Exploring Off the Beaten Path Places in Paris

Introduction

Paris is a city filled with iconic sights and attractions, but there is so much more to discover in the City of Lights. From boutique stores to secret gardens, Paris is filled with unique and off-the-beaten-path places that can offer travelers a completely different experience. Whether it’s a hidden café or a little-known museum, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. Here is a guide to some of the best off the beaten path places to explore in Paris.

The Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are a network of underground tunnels and quarries that were used as an ossuary, or a place to store human remains. The tunnels are filled with the bones of more than six million people that were moved from the overcrowded cemeteries of Paris in the late 18th century. The Catacombs are an eerie and fascinating place to explore and offer a unique glimpse into Paris’ past.

The Catacombs are located beneath the city, and visitors can take a guided tour of the tunnels. The tour takes around 45 minutes and includes a visit to the underground chapel and a few of the galleries of bones. The Catacombs are a unique experience, and are definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in Paris, and is home to some of the city’s most famous residents. The cemetery is the resting place of famous figures such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf. Père Lachaise is an incredible place to explore, and is filled with beautiful sculptures, monuments, and tombs.

The cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement, and the entrance is marked by a large wrought iron gate. The cemetery is open from 8am to 6pm, and visitors can wander the grounds and explore the tombs of some of Paris’ most famous residents. Père Lachaise is an interesting and unique place to visit, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Musee des Arts Forains

The Musee des Arts Forains is an incredible museum filled with vintage carnival rides, games, and decorations. The museum is located in the Bercy district of Paris and is run by a family of carnival enthusiasts. The museum is open on Saturdays, and visitors can explore the incredible collection of vintage rides and games.

The collection includes carousels, bumper cars, and even a fortune-telling machine. There is also a café and bar onsite, and visitors can enjoy a drink while they explore the museum. The Musee des Arts Forains is a unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

The Arab World Institute

The Arab World Institute is a cultural center dedicated to promoting understanding between the Arab world and the Western world. The institute is located in the 5th arrondissement and is home to a library, a research laboratory, and an auditorium. The institute also hosts talks, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year.

The building itself is an architectural marvel, and the interior is filled with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and paintings. The institute is open from 10am to 6pm, and visitors can explore the building and learn more about the Arab world. The Arab World Institute is an interesting and unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Café Charbon

Café Charbon is an iconic café located in the 9th arrondissement. The café is a popular spot with locals and has been open since the late 19th century. The café is an institution, and it is known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food.

The café is open every day and it serves traditional French food. The café has a unique décor, and it is filled with vintage furniture and fixtures. Café Charbon is a unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the largest flea market in Paris. The market is located on the outskirts of the city and is open every weekend. The market is filled with stalls selling everything from vintage furniture to antiques.

The market is a great place to explore, and visitors can find some unique and interesting items. The market is also home to some great cafes and restaurants, and visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while they explore. The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is a unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

The Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful botanical garden located in the 5th arrondissement. The garden is filled with lush foliage and beautiful flowers, and it is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is open from 8am to 8pm, and visitors can wander the grounds and explore the gardens.

The garden is home to an impressive greenhouses, which are filled with exotic plants and flowers. The garden also has an animal park and a natural history museum, which are both worth a visit. The Jardin des Plantes is a unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Les Catacombes de Lutèce

Les Catacombes de Lutèce is an underground network of tunnels and galleries that were used as a necropolis, or a place to store human remains. The tunnels are filled with the bones of more than six thousand people that were moved from the overcrowded cemeteries of Paris in the late 18th century.

The Catacombs are an eerie and fascinating place to explore, and they offer a unique glimpse into Paris’ past. The Catacombs are open from 10am to 5pm, and visitors can take a guided tour of the tunnels. The tour takes around 45 minutes and includes a visit to the underground chapel and a few of the galleries of bones. The Catacombs are a unique experience, and are definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

The Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries is a beautiful garden located on the banks of the Seine. The garden is filled with lush foliage, sculptures, and fountains, and it is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is open from 8am to 8pm, and visitors can wander the grounds and explore the gardens.

The garden is also home to an art gallery, which is filled with works by some of the world’s most famous artists. The garden also has an impressive carousel, which is perfect for a ride on a sunny day. The Jardin des Tuileries is a unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Musée Rodin

The Musée Rodin is a museum dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum is located in the 7th arrondissement and is home to some of Rodin’s most famous works, including The Thinker and The Kiss. The museum is open from 10am to 6pm, and visitors can explore the galleries and learn more about Rodin’s work.

The museum is also home to the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel Biron, which are filled with sculptures and fountains. The gardens are a peaceful and serene place to explore, and they offer a unique glimpse into Rodin’s life and work. The Musée Rodin is a unique place to explore, and it is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore something off the beaten path.

Conclusion

Paris is a city filled with iconic sights and attractions, but there is so much more to discover in the City of Lights. From the Catacombs of Paris to the Musée Rodin, there are plenty of unique and off-the-beaten-path places to explore in Paris. Whether it’s a hidden café or a little-known museum, there is something for everyone to discover in the City of Lights. So, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, take a journey off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems of Paris.