romantic non touristy things to do in paris

Going on a skip-the-line Paris Catacombs tour is your best option if you dont want to risk waiting a long time to get in. If you love Paris, you probably know the picturesque anglophone bookshop, Shakespeare & Company. Yet, thats exactly what La Grandepicerie de Paris is all about. Located just a hop, skip, and jump away from Notre Dame Cathedral is the one and only, Shakespeare and Co. Kidding and welcome to my snazzy little blog. Canal Saint-Martin. Then stop by theMuse de Montmartre and explore the charming gardens behind the facility. Sure, the art here today definitely isnt as wild as it was pre-2009, but whatever. Inspired by the art and written word all around you? Enjoy The Green Minded Ambiance of La Recyclerie Cafe, 33. Enjoy a 19th century Paris Pastry Tasting and Literature Walk! So, definitely swing by one of the best hidden gems in Paris while youre in the area and prepare to bow in the presence of this type of artistic greatness. Non-touristy things to do in Paris. Pro Tip: This is one of the most unique things to do in Paris that you can easily enjoy after a trip to nearby Place de Daida, La Maison Rose, Montmartre Cemetery, and Muse de Montmartre. Its one of my favourite areas in Paris. Ive been to Paris more times than I can count and there are only so many times that you can visit the same, top Paris attractions without getting a little, well bored. Now, its always a bit nerve-wracking to do a post on off the beaten path or lesser-known things, because its so subjective, and relative to what you consider the beaten path to be. Going on a skip-the-line Paris Catacombs tour is your best option if you dont want to risk waiting a long time to get in. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Plus, Palais de Garnier showcases some of the unique costumes that were used in past performances and hosts some awesome temporary exhibits, like the fascinating Picasso exhibition that is on display until September 16, 2018. Located in the heart of Bercy Village (a lively area filled with amazing shops and restaurants) this museum is an eclectic assortment of vintage rides, games, and decorative items that were used throughout the traveling circuses and carnivalsof the early twentieth century. If youve been to Paris before, or if youre someone who simply likes to explore, you might want to discover some new parts of the city: some lesser-known, non-touristy things to do. Picnic Under the Eiffel tower. 18 Non Touristy Things to do in Paris Rent a Parisian flat in Montmartre. Once home to the largest collection of books in the entire world, the National Library of France was originally founded way back in ye old 1366, by Charles V. You go Charles V (just like Glen Cocoa, only better). Anyway, read on and get mildly inspired by some of the amazing and rather unusual things to do in Paris, France. After walking through the archives of photos, videos, ancient perfume bottles, and equipment, the tour guide will lead you to the store and have you play a game where they spritz fragrances on a testing strip and you have to guess what kind of notes are in it. You seamlessly fall into the world of the French Revolution as you walk through these prison cells and experience what life was really like for the unlucky souls housed here. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. So what exactly is theMuse des Arts Forains? Passerini. It is closed Mondays and open late on Thursdays. And for a very reasonable price, you get a very hearty and delicious French meal served by volunteers. WebA walk through the square is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. Because this is one of the best hidden gems in Paris that really does put the ass back in massive. The Eglise de la Madeleine is one of the most unusual churches in Paris. In order to eat here, you need to purchase an annual membership for just a few euros which go toward helping people in need. Bookstore. Its me, Kelly, the face behind Girl with the Passport! Harry Potter fans rejoice because this is one of the many hidden gems in Paris for you. Most Romantic Things to do in Paris. Let me know if you visit any of them and what you think of them. What do I NOT like? When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always icedshes from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series. But, if you do get the chance to visit at least two bookstores in Paris, then definitely check out nearby Abbey Bookshop, which is a quirky bookstore on Rue Parcheminerie where books are, quite literally, falling out onto the street. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Montmartre is not off the beaten path at all, but I feel like this great little museum is. Therefore, Iif you hate museums, then this is one of the best hidden gems in Paris for you. This tiny cheesemonger by the Canal Saint-Martin brims with dairy delights. I know a ton of people who were not really excited by visiting Paris. At one time in history, this quiet, cobblestone street in the 12th arrondissement really was one of the most epic hidden gems in Paris. This elevated trail provided inspiration for the more-famous High Line in New York City, created almost two decades later. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. But, this is one of the best hidden gems in Paris that actually gets cooler! Something that I for one think is super cool. Stroll through the Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont, 29. Over 4.5 kilometres, the path alternates underground through tunnels and above ground on raised walkways, passing by public parks and over busy streets. WebParis. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most Romantic Things to do in Paris. And if youre a cheese aficionado, you will be spoilt for choice as well, with the Pyrnes boasting an impressive selection of locally made cheeses, ranging from creamy bries to pungent Roqueforts. And its interior is adorned with grandiose sculptures, paintings, and frescoes. The vibe in Parc Monceau is very laid back, a place where you can just relax and spend a leisurely afternoon. The pieces here are still totally impressive and super-expressive and one of the more unusual things to do in Paris. Contributed by Jenoa from The Travel Folk. He was also good friends with Albus Dumbledore so yeah, he had that going for him too. They dont look typically Parisian to me at all. You can find their listingshere just look out for English or American movies, as these are most likely to be in English. For those who are still set on Paris as the city of Love, Mur des je taime is a place where I say in my post on Paris Syndrome & how to avoid disappointment in Paris that you should not expect every Paris street to be a charming lane oozing with romance. Non-Touristy Things to do in Paris The Tuileries are great an all, but.. but its very cute. So, you could easily visit both hidden gems in Paris at the same time. Gorgeous displays of fresh produce spill on the sidewalks. Believe it or not, the Promenade Plantee is not only much less crowded than the High Line, but it was also created first. Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm (CLOSED SUNDAYS). On Boulevard de Strasbourg in the citys 10th arrondissement, Le Brady offers an intimate, arthouse alternative to multiplexes like UGC Cine Cite and MK2. Specimens that include everything from entire, taxidermied individuals to a single branch from a long-extinct tree. 1. Mur des je taime. Its not some spectacular garden if it was, it would be more of a destination for visitors to Paris (and of course, it wouldnt be on this list of Paris off the beaten path). Its worth making a little detour through the newly opened museum of Albert Kahn though. Canal Saint-Martin. So, stop by and enjoy a truly delicious, ever-changing brunch menu that is sure to fill you up mind, body, and soul. Monsieur Saintonge. In fact, each sewer actually has its own blue and white street sign, complete with a real street number. Seafood lovers will find plenty to explore at the market, with an array of fresh fish and seafood available for purchase including Oysters, mussels, and scallops. 3. The most famous prisoner? Hidden high stop the Eiffel Tower, there is a secret apartment that good old Gustave Eiffel built himself so that he could get swanky AF from the top of the world. March Pyrnes (Pyrnes Food Market), Unique Streets Off The Beaten Path In Paris, Map: Things To Do In Paris Off The Beaten Path, Paris Syndrome & how to avoid disappointment in Paris, romantic things to do in Paris for couples, Paris Syndrome & How To Avoid Being Disappointed By Paris In 2023, Paris In A Day: Itinerary For An Epic Day In Paris In 2023, The Best Places To Watch The Sunset In 2023, Things To Do in Madrid, Spains Grand Capital, in 2023, 22 Unusual & Unique Things To Do In NYC In 2023, 21 Delightful Things To Do In Lisbon In 2023. 15 Awesome Affordable Paris Shopping Spots. The market consists of several sections with the biggest one being the farmer market where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables. The Maison de Victor Hugo is one of the most beautifulsmall museums in Paris. And just in case youre not already duly impressed: This museum also has surgical bags from the battle of Waterloo, as well as autopsy tools that were used on none other than Napolean himself. Flanked by a carousel on one end and the Notre Dame de Lorette Church on the other, its also very picturesque. 15 of the Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris If we know anything at all, it's that there isn't a non-amorous alley in the City of Love. I feel like know it pretty well by now. Heck, La Recyclerie even placed host to a variety of unusual, community-building events like seed swaps, poetry readings, and live concerts. Learn About Unicorns at the Muse Cluny (Now the Museum of the Middle Ages), 6. Plus, many of these hidden gems in Paris have the added being 10 Euros to visit or being totally free to European citizens under the age of 26. Or head to Delacroixs studio-home Muse National Eugne Delacroix to peek at more intimate works like An Unmade Bed (1828). Where next, you ask? With a little tilt of your camera, as you take a picture of it, youll see the sinking house effect. 1. Now I cannot emphasize this enough, grab a map and use the restrooms BEFORE you enter the cemetery. But, Galleries Lafayette is totally different and is easily one of the best hidden gems in Paris. Most Romantic Things to do in Paris. However, if youre interested in going off the beaten path in Paris, theres a less popular but just as intriguing bookshop just around the corner in the Latin Quarter on Rue de la Parcheminerie. Known for being one of the best market streets in all of Paris, Rue Mouffetard is a charming, almost Medevil feeling, cobblestone lane that snakes all the way up to Place de la Contrecarpe. Pro Tip: Since the catacombs are on the way to the airport, you might want to explore them before you head to the airport and go back home. When this airy, design-forward caf opened its doors in 2017, it had a major leg to lean on: the high praise of its sister La Planque Hotel. So there you have it travel fans! Heres a map of our recommended things to do in Paris off the beaten path: How To Use This Map:click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. Woven in the 1500s, as society moved from the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, this masterpiece is trulyone of the more unique things in Paris. Dont let your inability to speak fluent French deter you from seeing a film in Paris. Walk towards Park Champ de Mars and have a picnic in the evening. Hours: Varies by section and season but generally from 8:00 am/9:00 am to 7:30 pm/8:30 pm daily. The house, La Maison du Bel Air, is one of the oldest in Montmartre and on the grounds is a studio once occupied by artists Suzanne Valadon, Maurice Utrillo and Andr Utter. You know, super cool masters of the art world like Degas, Heinrich Heine, Berlioz, Alexander Dumas, Francois Truffaut, Emile Zola, and Adolphe Sax (inventor of the aptly named saxophone). Take a stroll from start to finish and youll encounter hazelnut trees, cable footbridges, railway tunnels, and some of the citys most modern buildings. But if youre feet are begging for mercy after all this walking, you can always take a boat tour of the canal that starts at the Muse dOrsay and ends at Canauxramabetween Bastille and Bassin de la Villette. Muse Rodin. The address is 4 Rue de la Montagne Ste Genevive, 75005 and the hours are 9:30-5:00 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday); 9:30-7:00 (Thursday); and 10:30-5:30 (Saturday). Therefore, this is one of the most unusual things to do in Paris where you can you catch a killer panoramic view of Paris for free (we did it all for the gram, come on the gram), but you can also do a mini Paris foodie tour of some of the best desserts in Paris. However, I know its not just me because when I visited, I definitely had to wait in line for a solid hour and a half, before I could even get in. So, while you could just meander through this picturesque part of the Latin Quarter, do that and youll be missing out on a whole hell of a lot of foodie wonderfulness. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Admire works by Romantic painter Delacroix in the Louvre and Muse dOrsay (in either museum hook up with THATMuse for a love-themed treasure hunt). Also, the Picasso Museum is within walking distance so you can definitely visit that while youre in the area. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If not, its a reclaimed, above ground, railroad track that was transformed into a beautiful walking promenade that is frequented by both tourists and locals alike. Pierre Blach from Paris, France [CC0] Nef du College des Bernardins Haha. But, guess what? Very few tourists go to this area, and when they do, they happen to get there by chance! Yes, there are many tourist areas to explore but if you have already seen them, lets get beyond the Eiffel Tower and do non-touristy things in Paris. Use our insider connections to know where to go and what to do. To address the issue, the Council of State decided to prohibit further use of the Cemetery and instead, had the BEYOND brilliant idea of stuffing excess, remains inside disused quarries that are now, more commonly known as the Catacombs. Well, thats why this post exists! I was just wandering around on a recent solo trip to Paris and I saw an opening on Rue de Charonne, so I decided to have a look. And believe it or not, since Shakespeare and Company opened, over 30,000 young writers and artists have stayed here, including then-unknowns like Robert Stone, Ethan Hawke, Geoffrey Rush, and David Rakoff (Shout out to Geoffrey Rush because I just really love his work). But, if natural history really isnt your thing, then feel free to beeline it on over to the giant gold clock in the room, which was made for Marie-Antoinette (insert your stunned ohs and ahs here). Nearest Metro Station: Located near the Bourse station along metro line number 3. Yeah, he kept these baller level awesome globes hidden away inside of Versailles until the French Revolution, after which they were moved around until they finally made their way here. First opened in 1993 by George Proust, this is one of the best hidden gems in Paris that sits inside a vaulted cellar from the 16th century that was once owned by the notorious Marquis De Sade. A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. If youre delightedly nodding your head yes, then 59 Rivoli is the place for you! The Paris Grand Mosque can be visited from 09 am to 6 pm, every day but Fridays and admission costs 3 for adults, 2 for children, students, and groups. Even if there are slightly weird looking mannequins of Eiffel and Edison hanging out here. 2009 - 2023 Jetsetter All rights reserved. And while Paris is thankfully, no longer riddled with disease,the Catacombs remain and are a fun and interesting place where you can go and get a better understanding of Paris slightly not-so-glamorous past. Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day. 1. Wanna visit a wine vineyard while in France? Sorry to disappoint you but if you are interested in learning about the origin of unicorns and their historical significance in European society, then theMuse Cluny is for you. And, if you want a cinema experience with some charm and personality (of course, why not? The Montorgueil neighborhood is very popular among the locals. You know, if the whole erotic thing wasnt already overtly apparent. But after your fifth visit, where you continuously beat back tourists with selfie sticks, you kind of want to see a different side of Paris that is slightly less saturated with tourists. Pro Tip: Try to enter by Villa du Bel Air and then exit at the old Gare de Charonne. Truth be told, Le Printemps department store isnt exactly a well-kept secret. Its one of the more wonderfully charming corridors in the city that features art deco buildings with ethereal vines crawling all over them, cobblestone streets, and homes with classic-style doors. Rue des Martyrs is lined with food markets, speciality shops, and cafs. Did I miss anything? Address: Starts at Place de Stalingrad and ends at Paris Quai de la Rapee. Their lunch special is reliably delicious and affordable. Yes. How to Get There: Take the 8/9 line to Bonne Nouvelle station and walk from there. Complete with its very own, super unique set of symbology its easily one of the best hidden gems in Paris. 18 Non Touristy Things to do in Paris Rent a Parisian flat in Montmartre. Nearest Metro Station: Located near the Ina or Alma Marceau stations along metro line number 9. It is located in the 6tharrondissement of Paris, just a few minutes walk north from the popularLuxembourg Gardens. 10 Non Touristy Things to do in Paris In addition to the traditional Paris experiences like snapping a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, visiting the treasures at the Louvre and the Muse dOrsay and strolling along the Quais de Seine, add these non touristy experiences to your Paris bucket list ! WebAddress: 1, avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau) 75014 Paris. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Look no further than Muse du Parfum, located in the 9th arrondissement. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It is open every day except Tuesdays, between 10 am and 6.00 pm, with the last admission at 5 pm. This room was designed with custom panelling envisioned by Victor Hugo himself and is adorned with gorgeous plates and pottery from around the world. 3. So, if you only visit ONE bookstore while in Paris, then let this one be it since it doubles as one of the coolest hidden gems in Paris. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the sellers site. If youre after unique Paris experiences, what could be better than staying in a Search for street art in Belleville. Typically, these corridors are long and narrow pedestrian walkways that are lined with quaint shops and covered in enormous glass ceilings. Its also a good thing to do in Paris in winter, when the nights are cold and dark. Visit the Museum of the History of Medicine, 25. In fact, these passageways ways became popular shopping arcades during the early nineteenth century, and helped increase connectivity between many of Paris streets. Another striking location on Rue Lamarck is the sinking house. The sinking house is best seen from the steps leading up to the Sacr Coeur. Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm, and on public holidays from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm. Yup, this food court offers up decadent delights from such iconic pastry chefs as Jean-Paul Hevin, Jacques Genin, Sadaharu Aoki, and more. Address: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris, France Address: Rue Cremeieux, 75012, Paris, France. Ive never been to Paris, to be honest Ive always felt intimidated by it. The I Love You wall Paris is known to be the world capital of love and romance and it wouldnt be a city of love without the I love you wall. In Paris 12th arrondissement, youll find the promenades predecessor, and the worlds very first elevated greenway: Coule verte Ren-Dumont. Walk towards Park Champ de Mars and have a picnic in the evening. A street that is nestled smack dab in between Rue de Lyon and Rue de Bercy. This beautiful hotel has a prime location right on the stunning Place des Vosges (known as the prettiest square in 2. Hours: Open every day from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. 35 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France, 5. Address: 35 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France. How to Get There: Take line 12 to Lamarck Caulaincourt station and walk from there. Its also a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of this amazing city, at least for a little bit. Opening times at the official entry points vary according to the sections of the railway trail and the season. Where to Stay in Paris: Accommodations. Containing the bones of over six million people, the Paris catacombs are officially the worlds largest grave. 10 Non Touristy Things to do in Paris In addition to the traditional Paris experiences like snapping a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, visiting the treasures at the Louvre and the Muse dOrsay and strolling along the Quais de Seine, add these non touristy experiences to your Paris bucket list ! Lets hop on the unicorn bandwagon for a second, shall we? However, it does contain a very important, if not somewhat macabre, relic of French History a guillotine blade. Address: Place de lOpra, 75009 Paris, France. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Learn About Unicorns at theMuse Cluny (Now the Museum of the Middle Ages), 8. Check out Some fo the Books at theBibliothque Nationale de France (AKA The National Library of France). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In France, non-French films are widely distributed, often with subtitles in French rather than dubbed into French. How to Get There: Take the Metro to Pere Lachaise station or Philippe Auguste station and walk to the cemetery from there. Learn About Marie Antionettes Imprisonment at the Conciergerie. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. 15 of the Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris If we know anything at all, it's that there isn't a non-amorous alley in the City of Love. The Napoleon III-era, 61-acre expanse is full of grottos, waterfalls, temples, suspension bridges designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, and loads of indigenous and exotic foliage. I know I do! Skip the Tuileries. Caf Mricourt. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Rather than wait for a highly contested table or miss out on the perennially-packed spot altogether, head across the street to La Cave, the restaurants cozy satellite bar. WebAddress: 1, avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau) 75014 Paris. Just dont leave without stopping at #15 since its exceptionally beautiful. Therefore, find an insurance agency that covers travel changes related to COVID-19, like my two all-time faves World Nomads and Safety Wing. As a New Yorker, Im a huge fan of the High Line. Youre Not A Tourist: Paris. Address: 100bis Rue dAssas, 75006 Paris, France. Where to Stay in Paris: Accommodations. Becausesome of the graves are difficult to find, I would plan tospend between two and three hours at one of the most unusual things to do in Paris, which seems like an eternity (pun intended) but I swear, you wont be bored to death. Studio 28inMontmartrewas the first avant-garde cinema on the right bank and the building retains its old Art Deco style. Theres some spectacular Gothic architecture in Paris, most famously Notre Dame, but also the spectacular Sainte-Chappelle and La Conciergerie, which was a revolutionary prison. I mean, not only does this amazing company have a variety of unique foodie experiences for your to choose from (tours that can be found ALL over the WORLD), but their 19th Century Paris Pastry and Food Walk was definitely THE highlight of my 4 days in Paris itinerary. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Explore the best of the world. The most unique and detailed room in the house is the Chinese room. However, take some time to explore one of the many non-touristy things to do in Paris and youll be handsomely rewarded with a wealth of tree-lined canals and cobblestone walkways as far as the eye can see. Then, in 1878, the modern Parisian sewer system was born complete with 373 miles of piper that helps pump waste out of the city. And way more impressive than I expected! 3. Tickets are 7 full price, but concessions and free tickets are available to some. Pro Tip: Some other covered passageways to visit are the Passage des Deux-Pavillons, Galerie Vro-Dodat, Passage Ben-Aad, and Galerie Colbert. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. And it is a wonderful location to seecherry blossoms in Paris. Today, this six-story building is FREE, open to the public, and filled with a wealth of whimsically wonderful art displays that are sure to appeal to any contemporary art lovers in the crowd! Price: The nominal entrance fee of 3.50 is only payable in cash. Seriously, you might just use an entire memory card while taking pictures here. Pro Tip: Other unusual things to do in Paris include the Museum of Romantics, the Fairground Museum and the Counterfeit. The Grand Mosque is such a peaceful place to visit in Paris and a must-visit if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Paris. Hours: Its a neighborhood so you can visit any time. Parc Monceau is an off-the-beaten-path park in Paris and is truly one of my favourite parks in the entire city. During your visit, all bags must be left in the cloakroom. For a place to visit off the beaten path in Paris, go for a stroll down Rue Lamarck. The cobbled street has what looks like commercial space on the ground floor, although not all of the units looked taken. Ill literally shrug my shoulders and go, huh? So when, I decided to visit the Palais de Tokyo, I didnt know if I would actually like one of the more unusual things to do in Paris. So, amidst the stunning, Gothic-style vaulted ceilings, prisoners were housed here, anxiously waiting for the Revolutionary Court to determine their fate. Bourdelle is a relatively unknown figure in modern art, but his studio illustrates his popularity and contribution during the early 20th century. Heck, you might even see the smallest paved street in Paris and visit a full-on, wine museum along the way (SPOILER ALERT: You WILL see both of these things). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If the heavenly scents leave you yearning for more, you can also attend a perfume workshop for 29 where you can make your own eau de toilette using notes and extracts from Fragonard. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I hope you decide to visit one day. It is lined with potted plants and ivy has crept across the buildings, so it has a pretty, villagey feel. combined ticket for Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, get your skip-the-line catacomb tickets with an audio guide here. However, many of these iconic places can be overrun with tourists, especially during the summer. Therefore, the Conciergerie provides a fascinating look at the lives of the people who were imprisoned here and the conditions of their imprisonment.