Explored Paris numerous times.
Paris, the city of love and lights, is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks and experiences. But for those seeking a more intimate and less tourist-heavy alternative, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here's a guide to some lesser-known spots that offer a rich blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, local food innovations, and relaxed drinking neighborhoods.
Museums
For art enthusiasts, the Montparnasse district houses two unique museums. The Musée Bourdelle preserves the studio of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, while the Giacometti Institute boasts a reconstructed studio of Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti.
Cemeteries
While the Père Lachaise Cemetery is famous for housing the graves of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, the Montparnasse Cemetery offers a quieter alternative. It is the final resting place of Charles Baudelaire, Serge Gainsbourg, and Jean-Paul Sartre/Simone de Beauvoir.
Neighborhoods
Montparnasse, historically a bohemian hub, is home to atmospheric cafés like Café de la Rotonde, Le Dôme, Le Select, and La Coupole. Far less touristy than Saint-Germain, it offers a glimpse into Paris's past.
Another unique neighborhood is La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned 19th-century railway line turned urban oasis. Some old railway buildings have been converted into bars and restaurants, offering a truly unique setting.
Food and Drink
For a taste of Brittany in Paris, try the galettes (buckwheat savory crêpes) at Breizh Café or fusion creperies. These galettes come with inventive fillings like artichoke hearts, seaweed, scrambled egg, and Comté cheese.
Explore local boulangeries and patisseries offering unusual treats beyond classic baguettes and croissants, such as hay-flavored custard-filled choux buns or maple syrup tarts.
Views and Landmarks
The Montparnasse Tower offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. The light show of the Eiffel Tower can be witnessed from the Montparnasse Tower in the evening. Le Studio Café provides an enviable view of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, located in the Montmartre neighborhood, offers stunning views of Paris from its high location on a hill. The Musée de l'Orangerie is home to Monet's water lily exhibition.
Other Unique Spots
Paris’s oldest covered arcade, Passage des Panoramas, offers a historical stroll away from major tourists. Quiet green spaces like Parc de Bagatelle (with rose gardens and a Chinese-style pagoda) and Parc de Belleville on a hill offer panoramic views and local charm.
Le Centquatre's secret garden in the 19th arrondissement is a hidden refuge open in summer months.
These options give a rich blend of quieter historical sites, cultural experiences, local food innovations, and relaxed drinking neighborhoods in Paris, offering more intimate and less tourist-heavy alternatives to the typical landmarks. Enjoy your exploration of these hidden gems!
- What about exploring the historical Montparnasse district for a mix of unique museums, such as the Musée Bourdelle and Giacometti Institute, or the peaceful Montparnasse Cemetery that houses the graves of Charles Baudelaire, Serge Gainsbourg, and Jean-Paul Sartre/Simone de Beauvoir?
- For food enthusiasts, wouldn't it be intriguing to sample Brittany-inspired galettes at Breizh Café or fusion creperies in lesser-known neighborhoods like La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned 19th-century railway line transformed into an urban oasis with bars and restaurants?
