Recently updated on October 20th, 2025 at 06:30 pm
The French capital, Paris, makes for an amazing getaway with it often being referred to as the epicentre of fashion, culture, history, and gastronomy.
We all know about the typical hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, but if you’re ready to get off the beaten track and discover Paris’ hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. From secret parks and passageways to old monasteries and abandoned railways, here are 15 of the best hidden gems in Paris.
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Passage des Panoramas in Paris, Author: Chabe01, CC4.0 license
1. Passage des Panoramas
After you’ve visited the Place de l’Opéra, take a short ten-minute walk down the road and you’ll stumble upon one of Paris’ best hidden gems. Dating back to 1799, the Passage des Panoramas is the oldest covered walkway in Paris. The glass roof and hanging lanterns will make you feel like you’ve travelled back a century when you wander through here and it’s a great spot to snap some gorgeous photos… Plus there are plenty of lovely boutiques and restaurants to explore.
Where to find it: 11 Boulevard Montmartre; 2nd arrondissement.
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2. Parc Monceau
Paris is famed for its beautiful parks, but if you’re looking for the best hidden spots and parks to explore in Paris, don’t miss Parc Monceau. You’ll find paths winding through leafy trees and statues, and be sure to seek out the Roman columns surrounding the tranquil pond. After a busy day of sightseeing, this is a wonderful place to relax and soak up the Parisian atmosphere.
Where to find it: 35 Boulevard de Courcelles; 8th arrondissement.
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The house of Nicolas Flamel in Paris. Author: Thiebes, CC3.0
3. Nicolas Flamel’s house
Nicolas Flamel’s house may be the oldest building in Paris, but it’s still something of a hidden gem. Flamel built the beautiful stone house in 1407. He was a famous alchemist, said to have discovered the legendary Philosopher’s Stone that could transform lead into gold. While this claim was never proven, Flamel features in many books including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Da Vinci Code. Today, Flamel’s house is a hotel and restaurant, but you can still wander down the cobbled road and read inscriptions on the façade of the building, including symbols and the initials of Flamel.
Where to find it: 51 Rue de Montmorency; 3rd arrondissement.
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4. La Petite Ceinture
If you’re looking for the best historic hidden spots to explore in Paris, you can’t miss La Petite Ceinture (the Little Belt). This 20th-century wonder was a 32km railway line for a steam train that carried people around Paris between 1852 and 1934. After the construction of the Parisian Metro in the 1900s, the city abandoned La Petite Ceinture. Today, you’ll find many sections of the railroad and train stations overgrown with hauntingly beautiful greenery, while some areas have transformed into community gardens and playgrounds.
Where to find it: Head to any arrondissement from the 12th to the 20th, or get easy access from Villa du Bel Air near Porte de Vincennes.
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Collège des Bernardins, a hidden gem in Paris
5. Collège des Bernardins
As one of the oldest and biggest medieval buildings in the city, Collège des Bernardins is definitely one of Paris’ best secret spots. Built in the 13th century, the college once housed Cistercian Monks for centuries before French revolutionaries abolished monasteries. Today, it’s a cultural centre and was the last medieval building in Paris to have renovations. You’ll marvel at the grand sandstone architecture with vaulted ceilings and a Gothic hall… Plus it rarely gets busy so you’ll have it all to yourself.
Where to find it: 18-20 rue de Poissy; 5th arrondissement.
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6. Coulée Verte René-Dumont
This stunning public park was built on the historic Vincennes Railway Line that inspired New York’s Highline. The abandoned railway was doomed for demolition but was saved by local residents and transformed into a public space where people can experience a blend of nature and art. Also known as La Promenade Plantée, you’ll love exploring the dreamy walkways and views of the city.
Where to find it: 1 Coulée verte René-Dumont; 12th arrondissement.
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Passage de l’Ancre. Author: FrT-eclairage, CC2.0
7. Passage de l’Ancre
This gorgeous passageway is one of our favourite hidden spots to explore in Paris. Dating back to the 17th-century, it’s one of the oldest alleys in Paris, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you admire the old-fashioned stores and workshops. Each shop is a different colour and there are trees, plants and flowers everywhere along the tranquil stone walkway.
Where to find it: 30 Rue de Turbigo; 3rd arrondissement.
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8. The Witch’s Rock
Paris is full of mysterious gems – like the Witch’s Rock. It’s said to be the remnant of a centuries-old fountain but no one knows how it got there. Some legends say the rock was a meteorite, while others say the rock protects the entrance to the grand home of an old witch. You’ll find this strange stone block on a private road between 23rd Avenue Junot and 65th Street Lepic in Montmartre. You can enter through the quirky Hôtel Particulier – just find the gate marked #23 and press the buzzer. You’ll see the Witch’s Rock, and if you press another buzzer on the second gate to the left, you’ll enter the secret paradise of the hotel. From cocktails in the garden to views of the Eiffel Tower from the passageway, this is one of the best hidden spots to explore in Paris.
Where to find it: Passage de la Sorcière; 18th arrondissement.
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9. Galerie Vivienne
Take a trip back to 1800s Paris at Galerie Vivienne, one of the last remaining covered walkways in the city. The city has restored the elegant mosaic floors and glass ceilings to their former glory, and you can explore the lovely cafés and boutiques while snapping some gorgeous photos of this secret spot.
Where to find it: 5 Rue de la Banque; 2nd arrondissement.
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Le Bateau Ivre. Author: Sigoise, CC3.0
10. Le Bateau Ivre
You might already have Jardin du Luxembourg and L’Église Saint-Sulpice on your bucket list; The Luxembourg Gardens are stunning, while the enormous 17th-century church is famed for its unusual towers and it featured in the movie The Da Vinci Code. But just steps away in between these two famous attractions, you’ll find one of Paris’ hidden gems. Inscribed on a stone wall, Le Bateau Ivre (The Drunken Boat) is a poem written in 1871 by a 16-year-old Arthur Rimbaud. It tells the tale of a boat lost at sea and Rimbaud first recited the poem at a nearby café.
Where to find it: rue Férou; 6th arrondissement.
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11. Parc de Belleville & Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
If you’re looking for amazing views over Paris and its famous monuments without the crowds, head to Parc de Belleville. Once you’ve soaked up the sights, take a short walk to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Created by Napoleon III, this leafy English-style park is a beautiful place to relax in greenery. You can also walk the 207-foot-long suspension bridge to an island where you’ll find the Temple de la Sybille.
Where to find it: 47 Rue des Couronnes; 20th arrondissement.
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12. Butte aux Cailles
Known as Little Alsace, this charming neighbourhood is one of Paris’ top secret spots. You’ll feel like you’ve arrived in the French countryside, with cobbled streets, hanging ivy, stone walls, and terraced houses built in the style of the Alsace region. Be sure to find Villa Daviel, one of the most beautiful laneways.
Where to find it: 10 Rue Daviel, 13th arrondissement.
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Paris Catacombs
13. Paris Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs are truly one of the most unique things to do as it is a labyrinth in the underground of the city. It dates back to the late eighteenth century when there were widespread public health problems tied to the city’s cemeteries which eventually led to a decision to transfer the contents to an underground site.
At 20 meters deep, which equates to a five story building, the first evacuations into the catacombs (which previously went by the name ‘Paris Municipal Ossuary’ were made from 1785 to 1787. It was in 1809 when the area first became open to the public, with the bones having been carefully organised in walls ahead of the opening.
Where to find it: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
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14. Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter in Paris makes up the 5th arrondissement and is one of the most special neighbourhoods for tourists and locals alike.
Its winding cobblestone streets set the scene for this historical district which is also the home to the prestigious Sorbonne University. You could easily spend several hours perusing the Latin Quarter’s streets and squares, while taking in its historical charm. Not only are there great bars and restaurants in the area, but it has several museums and attractions (like the National Museum of Natural History and Musée de Cluny) in the vicinity too.
Where to find it: 5th arrondissement
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15. Paris Museum of Sewers
To really take it up a notch for unique things to do in the city, the Paris Museum of Sewers, or Musée des Egouts de Paris, opened its doors in 1975 to tell the story of the sewers and the instruments and machines within it.
The museum sees around 100,000 visitors per year and sees tourists walk 500 metres under the line of the sewers as they explore the underground world. These visits to the sewers have been taking place since as early as 1867, with the ‘walk’ previously being guided by the ‘sewers’ and was done by boat or wagonette.
Where to find it: Paris Sewers Museum, Alma Bridge, 75007 Paris
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Musée des égouts de paris. Author: Romain91, CC4.0
FAQs: All about the secret hidden gems in Paris
When is the least crowded time to visit Paris?
The ‘City of Love’ is popular with tourists year-round, but the months of April, May, September and October see less crowds than the likes of the height of summer and the Christmas period.
In September, the weather can still be fairly warm which makes it an ideal month for exploring while enjoying the last of summer.
What are some unusual things to see in Paris?
The Paris Catacombs are arguably one of the most unique things you can see in Paris, with these holding the remains of millions of people. If you’re looking for more unusual things to see in Paris, 59 Rivoli should also top your list, as this complex is a contemporary art gallery where you can see artists at work in their studios.
What are the most underrated museums in Paris?
For those looking for something different, museum-wise, in the French capital, there are many underrated museums which may take your fancy. The Cluny Museum, or Musée de Cluny, is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris and is known for having an extensive medieval collection.
If you’re looking to learn more about the city itself, consider visiting the Carnavalet Museum which is home to around 600,000 exhibits spread throughout more than 100 rooms.
What are the best hidden bars in Paris?
Whether you’re planning to dance the night away or wish to enjoy the atmosphere of a sultry cocktail bar, there are many hidden bars in Paris that could pique your interest. The mini-market turned cocktail bar, L’Épicier, is a true hidden bar in Paris as its facade would have you believing you’re walking into a small grocery store. Once inside, you’ll find a cool cocktail bar with a menu that spans multiple countries.
The Castor Club is another hidden bar in Paris, with this sneakeasy being hard to find at first glance, as there’s no signage out front. Instead, there are some wooden slats and a tiny window. But once you know where to look, you’ll find a cosy and snug bar which feels as though you’re stepping into a whole new world.
Have you stumbled upon any hidden gems in Paris? Let us know in the comments below!