Paris is one of the world’s most iconic cities. Its world-famous buildings and attractions are a must-see – the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre. But once you’ve seen the big names, what do you on your second visit to Paris, or your third or fourth? Or what if you’re looking for Paris’ more quirky side? Away from the tourist traps there’s plenty more to see off the beaten track in the City of Light. So here’s my pick of some of the best alternative and unusual things to do in Paris for your next visit.
Read more: Visiting Paris on a budget
Alternative things to do in Paris

Parisian café
Climbed the Eiffel Tower? See it from the top of the Montparnasse Tower
Climbing up to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a Paris must-do. But the only problem is that when you’re up there you don’t get a view of the city’s most famous building – because you’re inside of it. So instead head to the top of the Montparnasse Tower, the city centre’s only skyscraper. The tower’s rooftop viewing platform’s a bit lower at 210 metres compared to the Eiffel Tower’s upper level at 275 metres, but you get a prime view of the tower.
You don’t normally need to queue for the tickets for the Montparnasse Tower viewing platform. At the top there’s a glass-walled roof terrace and a Champagne bar. Or if you don’t want to pay for the viewing platform, you can head to the tower’s Ceil de Paris bar and restaurant on the 56th floor and get a free view with your drink. The best time to visit is around dusk when you can see the lights come on over the city and you can see the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour.

View of the Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse Tower roof terrace
Seen the Mona Lisa? Explore the city’s unusual museums
The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are Paris’ biggest and busiest museums. But once you’ve seen the Mona Lisa and Monet’s waterlilies, there are a whole host of smaller – and in some cases much weirder – museums across the city to explore. If you’re interested in science and industry, you could try the Musée des Arts et Métiers museum of industrial design, and make sure you don’t miss the amazing steampunk-style Metro station beneath the museum.
If you’re interested in natural history, check out the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle next to the Botanic Gardens. Or for anthropology and artefacts from around the world try the Musée du Quai Branly, along the river from the Eiffel Tower. Or if that’s a bit too mainstream, Paris also has museums dedicated to fairground rides, stuffed animals and the police. And look out for special exhibitions, like the Atelier des Lumières which uses projections of artworks by Van Gogh and Klimt set to music to create an immersive art experience.

The steampunk-style metro station at Arts et Métiers
Strolled along the Seine? Cruise the canals instead
The Seine is the heart of Paris, and a walk along its banks takes you past some of the city’s most famous sights. But you’ll probably have to dodge people selling knock-off handbags and flashing Eiffel Towers along the way too. For a more low-key waterside experience, why not head to one of Paris’ canals. Closest to the city is the Canal St Martin, a 4.5km waterway which has nine locks and links the Seine to the Basin de la Villette.
There are trendy cafés, boutiques and bistros set along the water’s edge and the shady banks are packed with picnickers on summer evenings. You can walk or cycle along the towpath or take a boat trip along the canal – part of which goes underground. Or if that’s still sounds too busy, you can head further out to the Canal de l’Ourcq, which runs for 100km to the north-east of the city and has a pathway for walkers, rollerbladers and cyclists.

Along the banks of the Canal St Martin
Been underground at the catacombs? Tunnel into the sewers
Not your usual tourist attraction, the creepy tunnels of Paris’ catacombs are piled high with human bones. Six million skeletons were moved underground into the catacombs when the city’s cemeteries ran out of space in the 1780s. And now people queue down the street to see them, but they’re not Paris’ only underground attraction. You can also get beneath the surface of the city at the Musée des Égouts de Paris – aka the Sewer Museum.
Paris’ sewerage system was built in the 1800s and mirrors the streets above, right down to the underground road signs. Years ago you could actually take a sightseeing boat trip along the sewers, but it’s all a bit more hygienic now, and is surprisingly unsmelly. It’s worth a visit if you’re interested in engineering, a Les Misérables fan who wants to follow in the footsteps of Jean Valjean, or are just looking for a cool spot to escape to on a hot day.
Read more: The underbelly of Paris: Touring the sewers

Exhibits down in the tunnels at the Sewer Museum
Visited Oscar Wilde’s grave at Père Lachaise? See Rin Tin Tin’s at the dog cemetery
Paris’ city cemeteries date back to the 1900s and are more like parks, with their lawns, beautifully ornate tombs and statues. The most famous cemetery is Père-Lachaise, where you can leave a lipstick mark on Oscar Wilde’s grave and a cigarette on Jim Morrison’s. But just as beautiful and much quieter are the cemeteries at Montparnasse and Montmartre, which were built around the same time and have their share of famous names too.
Or for something a bit different, head out to Asnières-sur-Seine on the outskirts of Paris to the Cimetiere des Chiens, or dog cemetery. It opened in 1899 as a way for rich Parisians to pay tribute to their pets – and not just dogs either, you’ll also find graves for cats, birds, horses, monkeys and even the occasional lion. The cemetery even has its own famous resident – TV star dog Rin Tin Tin – and is home to a community of living cats too.
Read more: Cities of the dead: The ornate cemeteries of Paris

Ornate tombs in the Montparnasse cemetery
Wandered through the Luxembourg Gardens? Take a walk along the Promenade Plantée
Paris’ parks are a great spot for people-watching. But when you’ve seen the Luxembourg Gardens and the strolled through the Tuileries, head to the east of Paris to the Promenade Plantée – or planted walkway. Like the High Line in New York, this narrow urban park is raised above the ground on an old railway line. The old Vincennes railway line closed down in 1969 and was scheduled for demolition until it was saved and turned into a public park.
The Promenade Plantée starts at the Viaduc des Arts, south of the Opéra Bastille, where the 64 arches underneath the railway tracks have been converted into art and craft studios. It then runs for 1.5 km along the viaduct as far as the Jardin de Reuilly – with bamboo, maple and cherry trees mixed with benches and ponds – before carrying on to huge Bois de Vincennes park.
Read more: Paris’ Promenade Plantée: The original High Line park

Autumn colours on the Promenade Plantée
Had tea at Angelina? Drink a mint tea at the Grande Mosquée de Paris
The Angelina tea rooms were founded in 1903 and now have ten locations across Paris. But their original Belle Époque style Rue du Rivoli store is the impressive spot to call in for a cup of Mont-Blanc blend tea. But for something a bit more exotic, how about a cup of Moroccan-style mint tea in the gardens of the Grande Mosquée de Paris? It’s one of Europe’s biggest mosques and was built in France in the 1920s as a sign of gratitude to the tirailleurs – 100,000 North African Muslims from the French colonies who died fighting in the First World War.
The mosque’s designers took their inspiration from Morocco and Tunisia, with a hidden garden that’s a peaceful green oasis of trees and flowers, surrounded by brightly coloured geometric patterned mosaics, wooden carvings and whitewashed archways. Find a spot at one of the café’s gleaming brass tables set among the fig trees, where waiters pour mint tea from up high in the true Moroccan style, and you can choose from piles of sticky honey and nut pastries.

Gardens at the Grand Mosquée de Paris
What are your favourite hidden gems and alternative things to do in Paris?
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89 Comments
ifollowislands
January 24, 2015 at 4:06 pmA fabulously written post Lucy! I haven’t been to Paris for years, mainly because I was put off by all the touristy things. But your article makes me want to go there again, I especially love #1 and #3. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Lucy
January 24, 2015 at 5:23 pmThanks so much! I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Paris so am always looking for new and interesting things to do out there – haven’t done a boat trip on the canals yet (last two trips have been in December so a bit chilly!) so that’s one for next time.
Madhu
January 25, 2015 at 8:57 pmWonderful suggestions Lucy. I never found time for the promenade plantee last time, although it was high on my list. Paris is too distracting 🙂
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 12:59 pmThanks Madhu, I know exactly what you mean – every time I go to Paris I plan to go to the Palace of Versailles but everytime I get distracted and don’t make it out of the city!
Wilbur's Travels
January 25, 2015 at 11:00 pmSome great ideas there. I have only done the Canal St Martin walk that you mention, but will definitely do one or two of your suggestions next time. I love the markets in Paris, food ones everywhere and the fabulous flea market at Porte de Clignancourt (or similar spelling)! Jazz is also a Paris favourite and Autor de Midi et Minuit in Montmartre does free jam sessions on a Thursday which is always excellent and another in Montmartre called Blue Note just expects you to buy one drink as an entrance fee. We saw a brilliant Brazilian chanteuse there last time we went for €5 each.
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:01 pmThanks for your suggestions too – my dad is a huge jazz fan but we’ve never been to see any in Paris so will definitely try out those places in Montmartre next time we’re there.
kirbymeehan
January 26, 2015 at 10:36 amI’m not a fan of Paris, but for various reasons I am giving it another chance. Thanks for these tips. I need inspiration to do different things in Paris this time around, if I am to really give it a fair chance of impressing me. You’ve really helped.
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:02 pmHope I can help Paris win you over – some cities it takes longer than others but there are some great things to discover!
Boum
January 26, 2015 at 7:22 pmThis is a superb article, very interesting, strangely intrigued be The Catacombs, I’ve visited Paris on a few occasions loving it every time and always finding little gems off the beaten track, I have also written a post about Paris on my blog (Boum! Travels), have a read, hopefully it will bring back memories or inspire another trip.
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:03 pmThe catacombs are really fascinating, such a strange thing to open up as a tourist attraction if you think about it (though the sewers probably even more so!). Will check out your site, always nice to relive some Paris memories.
Maddie
January 26, 2015 at 8:30 pmThis is very cool 🙂 I’ve been to Paris a few times now but will never turn down an opportunity for another visit. Nice to see a few options that I’d never heard of in here.
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:04 pmI can never say no to Paris either! There always seems to be something new and interesting to discover, how ever many times I’ve been there.
Suzanne Jones
January 26, 2015 at 10:08 pmSome lovely alternatives to the mainstream tourist sights Lucy but I really need to go back to Paris and check the big ones out before I delve deeper – it’s been way to long since I’ve given the city the attention it deserves!
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:06 pmThanks Suzanne, yes it’s quite nice to mix things up – do a famous sight then do a more unusual one when you want to get away from the crowds!
erinklema
January 27, 2015 at 6:29 amI love this list, Lucy. Pinned it for future travels. It has been 14 years since I was in Paris, so I’d like to do some of those touristy things again. After that, this is the side of Paris I’d love to explore, so thanks for sharing!
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:07 pmGreat, hope it comes in useful when you make it back! Will be interesting for you to see how things have changed over 14 years, cities never stay the same for long, I find the same with London even though I usually go back once a month there’s always something new to see.
Packing my Suitcase
January 27, 2015 at 11:38 pmSuch a lovely post!! These picture are breath taking! I must say that even though I have been to Paris a few time and even lived there, I still didn’t do some of the items of your list… next time I will spare some time to climb the Montparnasse tower and visit Rin Tin Tin’s grave <3
Lucy
January 28, 2015 at 1:09 pmI always find that when I live somewhere I see less then when I visit, it’s too easy to put things off if they’re on your doorstep. I’ve spent a lot of time in Paris but keep finding new excuses to go back!
Packing my Suitcase
February 2, 2015 at 11:04 amSame here!! I recently went to visit my family in Brazil and for the first time I was a tourist in my city hahaha I decided to explore things I have never did before when I lived there. One more reason to remember to explore the city where I live and its surroundings 😀
10000milegirl
February 1, 2015 at 4:47 pmAwesome post! Paris definitely has a lot more to offer than many people may think! My personal favourite things to do in Paris are wander around the Rue Mouffetard markets in the Latin Quarter (literally feel like you are in rurual france, not the city!) and not much beats watching the sun come up from montmartre still tipsy from a night out
Lucy
February 2, 2015 at 11:04 amI’ve not managed to stay up quite late enough to catch a Montmartre sunrise yet but I will work on that next time! I’ve not been to the Rue Mouffetard markets either yet so that’s one to check out too, I love Parisian markets.
10000milegirl
February 3, 2015 at 5:49 amYeah the Rue Moufftetard ones really reminded me on rural markets in the South of France, also there are a few great (and well priced) crepe places on that road as well! Mmm
Shelley @Travel-Stained
February 3, 2015 at 3:00 amWhat a great idea for a post! There are so many ultra touristy things to do in Paris, that its easy to miss out on some of the other options. Now, if I could just get to Paris for a 2nd, 3rd and 4th time… 😉
Lucy
February 3, 2015 at 1:08 pmThanks, there’s definitely enough to do in Paris to keep you going for at least a 10th visit I think!
ZenD
February 3, 2015 at 7:06 amLove the Petit Palais museum as well! Paris is gorgeous in every way! Very well written article.. makes me want to visit once again! 🙂
Lucy
February 3, 2015 at 1:10 pmI’ve not been to the Petit Palais yet so that’s one to try out next time, thanks!
mrbelltravels
February 11, 2015 at 6:44 pmWhat a really interesting piece on a city that I’d love to explore more. I’m always a bit unsure of Paris but this has helped me make up my mind that I must return and do more stuff off the beaten track. Thanks!
Lucy
February 13, 2015 at 12:52 pmThanks so much! I think a lot of people get put off Paris after a bad experience in some of the really touristy areas but there are some great things to discover away from there.
l.wilder
February 15, 2015 at 4:02 amI love this. I haven’t been to Paris yet but I hope it’s in the near future. I will keep this list in handy when I do. 🙂
Lucy
February 24, 2015 at 2:55 pmHope it comes in handy – you’re spoilt for choice with things to do in Paris!
lostsoul2015
February 18, 2015 at 11:36 amThank you, it is written so beautifully. I was in Paris several years ago and I will definitely go there again in a few years time. I will still remember the most famous sights so it will be nice to explore some of the places you have mentioned in your post.
Lucy
February 24, 2015 at 2:56 pmThanks so much, Paris is one of those places where you can keep uncovering different layers of things to do. I like to try and mix up some of the famous things and a few of the more unusual ones too as it can get very busy there!
lostsoul2015
February 24, 2015 at 8:52 pmI have been reading a book called The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris – it was recommended to me as a relaxing book. The descriptions of Paris together with your photos make me want to go there again soon 🙂
Lucy
February 25, 2015 at 12:40 pmSounds like a great book (Paris and chocolate, what’s not to like!), will have to check that one out.
khanewala
February 22, 2015 at 7:29 amI like the farmer’s markets of Paris. There is one in Place St. Medard (at the bottom of Rue Mouffetard) which I counted as a special favourite for its fruits whenever I’m in Paris in May. My wife’s favourite is one on Boulevard de Port Royale where she loves to look for fish and poultry twice a week. There’s a nice daily market in Rue Daguerre where we shop for cheese sometimes.
For something completely different, I spent an afternoon sitting in the Trocadero watching a rollerblading and skateboarding competition. Nowadays you can join the Friday rollerblading around the streets of Paris.
Lucy
February 24, 2015 at 2:57 pmI’ve heard about the rollerblading on Fridays but not seen it yet so will have to go and take a look next time I’m there (purely as an observer, I’m terrible on wheels!). Thanks for the farmer’s market tips too, there are a couple of new ones for me to try out there.
jessca14
February 22, 2015 at 6:04 pmI love your blog! I am also a part time traveler, just trying to see the world when I can. I was fortunate enough to have been able to visit Paris, but was only able to stay for a 24 hour period. I felt like the definition of a tourist. These suggestions are fantastic and I hope to go see as many of these alternative sights on my next trip there.
Lucy
February 24, 2015 at 3:01 pmThanks so much, great to meet another part-time traveller! I’ve had a few destinations where I just got a quick taste but it’s a good way to get feel for a place and work out where you want to go back and spend more time – Paris is always high on my list, I don’t seem to be able to get enough of it!
jessejohnson1
February 28, 2015 at 4:32 amJ’aime Paris <3
Lucy
March 3, 2015 at 12:38 pmMe too! Not sure when my next trip there will be but I’m always drawn back.
Uptourist
March 24, 2015 at 12:53 amThe view and shot is amazing. I guess so many people think that they can only explore it by climbing it. Nice idea.
Lucy
April 5, 2015 at 7:31 pmYes I love to have the tower has part of the skyline so it never made so much sent to me to climb to the top!
Stephen Alvarado
April 4, 2015 at 7:49 pmLoved Paris when I went last summer! Never made it to Montparnasse, but it’s on my list of things to do next time I’m back. One of my favorite offbeat places to go in Paris was Parc de Sceaux down in the southern suburbs. Huge green park full of hiking trails, some beautiful gardens and ponds and even a little chateau at the top of the hill. Easy to get to via the B line, just hop off at Sceaux. 🙂
Lucy
April 5, 2015 at 7:32 pmThanks for the tip – I’m always on the lookout for new things to see and do in Paris so will have to check out the Parc de Sceaux when I’m there next.
blusabbia
April 27, 2015 at 11:40 amAbsolutely loved Paris when I went in late 2013! Am hopefully going back next year, can you recommend any local parks that stood out you, and also any cute alleyways or lanes with eatery places?
Lucy
April 28, 2015 at 12:18 pmRue Montorgueil is a good street for lots of restaurants and great food stalls. And park wise I love the Luxembourg Gardens but for something a bit different you could try the Parc Andre Citroen on an old industrial site or the Parc Monceau. Have a great trip!
blusabbia
April 28, 2015 at 12:32 pmThankyou so much, a great help! How did you manage to start off your blog about travel and actually get views and followers?
Lucy
April 28, 2015 at 12:47 pmMy blog has been going for nearly four years now but it was a very slow start! (and probably even more so now as there are more and more bloggers) – just keep writing and practicing as it takes a while to find your style, look out for opportunities to take part in guest posts or collaborations with other bigger bloggers (Facebook blogging groups are good to find out about these) and courses like Travel Blog Success can be really useful to learn blogging and promotion skills. Good luck!
gaby
May 6, 2015 at 1:41 amI loved the Salvador Dali Museum and the alleys of food/restaurants in the Latin Quarter!!
Lucy
May 19, 2015 at 4:30 pmI’ve not visited the Dali Museum yet but that’s one I will have to check out for my next visit!
Neha Sharma
May 18, 2015 at 1:05 pmParis is such a beautiful place and want to go back someday. Your post for alternative things to do in Paris is really useful and reminded me of so many things I still have to do in Paris.
Lucy
May 19, 2015 at 4:31 pmI’m lucky enough to visit Paris most years now but don’t think I could ever get tired of it or run out of things to see there!
Verna Westwood
August 10, 2015 at 4:39 amLucy love your blog though I’m not a blogger usually. Place des Vosges in the Marais is beautiful – the arched arcades are stunning, and there’s a nice parfumier there. Also for more Monet a visit to the Marmottan-Monet muséum Is a must. Largest collection of Monet in the world and via lovely Rue de Passy. There’s so much to see!
Lucy
August 11, 2015 at 8:33 pmThanks so much Verna, and thanks for the tips, I’ve not visited the Marmottan-Monet Muséum yet so it’s one I’ll look up for my next trip.
Allison
August 31, 2015 at 3:51 pmHi Lucy — thanks for this article! If you’re interested in off-the-beaten-path areas of Paris, please feel free to contact me for a walking tour of Belleville (in English). Thanks! Allison (Paris on the Edge)
Lucy
October 3, 2015 at 4:58 pmThanks Allison, I don’t know Belleville at all so will get in touch when I’m next in Paris!
Lisa Anselmo
October 1, 2015 at 12:51 amGood ones, Lucy. Real locals-only options. (Dog cemetery? Who knew?) Only problem: The secrets are out! Oh well, better to have shared and help create a more savvy tourist. 😉
Lucy
October 3, 2015 at 4:58 pmHaha, yes there is that – I’ll just have to go and find some even more unusual places next time then!
Lisa Anselmo
October 3, 2015 at 7:37 pmCool. But maybe steer away from my ‘hood in the east 11th. I don’t wanna share it too much. 😉
Abi
October 27, 2015 at 6:03 pmAh, yes, Paris. Love it! Thanks for a few suggestions that I’ve missed. I’d also suggest a visit to the Grand Mosquee for a steamy hammam or a great cup of tea. Just bring your own swimsuit…
Lucy
October 27, 2015 at 7:11 pmI love the Mosquee! Not visited the hammam yet but the gardens are so beautiful and such a peaceful escape when Paris gets a bit too hectic.
Pheonix
November 6, 2015 at 7:53 pmPlanning a surprise trip for my daughter’s birthday…..Never been to Paris so i thank you very much for giving me a list. Can’t wait I’m so very excited
Lucy
November 10, 2015 at 9:48 amHow fantastic, it’s a great city and hope you both have an amazing time!
Marc
December 27, 2015 at 2:59 amGreat post Lucy. I lived in Paris for over 25 years and I have done everything you have mentioned in your article and I am sure my friends haven’t done those unusual things because Paris has so much to offer and so much to do. Most people don’t really want to visit places which are out of their comfort zone.
Lucy
December 30, 2015 at 12:23 pmThanks Marc, I love Paris and am always looking for new things to see and do there, hopefully some readers will get some new ideas from the article and head out and see something new!
Iain McGeachin
December 31, 2015 at 10:26 amHi Lucy,
As soon as I saw the title of this post, my first thought was “Tour Montparnasse” (I spent 7 years in Paris – and would always take friends up Montparnasse instead of the Eiffel).
The Eiffel tower is great if you like crowds and waiting for hours in queues. And once you finally get to the top, the view IS wonderful. All of Paris can be seen. EXCEPT the most amazing sight in Paris. You are standing on it!
So I was rather pleased to see that Montparnasse was your FIRST recommendation.
I SO want to be in Paris now.
Iain
Lucy
December 31, 2015 at 11:39 amGreat minds think alike! Love the view from the Montparnasse Tower – the friends apartment I stay in normally is just down the road from there so I’ve been a few times. Getting the urge for another Paris trip soon too, most years I get out there at least once but missed out in 2015.
Iain McGeachin
December 31, 2015 at 7:15 pmThe first time I went up, I looked down on the Luxembourg gardens – and was amazed at how clear they looked (normally there’s loads of dust kicked up on the paths). It took me a few moments to realise why. All the city parks had been closed to the public for health&safety reasons (the paths were very icy – and the snow that had fallen in the previous days had melted and re-frozen. So paths were treacherous.
So the park was empty! And because the air was so cold, the light was amazing.
One of those magical moments that just happens. One of my best memories of Paris.
Followed by the best crepes in Paris.
Iain
[and they sell half bottles of Champagne up there – which definitely helped conjure up the magic 😉 ]
Stacey
February 26, 2016 at 5:57 pmJim Morrison grave is also there if your a fan of the Doors.
Frank T. Mikos
March 29, 2016 at 5:41 pmMy wife & I have been to Paris 30 times, in recent years we have visited Promenade Plantee at least a half dozen times. This past September as we entered the garden via the stairway next to the opera house the first thing we noticed was a large amount of litter on the ground, the next site was at least 6 or 7 rats enjoying the midday sun, needless to say we went back from where we came; if you go be careful.
Lucy
March 31, 2016 at 1:29 pmOh dear, that does not sound so nice! We didn’t see much litter when were there so hopefully they can get the problem sorted before it ruins the walkway.
Christine Flacks
April 5, 2016 at 2:09 amMusee Nissam Comando and Musee Jacquemar-Andre ( both near Parc Monceau) are fabulous. Like going to a soirée at these beautiful homes. And they are not crowded! St. Sulpice with the chapel painted by Delacroix is amazing. The Panheon and nearby St. Etienne du Mont are beautiful. Our favorite restaurant is the Petit Pontois on Rue Pontois ( left bank ). Best site for photography is the roof of Printemps Home store.
Lucy
April 5, 2016 at 6:52 pmThanks for the tips, I usually stay near St Sulpice so know it well but some new ones to me there so I look forward to trying them out on my next Paris trip!
Ray
April 7, 2016 at 7:33 pmThe Eiffel Tower has a bit of a “hidden gem” during the winter months when they open their public ice skating rink on the second level platform. It wasn’t really that busy when I was there in January 2011 with a few of my friends. It’s one thing to say that you have been to the Eiffel Tower. But, it’s another to say that you’ve actually skated on it!
Lucy
April 8, 2016 at 1:44 pmI actually did a Christmas guide to Paris and mentioned the ice rink – such an unusual place to have one, definitely a unique experience!
Barbara Miller
May 2, 2016 at 9:16 pmI love Montmartre. It is the best place to window shop in the world. There is a carousel at the foot of the stairs where musicians entertain for free. Aside from the fitness benefits of NOT using the funicular railway, there are some lovely tiny stores leading away from the Place de Tertre (tourist trap, avoid at all costs!) one of these sells tiny wind up music boxes in little matchboxes. So unusual and very cheap. Pretty much at the bottom of the hill you will find a huge fabric store called Dreyfus (painted a lurid blue) which is fabulous. Opposite Rue D’Abbess metro is a little Italian restaurant run by two brothers. If you’re finding the French food a strain, this place is the absolute best eatery in the 18th A. Take your appetite though, they won’t hug you unless you eat everything!
Lucy
May 3, 2016 at 2:11 pmMontmartre’s lovely – I stayed in an apartment there a few years back and really enjoyed exploring all the little backstreets. The Italian place sounds great too, one to remember for next time!
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
February 6, 2017 at 10:42 pmI’ve always had a real love/hate relationship with Paris, but as I’ve grown older I have a real pining to go back and see the more interesting sides of the city! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Lucy
February 7, 2017 at 9:46 amParis does seem to be one of those love/hate places – I’ve always really liked it but there are some areas which I’m not so keen on! Hope the tips come in useful.
Agness of a TukTuk
February 12, 2017 at 1:10 pmThese are my new Parisian hidden gems and unusual attractions. The alternative view of the Eiffel Tower is great, Lucy.
Lucy
February 12, 2017 at 10:38 pmIt’s one of my favourite spots in the city!
yves
February 25, 2017 at 11:59 pmHi Lucy!
Thanks for sharing your good tips for some off the beaten track sightseeing in Paris!!! It’s really interesting to discover new ways to enjoy this city of multiple faces….
For those who wonder around Bastille, if you’re looking for alternative things to do you may like to have a look at 1944 // Gallery, Vegan Shop. It’s a concept store which gather in the same space an art gallery, a “boutique de créateurs” and a vegan corner with delicious home made delights! (It’s on the way to “La Garde Républicaine”, boulevard Henri IV, another unfortunately unkown attraction of Paris !) Hope to see you there!
Lucy
March 2, 2017 at 11:46 amThanks for the tip!
Anais Iliffe-Ward
April 26, 2017 at 8:57 pmI went to paris with school and I did all of those things!!!! you would love the boat trip. Its so calm and serene xxxx
Lucy
April 27, 2017 at 9:52 amGlad you had a great time!
thomas smith { travelouts }
April 24, 2018 at 2:43 pmReally great travel tips.It’s very helpful for my family trip.Thanks for sharing this article with us.
Lucy
April 30, 2018 at 10:36 amThanks, you’re very welcome!
Guillaume - TourScanner
April 26, 2018 at 9:21 amGreat article with amazing pictures, thank you Lucy! I love Paris, need to get back there
Lucy
April 30, 2018 at 10:38 amMe too, can never get enough of Paris!