Hidden Gems in Paris France You Won’t Find in a Guidebook

Looking for hidden gems in Paris France to explore?

When you’re in Paris, it’s easy to get swept away in the romance of the city. There you are, enjoying your black coffee and people-watching at Aux Folies. You belong here.

Just then, your cute waiter comes by, and you fumble for the few French words you remember. Reality comes screeching in, and you’re quickly reminded of your tourist status.

But don’t let a silly thing like language barriers stop you. You do belong here, and these secret spots in Paris will help you feel that way. 

You’re more than just the average tourist, regardless of whether you’re here to watch the Eiffel Tower lights or take a catacombs tour. You’re about to explore all the joie de vivre this city has to offer – as the locals do. Or, at least, like you imagine they do.

Where to Stay in Paris

If you’re visiting Paris, we couldn’t recommend the Hilton Paris Opera enough. The hotel is gorgeous, the service exceptional, and you’re steps away from the metro.

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Let’s get this show on the road. It’s time to toss your guidebook into the “poubelle” and head to these hidden Parisian gems.

Insider Paris Tip

Get your metro and Paris Museum Pass before heading out to explore. Not only will you skip the lines and save a ton of time, but the Paris Museum Pass gives you discounts at 60 of the top museums and monuments in and around Paris. Explore the Louvre and Versailles, and visit the Arc de Triomphe, the Centre Pompidou, and many others.

The pass is valid for 2-6 days (depending on how much exploring you want to do).

Secret Hidden Gems in Paris, France for Sightseers

#1: Paris Statue of Liberty

Did you know that Paris has its own Statue of Liberty? It sits on the southern end of the Île aux Cygnes. If this is news to you, you may also be surprised to learn that it’s an exact replica of the Statue of Liberty in New York. But as you hear the history, it makes perfect sense.

The state that hovers above Île aux Cygnes is a quarter-sized replica of the NY statue, which existed because it was a model for Lady Liberty.

It’s not the only one around, but the Parisian-American community symbolically gave this one to the city of Paris in 1889.

In true American fashion, the ceremony was held on American Independence Day (July 4) instead of Bastille Day, which is just 10 days later. And for those Nicholas Cage fans, this statue was featured in National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

You can walk, cycle or cruise up to the statue.

#2: Bercy Village

You’ll find Bercy Village about 30 minutes from central Paris. This little village has a quaint atmosphere with loads of charm. The Bercy district used to be a massive wine market, but today you’ll have to settle for the cute cafes, restaurants, and shops that line the charming cobbled streets.

While not a secret spot in Paris anymore because Bercy Village center does get crowded, but the village itself is a great place to stay if you’re for a quieter spot to rest your head than a Paris hotel. 

If you’re into the arts scene and want to experience and learn the basic techniques of graffiti art at a 2.5-hour graffiti mural workshop in Paris.

We recommend this workshop to the art lovers.

It lets you collaborate with Parisian graffiti artists on a large-scale mural and become a street artist of the future! With spray paint, you can create shapes and more.

#3: Parc de la Villette

At the edge of the 19th arrondissement, you’ll find the largest urban cultural park in the capital. It’s a full 55 hectares, which equates to nearly 136 acres.

Here, you’ll find a mix of modern architecture, playgrounds, cultural spaces and theaters, including one open-air cinema where they hold the open-air film festival (mid-July through mid-August). Get to Parc de la Villette by metro, bus, bicycle or even boat (we recommend this boat cruise to get a different sense of Paris that most people don’t see).

 

#4: Bastille

More than just a fab pop band, Bastille may be your go-to spot for social life in Paris. Forget Saint-Michel (for the moment), where all the tourists go.

At Bastille, you can enjoy your patisserie on cobbles with a view of the city’s most iconic roundabout. Bastille is a great place to meet friends for dinner or drinks. You may never want to leave.

#5: Piscine Josephine Baker

Who is this Josephine Baker, and why does she get piscine? If you don’t know, head to iTunes stat and do a search. Short story: She’s an American-born singer who made it big in the Paris cabaret scene in the late 20’s.

You may want to download a few of her songs as you float above the River Seine. This glass-walled pool was built on a barge that’s permanently moored just below the Bastille. The pool even has a retractable glass roof so that you can enjoy it in any season.

#6: Buttes Chaumont

If you’re looking for romantic appeal, it doesn’t get much better than Buttes Chaumont. This stunning oasis sits in the center of Paris—on a hill in the middle of a lake. With views like this, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a fairytale.

Buttes Chaumont is perfect for when you want a short break from the city to recharge. Go for a picnic and enjoy the summer sun.

#7: Gardens of Albert Kahn

Located in the western suburbs of Paris, the Gardens of Albert Kahn are a wonderfully whimsical treat for the eyes. Spread out over 4 hectares, the gardens easily incorporate Japanese, French, and English influences making it one of our favorite hidden gems in Paris, France.

#8: Rue Crémieux

Tucked away a few minutes from Gare de Lyon, Rue Crémieux is full of pastel-coloured houses filled with fluffy cats sitting on window sills. While rue Crémieux has become somewhat famous on Instagram, that doesn’t take away from the charm. Show up early to avoid the crowds.

READ MORE: Paris in 24 hours: Layover Edition

Secret Hidden Gems in Paris for Foodies

#9: Les Halles

Travel north of Seine to a trendy hotspot for Parisian socialites.

Anthony Bourdain once opened a restaurant by this name, but what we’re talking about has nothing to do with the late Food Network star.

Les Halles is a unique little shopping center with a long history. For 800 years, Les Halles was the hub of food distribution for the entire city. But as the city grew, the location couldn’t handle the volume of people coming in and out.

The site was destroyed in the 1960s and eventually converted into the multi-story underground shopping mall and metro station we see today.

#10: Petit Bain

Grab a beer, and catch up with friends overlooking views of the National Library and the quays, and enjoying live music.

While the venue is on the smaller side, its uniqueness and atmosphere make it one of the hidden gems in Paris, France. Sitting right on the Seine, it’s hard to compare it to anything else in the city. Be sure to get there rather early, as it does fill up quickly.

#11: Pont des Arts

Extremely popular with couples, Pont des Arts is the first iron bridge in Paris. Built between 1801 and 1804 and reserved for pedestrians, it is a great location for photos.

#12: Chinatown in the 13th Arrondissement

The “Chinatown” in Paris is more of an Asia town because not only can you find delicious Chinese food, but you can also find Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine. There is only so much French food you can have, so when the craving for pho strikes, this is where we head to, so naturally, we consider it a hidden gem in Paris, France.

#13: Galette in Rue du Montparnasse

No visit to Paris is complete without a proper crepe, and Galette is one of our favorites.

#14: Hexagone Café

One of our favourite places to grab a coffee in the city. We tend to use our time at Hexagone Cafe as a time to catch up on work and with friends. Great internet connection, excellent coffee, and a lovely atmosphere. Basically, where the locals hang out because this is one of our favorite secret places in Paris. Really, they took us there.

#15: Pershing Hall

Located really close to the Champs Elysees, Pershing Hall is a true gem and the perfect place to grab a drink or dinner with friends. Originally built by the Count of Paris at the end of the 18th century, it’s now a luxury hotel with a wonderful garden restaurant with the most romantic ambiance.

#16.  Pierre Hermé

While Ladurée is the most known Macaron place in Paris, we think Pierre Herme gives them a run for their money and is definitely worth a trip. Be warned: Your wallet will not be happy with you!

#17. Montmartre Vineyards

One of our favorite hidden gems in Paris, the Montmartre Vineyard has been around for over 800 years. Perfect place to spend an afternoon- especially if you love wine (and who doesn’t?).

Hidden Paris Gems for Shoppers

18. Arc Georges Brassens

Located right next to the  Parc Georges Brassens,  this little-covered market is the perfect place to find that literary treasure, or just relax in the sun.

19. The Passages 

Filled with shops and interesting, the passages is definitely one of the hidden gems of Paris. You’ll find these covered malls dating back from the 18th and 19th century all over the Paris. Great to escape from the blazing summer heat or blistering winter cold, and find a few Parisian treats to take back home.

20. Vanves Flea Market at Porte de Vanves

If flea markets are your jam then this lesser know flea market is the perfect hidden gem in Paris to explore. Located in the lesser known south of Paris – the Vanves flea market is the perfect place to pick up a few things that will always remind you of Paris.

READ MORE: Day Trip to Champagne from Paris

#21. l’Ile de la Cité

Sitting right in the middle of the Seine in the city of Paris is where you’ll findÎle de la Cité. Filled with a group of green pavilions, where you’ll also find one of Paris’s most well-known flower markets. These flower markets have everything from seeds to grow your own garden at home to lavender from dreamy Provence. The perfect way to spend an afternoon.

As you can see, Paris is more than just a tourist spot that you see on every must-visit list. While you may still want to visit all the popular spots, you should take some time to see these somewhat hidden gems in Paris. If you’re short on time, you can always opt for an exclusive private tour in Paris, and mix that with a few of these Paris hidden gems.

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