We’re gonna help you find the Paris hidden gems most tourists will never visit.
Paris, the City of Light, one of the most famous and traveled to cities in the world, has a reputation that precedes itself. Almost everyone in the world either has been or wants to go to Paris. Unfortunately, that tends to translate to a frightening overpopulation of touristy areas that can make visitors to Paris feel like they’re in a theme park instead of immersed in a cultural experience (which is fine if you’re in Disneyland Paris, but not everywhere).
The quick antidote to tourist overload is to get off the beaten path in Paris, France—find those Paris hidden gems, those best kept secrets in Paris that only locals know about. Or perhaps even those secret places to visit in Paris so tucked away, many locals don’t even know they exist.
Contents
- Paris Hidden Gems
- 1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- 2. Street art in Butte aux Cailles
- 3. Butte Bergeyre, the last village of Paris
- 3. Chapelle Expiatoire
- 4. Rue Cremieux
- 5. Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul on Rue de Sevres
- 6. Musée Carnavalet
- 7. Aquarium Tropical de la Porte Doree
- 8. L’Atelier des Lumières
- 9. Art Galleries in Le Marais
- 10. Ménilmontant
- 11. La Maroquinerie and La Bellevilloise
- 12. Musée Édith Piaf
- 13. Parc de Belleville
- 14. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
- 15. Cinéma du Panthéon
- 16. La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway
- 17. Parc de La Villette
- 18. Canal de l’Ourcq
- 19. Sevran Country Park (Parc de la Poudrerie)
- 20. Jardins de Ruisseau
- 21. La Recyclerie
- 22. Ghost Town of Goussainville
- 23. Experimental Cocktail Club
- Like this post?
- You Might Also Appreciate…
- Do you know of any more Paris hidden gems?
Paris Hidden Gems
We’ve explored our hearts out, researched, and asked everyone from Parisian locals to expats living in Paris for all the hidden spots in Paris and secret things to do in Paris. The result is this hefty list of the coolest, weirdest, most tucked away, and most amazing offbeat Parisian tourist sites we could find. Learn about Paris hidden attractions whether you’re planning a family trip to Paris for a week, or moving to the magical city for a few months.
Of course there’s nothing wrong with venturing to Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and so on. But your trip to Paris would certainly benefit from rounding out your itinerary with some lesser known destinations, some hidden gems of Paris that will delight and surprise you.
We’re always looking for more Paris unknown attractions and downright secret places in Paris to add to our list, so if you know of any omitted from this list, be sure to leave a comment or message us on Facebook or Instagram!
Our goal is to dive into the hidden Paris attractions to open up a whole ‘nother world for you, filled with all kinds of offbeat Parisian tourist sites to add to your Paris itinerary.
Without further ado, let’s feast on this epic list of Paris hidden gems!
Before You Go
- Book your Eurail Pass for France
- Read our guide on how to score the cheapest flights
- Review our carry-on packing list
- Learn everything you need to know about traveling through airport security
- Pack the right travel cameras and comfortable travel clothes
1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is truly one of the most amazing and beautiful parks in Paris, and absolutely one of the Paris hidden gems not known to most tourists.
This graceful, almost mythical park was designed by Baron Haussmann and Napoleon III, and today exudes French culture at every turn. Built upon a hillside, the park offers grottos, a cascading waterfall with a suspension bridge, a beautiful lake, a scenic paths.
A leisurely stroll through its beautiful trails will show you local Parisians lying on the grass and taking jogs. You might see nearly nude Parisians sunbathing, or perhaps a puppet show, or locals practicing boxing or Tai Chi. You can rent a boat on the lake or take horse and donkey rides. There is a roller rink, performers and marionettes, playgrounds for children.
Truly a delightful park to experience Paris, with many lovely cafes nearby to choose from.
🧺 If the weather is good, grab some cheese and wine and take it to Buttes-Chaumont for a Parisian picnic!
🚣 Don’t miss renting a boat on the lake!
Location: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, France
How to Get There: Easily accessible by buses 26 and 71.
READ MORE | Renting a boat in Malta
2. Street art in Butte aux Cailles
Explore this tucked away hilltop neighborhood in Paris’ south-eastern 13th arrondissement for a bit of peace & quiet while enjoying its iconic, colorful street art.
Rue Michal In La Butte Aux Cailles is a particularly beautiful hidden photography spot in Paris, a narrow cobblestone street with a stunning view of Saint-Anne’s church in La Butte aux Cailles.
📸 Snap your insta-worthy shots at this hidden spot
☕ People watch and enjoy a drink or bite at the intersection of Rue des Cinq Diamants and Rue de la Butte aux Cailles
🍺 Have a pint at Le Diamant
🍽️ Grab classic French cuisine at Le Temps des Cerises S.C.O.P (18-20 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles), notable for its hippie concept of a workers cooperative. Its name pays homage to the Commune of 1871.
How to Get There:
There are two metro stops you can get off on: Corvisart and Place d’Italie.
- For metro stop Corvisart, take Boulevard Auguste Blanqui to Rue de Moulins des Prés, then turn onto Rue Gerard.
- For metro stop Place d’Italie, take the Auguste Blanqui exit from the metro, then walk up Rue Bobillot until you reach Rue Paulin-Méry.
3. Butte Bergeyre, the last village of Paris
This is definitely one of the best keep secrets in Paris, with possibly no tourists and very few Parisians knowing about it.
The Butte Bergeyre, one of the Paris hidden gems, is a village located near Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (see #2 on this list). Explore its quaint streets for an unusually peaceful Parisian experience.
A must visit is the Jardin Bergeyre, a hidden community park. Set on the hillside with a vineyard, this hideaway, neighborhood park offering panoramic views of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur.
🍾 Pop open a bottle of champagne while enjoying the view of Montmartre looking out over the vineyard!
🌿 Don’t miss snapping a pic of the building covered in ivy!
How to Get There: Take metro line 2 to stop Colonel Fabien. Take avenue Mathurin Moreau and walk for about 300 meters. Turn right on rue Georges Lardennois. This is the street that crosses the whole Butte Bergeyre. To get to the Village Bergeyre, take rue Georges Lardennois and turn onto rue Philippe Hecht. At the end of rue Philippe Hecht, you’ll see the stairs heading to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (see #2 on this list).
3. Chapelle Expiatoire
The Chapelle Expiatoire, on Square Louis 16, marks the exact site where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette had been buried after their famous guillotine execution in the Place de la Concorde.
This site was originally a public cemetery, but the Chapelle was built after the royal couple’s burial and dedicated to them by their family.
The chapel is usually not very busy (there were only 6 people during our visit), and doesn’t take much time, but is worth visit to see this beautiful small building with a garden. Chapelle Expiatoire is also one of the top Paris indoor activities, and a nice stop if you’re looking for what to do on a rainy day in Paris.
🌆 Afterwards, go to the terrace of the Printemps department store for stunning views of Paris.
Tickets: 6 € for adults and are free for children under 18. Tickets are valid for 1 year from date of purchase.
Opening Hours: Check the official website for opening hours, as they are different throughout the year.
Location: 29 Rue Pasquier, 75008 Paris, France
How to Get There: The closest métro station is Saint-Augustin.
4. Rue Cremieux
Grab your cameras and head to Rue Cremieux, perhaps the most Instagramable street in Paris.
This charming, tiny cobblestoned street is flanked by colorful façades adorned with trompes l’œil paintings and shuttered windows that makes this spot unlike any other in Paris.
Location: Between Rue de Lyon and Rue de Bercy
5. Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul on Rue de Sevres
The Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel is a miraculous high ceiling Roman Catholic chapel. The chapel holds the remains of Saint Vincent de Paul in a stunning silver reliquary above the main altar.
If you visit on the weekend, you might find a local market in or around the chapel, as well.
Check the official website for mass times. The website is entirely in French, but if you open it in the Google Chrome browser, the browser will offer you the option to translate it into English for you.
We recommend the Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel as one of the top Paris indoor activities if you’re looking things to do in Paris in the rain.
🥐 Try a Croissant Ispahan or one of Pierre Herme’s fine macaron creations at the nearby Le Café Pierre Hermé
🍳 Nearby you’ll also find the popular spot, Colorova, one of the best brunches in Paris
🍽️ For dinner, Quinsou nearby offers a gourmet French fine dining experience with a Michelin star
Location: 95 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take metro line 4 to stop Saint-Placide. Head southwest on Rue de Rennes toward Rue de Vaugirard. Turn right onto Rue de Vaugirard. Turn right onto Rue de l’Abbé Grégoire. Turn left onto Rue de Sèvres, and you’ll see the chapel.
The Musée Carnavalet, nestled in the heart of Marais (see #9 on this list), is the oldest City of Paris museum, welcoming visitors since 1880. Housed within the elegant Carnavalet Mansion blending Renaissance and classical styles, the museum offers a captivating journey through the city’s past.
Dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the City of Light, the Musée Carnavalet serves as a time capsule, chronicling significant events, personalities, and cultural shifts. From the opulent salons to the intimate chambers, each room unfolds a different chapter in Paris’s narrative. Visiting the Musée Carnavalet is a perfect item to add to your list of things to do in Paris in the rain.
The museum has a special connection to literary luminaries like Marcel Proust and Gertrude Stein. Proust’s recreation of the “Madeleine moment” is said to be inspired by artifacts within the museum, and Stein’s salon was a gathering place for avant-garde artists whose influence is palpable within these walls.
For those seeking Paris hidden gems and secrets, the Musée Carnavalet is a must-visit. Unearth the city’s untold stories, from revolutionary fervor to artistic renaissance, all within the confines of this historic mansion. Entrance is also complimentary, making it one of the best free things to do in Paris!
Tickets: Free for permanent collections. Guided tours starting at 5€. Fee for temporary collections.
Opening Hours: Open from 10 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday
Location: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take Metro Line 1 to Saint-Paul Station. Exit the metro at Saint-Paul. From Saint-Paul Station, it’s a short walk to the Musée Carnavalet. Exit the metro station and head southeast on Rue Saint-Antoine. After a few minutes, turn left onto Rue des Francs Bourgeois. Continue on this street, and you’ll reach the museum.
7. Aquarium Tropical de la Porte Doree
The Tropical Aquarium is located in the basement of the rather spectacular Art Deco building, the Palais de la Porte Dorée (the Doree Palace), and exhibits over 5,000 animals of over 300 species.
This cool spot, one of the best hidden gems in Paris, to have a unique experience in Paris. Look for their living collections including everything from primitive fish to electric fish. You may even see albino alligators! You’ll learn how the species feed, reproduce, breathe, and come to understand biological mechanisms such as electrolocation and albinism, and more!
If you’re looking for what to do on a rainy day in Paris, the Tropical Aquarium is one of the top Paris indoor activities.
Tickets: 8 € for adults and are free for visitors under 25. Students can get discounted rate of 5 €. You can buy tickets on the official website.
Opening Hours: Open from 10 am until 4.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday, 6 pm on weekends
Location: 293 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take metro line 8 to stop Porte Dorée. From there, it’s about a 4 minute walk. Take exit via Pl. Édouard Renard. Head east toward Pl. Edouard Renard. Turn right onto Pl. Edouard Renard. Turn left onto Av. Daumesnil, and the Doree Palace will be on the right.
8. L’Atelier des Lumières
This captivating art experience takes art lovers into an emotional world of immersive exhibitions, combining technology, artistic visuals, sound, and light. L’Atelier des Lumières presents art in a playful way that truly anyone can enjoy, even children and those who aren’t familiar with art.
This is one of the fabulous indoor Paris indoor activities that would be perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Paris in the rain.
Tickets: 16 € on weekdays and 17 € on weekends for adults. Seniors get discounted rate of 15 € on weekdays and 16 € on weekends. Youth aged 5-25 get the rate of 11 € on weekdays and 12 € on weekends. Children under 5 are free. Students and families can get reduced rates.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Monday-Thursday, to 10 pm Friday-Saturday, and to 7 pm on Sunday. Opening hours in summer may vary, so be sure to check official website.
Location: 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take metro line 9 to stop Saint-Ambroise. From there, it’s about a 9 minute walk. Take exit via Saint-Ambroise. Head south on Rue de la Folie Méricourttoward Rue Saint-Ambroise. Turn left onto Rue Saint-Ambroise. Turn right onto Rue Saint-Maur, and you’ll find L’Atelier des Lumières on your left.
9. Art Galleries in Le Marais
For those looking for a Parisian art experience, Le Marais is truly a Mecca for art galleries, with innovation and creativity at every turn. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, installations, and even video and living art, all accessible from the best hotels in Paris.
The best part? Viewing the galleries is entirely free!
You’ll find that the galleries on the Paris left bank specialize in more ancient and antique art, while the right bank, especially north of Le Marais, lends itself more to contemporary art, featuring explosive young talent.
A notable gallery to visit is the well-established Place des Vosges, exhibiting world-renowned art.
You also ought to visit the areas near rue Vielle du Temple, rue de Turenne, rue Charlot and the Picasso Museum to find some of the most important galleries in the area.
Beyond being an art haven, Le Marais is a former French aristocratic center newly revitalized into a trendy melting pot of Jewish, Chinese and LGBT cultures, and a fascinating Parisian neighborhood to experience.
This neighborhood is not one frequented by tourists, making it one of the best hidden Paris gems.
🍽️ The nearby restaurants, Glou and Artisan de la Truffe Marais, add contemporary twists to traditional French cuisine.
🥗 Le Pick Clops is a Parisian local favorite for lunch with a fun, lively interior.
🥩 The cozy Robert et Louise offers fantastic French home cooking, such as a TO-DIE-FOR steak cooked over a fire. The owner, Pascale, is fun and super friendly!
How to Get There: Le Marais is about a 20-30min walk from the Louvre, or a short metro trip. From the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre stop, take line 1 to stop Hôtel de Ville.
10. Ménilmontant
The right bank neighborhood of Ménilmontant is one of the best hidden gems in Paris, with an interesting working-class and bohemian Paris history. Now a trendy local treasure filled with street art, exciting bars & eateries, and hip hangouts, Ménilmontant was once encircled by stone quarries and vineyards, the historic industrial heartland of Paris.
The entire area vibrates with energy, a melting pot of global citizens, artists, students, and local Parisian families. You’ll find artist studios, community gardens, and dive bars along Rue de Ménilmontant. Wander the neighborhood, one of the hidden Paris gems not often frequented by tourists, for a refreshing spirit of Paris you won’t find in the touristy areas.
🍽️ Mino is a restaurant & bar emblematic of the new Ménilmontant, featuring stunning seasonal Mediterranean small plates in a hip interior. Cocktails designed by award-winning mixologist Jennifer Le Nechet.
🥢 An Di An Di, a humble Vietnamese fusion restaurant, brings it BIG on flavor. A weekday two-course lunch menu will run you 16€, with unbelievable dishes like herb-stuffed crispy pork belly, turmeric potato purée and braised endives, truffle emulsion and mushroom rice flour crêpes…need I say more?
How to Get There: Take bus 96 or metro line 2 to Ménilmontant.
11. La Maroquinerie and La Bellevilloise
These old factory buildings transformed into hip live music venues in the neighborhood of Ménilmontant (see previous entry on this list) are certainly worthy of their own entry on this list of the best hidden gems in Paris.
La Maroquinerie was once a leather goods factory, and is now an edgy indie concert and club venue with a pleasant terrace and restaurant.
Its neighbor is La Bellevilloise, a late 19th century cooperative reinvented into a cultural center, hosting everything from concerts, special events, markets, festivals, and art exhibitions. Hit up the pleasant back garden terrace of La Bellevilloise up for Sunday brunch.
Locations:
- La Maroquinerie 23 Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris, France
- La Bellevilloise 19-21 Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris, France
12. Musée Édith Piaf
🎵 Located in Ménilmontant (see #10 on this list), Musée Édith Piaf is a private mini-museum set in Édith Piaf’s former apartment. One of the best kept secrets in Paris, this tiny museum is filled with memorabilia and personal items of the iconic singer famous for La Vie en Rose and Milord.
If you’re looking in Paris for off the beaten path museums, the Musée Édith Piaf definitely fits the bill!
Entrance is free, but available by appointment only.
Tickets: Free. Appointment only.
Opening Hours: 1pm – 6pm Monday to Wednesday
Location: 5 Rue Crespin du Gast 75011, Paris, France
How to Get There: Take bus 96 or metro line 2 to Ménilmontant.
13. Parc de Belleville
Near Ménilmontant (#11 on this list), is the edgy neighborhood of Belleville, one of the hidden Paris gems known for its street art.
The hilly Parc de Belleville is a must-see in the area, a spectacular place to marvel at the panoramic views across the city. Parc Belleville often also has live music.
🧀 Catch the monthly street food market, the Marché Belleville-Ménilmontant, on Boulevard de Belleville with outdoor tables and multi-cultural vendors selling everything from vegetables, fish, cheese and meats, to clothing and shoes.
🥡 The neighborhood of Belleville is also home to the Chinese quarter, filled with low-key restaurants and street art.
🍜 Check out, Lao Siam, a popular Michelin Guide restaurant serving fragrant Thai/Lao dishes
Location: 47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris, France
How to Get There: Reachable by metro line 11, stop Pyrénées.
- walk to the top of the Parc de Belleville, admire the view, then walk back to rue de Belleville. Eat at Lao Siam, or in front of it, in some Pho restaurants. Assignment : count as many Space Invaders Mosaics as you can. Try to find the super long one close to metro Belleville.
14. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
Tucked away in the Marais district (see #9 on this list), the unique Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature) offers a captivatingly stunning blend of art, taxidermy, and artifacts related to hunting and the natural world.
Another intriguing hidden gem in Paris, the museum is an offbeat destination that provides a different perspective on the intersection of human culture and the animal kingdom.
From intricately designed firearms to thought-provoking contemporary art installations, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a truly distinctive and less-explored experience in the heart of Paris, making it one of the best secret things to do in Paris. And since it is indoors, this museum is also one of the fabulous things to do in Paris in the rain.
Tickets: €8. Free entry on the first Sunday of every month. No cash.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Tues, Thurs – Sun | 11 am-9:30 pm Wednesday | Closed Mondays.
Location: 62 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 11 to Hôtel de Ville Station. From Hôtel de Ville Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Head southeast on Rue de Rivoli, then turn right onto Rue des Archives. Continue straight, and you’ll reach the museum.
15. Cinéma du Panthéon
This historic movie theater, built in 1907, in Paris has been running uninterrupted for over 100 years!
As you might suspect from the name, Cinéma du Panthéon is located close to the Panthéon of the Latin quarter.
One of the oldest Parisian cinemas, the theater has only one screen, and specializes in independent films. Catching a Parisian independent flick in this cozy theater is one of the hidden things to do in Paris that most tourists will never, ever experience.
And a short 12-minute walk away is Cafe Panis, one of the must-try restaurants in Paris.
🎥 Experience Parisian theater at this iconic historical cinema, a true secret of Paris!
🍽️ Head to its upstairs cafe, Le Salon, for a bite to eat after the show.
Location: 13 Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take bus 82 to stop Luxembourg, or metro line 10 to stop Cluny La Sorbonne.
16. La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway
La Petite Ceinture (known also as Chemin de fer de Petite Ceinture, translated as “The Little Belt”) is an abandoned train line that ran from 1862 to 1934, one of the true Paris hidden gems.
For legal reasons, we absolutely do not advise walking along the tracks, as we are told it is illegal. However, there are many urban explorers who tell tales of hidden Paris secrets there, including an entrance into the Catacombs and some truly stunning stretches of overgrown track, contrasting vibrant, lush scenery against urban art.
As one of the top secret Paris attractions, the abandoned railway requires just a bit of preparation.
The tunnels are dark, and a powerful light would be essential for navigating them. The tunnels can also be long and full of rats, and the path, bumpy and rough. We would definitely NOT recommend going alone. I’ve heard stories of people living in the Catacombs who have robbed people—I don’t know if these stories are true, but it’s enough to keep me from ever visiting without an experienced guide!
🚂 Urban explorers tell of hidden Paris secrets on the abandoned train tracks and an entrance to the Catacombs
🔦 Powerful flashlight required!
How to Get There: An easy way to see some of the old train stations is to enter at Villa du Bel Air and exit via the old Gare de Charonne before reaching the tunnel.
Alternatively, a Paris expat we spoke to says they start their Petite Ceinture journey at the intersection of rue des Pyrénées and rue de Bagnolet and walk on the tracks facing south until they arrive at Parc de La Villette. This is truly one of the best kept secrets in Paris. Once again, for legal reasons, we can’t recommend this!
17. Parc de La Villette
Definitely one of the Paris hidden attractions unlikely to hold many tourists, the Parc de La Villette is a unique park in the old slaughterhouse district near La Petite Ceinture (#16 on this list).
While we wouldn’t call this park a must-see for a first-time visit to Paris, it’s a unique off-the-beaten-track in Paris experience with several odd secret Paris attractions that are worth a trip for return visits.
📸 Snap a pic of yourself in the reflection of the mirrored geodesic dome, La Géode.
⚓ Visit the Argonaute submarine from the 1950s. A 3 € admission fee will grant you access to the submarine and a small museum.
🚣 Take a boat ride on the Canal de l’Ourcq.
Nearby you’ll also find La Cité des Enfants and Cité de la Musique, the Philharmonie complex.
18. Canal de l’Ourcq
Not far from La Villette (#17 on this list), you can easily access the Canal de l’Ourcq.
The Canal de l’Ourcq is a long canal built by Napoleon to link the Ourcq River with Paris to bring water to the area.
The most beautiful section of the Canal de l’Ourcq we’ve seen is through the Sevran Country Park (Parc de la Poudrerie), however, it’s more accessible to central Paris near Parc de La Villette.
🧺 Bring a picnic and rent a boat (no license needed) at the Canal de l’Ourcq and head up to La Villette!
🌈 Play Pétanque! You can get les boules at Bar Ourcq for free. Try a pastis!
Canal de l’Ourcq running through Sevran Country Park
Photo by IzBen at French Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
19. Sevran Country Park (Parc de la Poudrerie)
Sevran Country Park, or Parc de la Poudrerie, is a beautiful urban park full of trees, birds, and butterflies, so you can take a break from the city. Unknown to most tourist, this gorgeous city park is one of the Paris hidden gems almost exclusively frequented by locals. Voyage through the park and marvel at the beautiful plants and animal life you find!
There are lovely walking trails, ponds, marshes, and lawns to explore.
🚣 The Canal de l’Ourcq runs through it, and you can rent a paddle boat while taking in the lush scenery.
🚴 Rent a bike and explore the bicycle trails!
20. Jardins de Ruisseau
This adorable little community garden is beside the train tracks of the abandoned Le Petite Ceinture (see #14 on this list).
The garden is complete with tables and chairs, perfect for picnicking, and makes an absolutely charming Instagramable photography spot in Paris.
The garden isn’t open every day, so be sure to check the hours on the official website.
🍽️ Nearby you’ll find the hip eco-cafe, La Recyclerie (see #17 on this list)
Opening Hours: As of now, the garden is only open on Saturday & Sunday between 2-6 pm.
Location: 110bis Rue du Ruisseau, 75018 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take bus 80 to stop Mairie du 18e – Jules Joffrin.
21. La Recyclerie
Right near the Jardins de Ruisseau you’ll find the hip restaurant & cafe known as La Recyclerie, a trendy eco-friendly spot with fabulous food & drinks and a DIY workshop to learn restoration techniques called Chez René.
Get off the beaten track in Paris and experience the environmentally-conscious ethos of this restaurant & cafe.
The cafe has a view of the Jardins de Ruisseau, as is notable for its environmentally-conscious ethos that makes it worthy hidden gem in Paris to visit.
Opening Hours:
| Wednesday | 8AM–12AM |
| Thursday | 8AM–4PM |
| Friday | 8AM–2AM |
| Saturday | 11AM–2AM |
| Sunday | 11AM–10PM |
| Monday | 8AM–12AM |
| Tuesday | 6:30PM–12AM |
Location: 83 Bd Ornano, 75018 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take bus 80 to stop Mairie du 18e – Jules Joffrin.
22. Ghost Town of Goussainville
This ghost town is easily one of the top hidden places to visit in Paris.
If you’re stuck near the Airport Charles de Gaulle and need a hidden gem to fill the time, check out Goussainville, an eerie French ghost town abandoned 40 years ago by locals who refused to live beneath the airport flightpath.
Once a vibrant, rural farming village, Goussainville started losing residents after the noise of planes from the nearby Charles de Gaulle airport drove them away. Today, you’ll find abandoned buildings to explore, making it one of the best kept secrets in Paris.
✈️ In 1973, a traffic plane crash killing 14 residents sealed the town’s fate.
👻 Hundreds of residents fled, turning this once beautiful rural village into an abandoned ghost town.
Location: Here is Goussainville on Google Maps
How to Get There: From CDG Airport: A taxi is by far the most direct. Otherwise, it’s about a 1hr and 30 minute walk from the airport. Or, take the local bus N143 to Porte de Paris – Stade de France, then bus N44 to Denfert-Rochereau, and finally train D to Gare de Goussainville .
23. Experimental Cocktail Club
This speakeasy, known as the Experimental Cocktail Club, set the tone for virtually every Parisian cocktail bar that opened after it. It is located in the neighborhood of Le Marais (see #9 on this list).
Dark and intimate, this Paris nightlife spot is best visited with a smaller group. While it is certainly one of the Paris hidden gems for tourists, this bar has gotten increasingly popular with locals, so be sure to get there early when it opens so you can have your pick of seating.
In true speakeasy fashion, the door is hidden, blending into a black wall. Just look close and you’ll find the handle!
🍸 The concept is all in the name—cocktails you’ve never heard of or imagined before.
🚪 Enter through the hidden door.
Location: 37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris, France
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