The French capital is full of famous museums, neighborhoods, and monuments to visit. But there are also many non-touristy places in Paris that have plenty to offer. Between unusual activities, surprising locations, and hidden gems, here are some off-the-beaten-path spots to discover a more authentic side of the city.
Deyrolle’s Cabinet of Curiosities – A Hidden Historical Gem
Founded in 1831, Maison Deyrolle perfectly embodies non-touristy Paris, despite its fascinating history. This boutique specializes in taxidermy and entomology (the study and classification of insects) and is the last public cabinet of curiosities still open in the city. Visitors can explore a captivating collection of naturalized animals (mammals, birds, insects) and minerals (shells, corals, crustaceans), some of which are even for sale. On the ground floor, a bookstore dedicated to natural sciences awaits curious minds. Decorators, collectors, and nature enthusiasts come here to admire the astonishing beauty of the natural world.
Address:
Deyrolle
46 rue du Bac
75007 Paris
The Coulée Verte – A Green Escape Few Tourists Know
Built on a former railway line that once served eastern Paris, the Coulée Verte (also known as the Promenade Plantée) is a local favorite during sunny days—yet remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Stretching nearly 6 kilometers, it connects Bastille to Vincennes, winding through viaducts, footbridges, and tunnels.
Both elevated and underground, this pedestrian path forms a lush green corridor through the heart of the city. Its design mixes wild vegetation with cultivated plants, creating a scenic walkway filled with roses, poppies, morning glories, and flowering trees. The trail ends near Vincennes Castle, where visitors can continue into the Bois de Vincennes for a peaceful stroll far from the usual Parisian crowds.
Address:
Start of the Coulée Verte
48 rue de Lyon (above the Viaduc des Arts)
75012 Paris
Rue Sainte-Marthe – A Colorful Hidden Gem in Belleville
Named after Saint Martha of Bethany, patron saint of innkeepers and homemakers, Rue Sainte-Marthe is a charming, little-known street tucked away in the Belleville district. Its colorful wooden storefronts—painted in bright hues of pink, turquoise, yellow, green, and orange—give it a picturesque village feel.
Here, you’ll find trendy cafés, art galleries, independent shops, and small restaurants, all exuding a local, bohemian vibe. The street is also a canvas for street artists, with creative murals and graffiti giving this peaceful corner of Paris a unique, artistic soul—still untouched by mass tourism.
Address:
Rue Sainte-Marthe
75010 Paris
Parc de Belleville – A Peaceful Green Haven Away from the Crowds
Located in the 20th arrondissement, the Parc de Belleville is probably the least touristy park in Paris. Covering 45,000 m² on the slopes of Belleville Hill (108 meters high), it features lush lawns, ping-pong tables, and children’s play areas surrounded by thousands of trees, vines, perennials, and flowering plants.
At the top, visitors can admire an open-air amphitheater, a cascading fountain running down the hill, and a stunning panoramic view of the Paris skyline from the Belvedere. A serene, authentic spot to relax like a true Parisian.
Address:
Parc de Belleville
47 rue des Couronnes
75020 Paris
Montmartre Cemetery – The Quieter Counterpart to Père-Lachaise
Far from the bustle of the famous Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Montmartre Cemetery (also known as the Cimetière du Nord) offers a quieter, equally moving experience. Opened in 1825, it’s a peaceful, tree-filled sanctuary that’s home to many renowned artists and writers, including Michel Berger, Dalida, Stendhal, François Truffaut, and Émile Zola.
One of its most distinctive features is the Caulaincourt Bridge, which spans right over the cemetery. Visitors wandering among its winding paths can discover intriguing tombs, ornate mausoleums, and hidden stories often revealed during guided tours.
Address:
Cimetière de Montmartre
20 avenue Rachel
75018 Paris
Le Paradis Latin – The Most Authentic of Paris’s Great Cabarets
A jewel of non-touristy Paris, Le Paradis Latin is nonetheless one of the city’s most historic venues. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 and listed as a Paris historical monument, it is the oldest cabaret in the capital, yet also one of the most intimate and authentic—uniquely located on the Left Bank, in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
The Paradis Latin offers magical, dazzling shows that captivate audiences with their artistry and originality. Guests can also enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by multi-Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy as part of the dinner show experience.
Address:
Le Paradis Latin
28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine
75005 Paris
