented in Paris in the 19th century, the city’s previous transport line was abandoned. Today, many sections of overgrown tracks are covered with flora and fauna growing wild, and an array of artistic graffiti.
You can access the railway from many points between the 12th and 20th arrondissements, but entering from the Catacombs is often the easiest option. It’s a great hidden gem for urban explorers looking for somewhere unique and desolate in the heart of the city.
6. Hidden Eiffel Tower Viewpoint
There are many stunning viewpoints in Paris from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, such as Champ de Mars or Place du Trocadero (two of the most romantic places in France), but finding a gorgeous viewing spot without a huge number of other tourists there can be quite the challenge.
Situated only 5 minutes’ walking distance from the infamous Place du Trocadero is a street called Av. de Camoens. Here you can find a staircase called Monument a Louis de Camoes. Head to the top for some of the most beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower in the city. This is undoubtedly one of the most unmissable hidden gems in Paris and a great spot for an Eiffel Tower proposal.
7. Statue of Liberty
An iconic landmark in the United States, but in Paris, this tiny piece of New York is a lesser-known hidden gem. Sitting right in the middle of the river Seine, between the 15th and 16th arrondissements, this miniature version of the statue was actually a gift, given from the United States to France in 1889 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Although just a quarter the size of the real thing, it is easy to spot and can be noticed from Pont de Bir-Hakeim or Pont de Grenelle.
8. Abbey Bookshop
Hidden away in the Latin Quarter of the 5th arrondissement, the Abbey Bookshop is home to over 40,000 English-language book titles. Originally opened in 1989 by Canadian Brian Spence, there’s a huge selection of new, used, and rare English language books at this tiny shop. The collection is so large, in fact, that there are piles of books on either side of the entrance, that spill out onto the pavement!
Housed in an old 18th-century hôtel, Hotel Dubuisson, the building itself is now protected due to its rich history and architecture, only adding to the unique atmosphere of this adorable and quirky shop.
It is located just a short 3-minute walk from Cluny La Sorbonne metro station, on subway line 10.
9. La REcyclerie
Of course, we can’t talk about hidden gems without discussing what to eat in Paris, and what better spot to include on this list than one of Paris’ best-kept secrets? La REcyclerie is a vibrant, quirky cafe housed in an old train station, that focuses on reducing waste and recycling materials while offering an exceptional standard of locally-sourced food. They even offer cooking and gardening classes for those looking to immerse themselves in the community of the city too!
La REcyclerie is located just across the road from the Porte de Clignancourt subway station and tram stops.
10. Le Squat du 59 Rue de Rivoli
Located just outside Châtelet subway station, and just a short walk from the Louvre is Le Squat du 59 Rue de Rivoli, one of the city’s most unique art museums! Previously occupied by squat artists through the 90s, the city legally announced it as a museum in 1999. Today visitors can see inside, where the walls are covered from top to bottom in artistic graffiti.
This unique hidden gem is free to enter, but visitors are welcome to make a small donation or purchase small pieces of art from the hosts.