Secret Paris

You've been to the Louvre, walked around the Arc de Triomphe, and looked out over the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower? So far, so Emily in Paris. 

Nothing wrong with that of course, but there's so much more to see and do in one of the world's greatest cities. We've overturned every paving slab and crept around hidden street corners to bring you a selection of Paris' lesser known sights, secret haunts and best unknown gems. But whatever you do, don't tell anyone!

What makes the hidden gems in Paris so special?

If you’ve got more than a few days to explore the French capital, why not escape from the regular tourist haunts and discover the real Paris – the Paris that might even be secret to the people who live there? 

What makes these secret spots quite so special? Maybe because they are hidden in plain Parisian sight: the unassuming door on the bustling Left Bank street that is a portal to a subterranean ossuary; the green spaces just a few steps away from the busiest shopping districts; the restaurants you would never know even existed, let alone serve up some of the best food in the city. 

Discover Paris’ secret places

Wander through quiet green spaces and lesser-known parks

Views over the city at Parc de Belleville

Parc de Bagatelle

When you're exploring one of France's most unique cities, a trip around the usual tourist traps can mean missing out on the most interesting parts of a city. Paris is known for its beauty and many tourists head to the famous parks surrounding the Champs-Élysées. For a quieter spot, head to Parc de Bagatelle in the Château de Bagatelle in western Paris. This beautiful, quiet garden was created in the 18th century, and is home to a Chinese-style pagoda, as well as stunning rose gardens, which play host each year to an international competition.

Parc de Belleville

Another stunning green space, which provides great views over Paris is Parc de Belleville. If you're tired of the Eiffel Tower, this is a superb alternative that will give you panoramic views over the city, and it even has its own wooden children's park. Home to waterfalls, streams, and 140 wine-producing grape vines, take a picnic to the top of Belleville hill and watch as the city breathes below. Another interesting way to see the city is by taking a boat tour along the River Seine, an option that is surprisingly overlooked by many tourists.

La Petite Ceinture

Petite Ceinture is now a platform for nature

The Petite Ceinture (‘The Little Belt’) was a railway line that ran around the inner suburbs of Paris and was in use until the 1980s. Since being abandoned nature has taken over, and today stretches of the line are open to the public. The area in the 16th Arrondissement is particularly notable for biodiversity, and it is pleasant to wander down the grassy tracks, through the tunnels and cuttings, and even take a deckchair and sit on the line itself. It’s a part of the city unknown even to some Parisians, but not eerily so - some of the old railway buildings have already been converted into bars and restaurants.

Explore hidden museums and music experiences

Musée Carnavalet 

Tucked away in Paris' historic Le Marais district, Musée Carnavalet showcases the history of Paris, housed within two beautiful mansion buildings. Formerly a famous Renaissance hotel, the setting of the museum has its own gardens, and houses a range of collections such as items from the Middle Ages, French furniture, art, and archaeology. The museum is known, but many overlook it in favour of the famous Louvre, and Le Marais is a fantastic district for museum addicts, as it's home to many different galleries and museums.

Musée Carnavalet

Les Catacombes de Paris

It may not be everyone’s idea of what to do on a trip to the French capital, but a visit to the catacombs in Paris is an unforgettable experience for those with the right disposition. This network of underground tunnels were built in the 18th century to house the bones of the dead that were overflowing from Paris’ cemeteries. The bones and skulls were stacked into the walls, and these ghoulish passages under the Left Bank are a fascinating and often forgotten part of Parisian history. Undeniably spooky, but spectacular in its own way.

Bab-Ilo

Paris has an ever-changing music scene, and one great way to get a glimpse of local culture is to head to a live music venue. We love the Bab-Ilo, a famous jazz club with the Parisian locale. You'll find it in the Montmartre neighbourhood, and whilst this area is packed with busy bars and clubs, Bab-Ilo is tucked away inside an old pub, which serves as a cosy setting within which local jazz musicians perform, as well as Brazilian and Caribbean bands during most nights of the week.

Eat like a Parisian in secret restaurants and cafés

Chez Ramona

Within Paris' charming Belleville district, you'll find Chez Ramona. Serving up Spanish food, this restaurant is popular with locals who want to spend a long evening dining on classic Spanish dishes, whilst enjoying a lot of sangria! It's a little hidden away, and to get to the restaurant space you'll have to venture through the downstairs bakery, before climbing the narrow stairs which take you to the dining room. The décor is fun and typically Spanish, and the prices are very reasonable.

You never know where the next restaurant might be ...

L’Ebouillanté

If you're after some more traditional French cuisine, head to L'Ebouillanté, in a low-key square just beyond the St-Gervais-St-Protais Church. It's technically a café, dishing up pastries, cakes and light meals, and in the evening you can dine on crêpes filled with meat and vegetables, whilst sipping on well-made cocktails. There's an art studio upstairs, so much of the clientele here reflects the bohemian vibes that L'Ebouillanté has managed to uphold in all its years in business.

Stay in boutique hotels tucked away from the crowds

Hôtel de Montesquieu

This small, lavishly decorated hotel, formerly known as Hotel Daniel, is perfect if you're looking for a luxury stay in Paris. Located between the Champs-Elysées avenue and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this hotel is a beautiful home away from home, decorated with comfortable furniture, tasteful artwork and flowers throughout.

The hotel restaurant serves up consistently good food, from breakfast through to brunch and teatime, and you have the luxury of being able to have breakfast at any time of day. During the evening, relax in the tasteful bar and enjoy a glass of champagne, or one of the select cocktails on offer.

Hidden Hotel

This hotel is situated down a peaceful street, near to the Arc de Triomphe. Despite the location, you don't feel as though you're in one of the busiest parts of Paris, as the noises of the nearby hustle and bustle are muted by the surrounding buildings, and the Hidden Hotel's wooden entrance feels like a secret door to another world.

Inside you're greeted by an eco-friendly escape. The original building was renovated and replaced with all-natural fittings and materials, and the décor is chic and modern, and incredibly comfortable. Be aware though, that this part of town is very touristy, although the location is convenient if you want to see the main sights.

Shop at secret markets and charming hidden boutiques

Passage du Grand Cerf epitomises Parisian culture

Marché Monge

Paris has dozens of markets, both open air and covered, but one of the most delightful is Marché Monge. This food market is set in the quiet surroundings of Place Monge, which can be found just south of the River Seine in the city centre. You can spend an afternoon pleasantly browsing the high quality goods that are on sale, and we love the fact that you're able to buy produce directly from the source. Chat with the fishmonger and ask about sustainable fishing, or discuss local farming whilst buying fresh fruit and veg. Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Passage du Grand Cerf

Paris has a long tradition of ‘passages’, covered walkways that serve as exclusive shopping arcades. One of the most unassuming is Passage du Grand Cerf, again easy to miss as you walk down Rue St Denis in the 2nd Arrondissement. Inside you’ll find shops selling artisan crafts as well as high end boutiques, little cafes and galleries. Sunlight floods in through the glass roof, and it’s easy to lose an hour or two wandering from shop to shop. Don’t expect any big brands here, it’s all very indie, French and fabulous.

Paris is full of charming and colourful streets 

Plan a trip around hidden Paris gems

Where can I find off-the-beaten-path attractions in Paris?

Secret spots and unique places are all over Paris – you just need to know where to look! Keep your eyes peeled for signs to parks and markets. Restaurants, bars and clubs might be slightly harder to find, but as long as you know what street they are on, you’ll find them easily enough. 

What is the least visited place in Paris?

It is hard to say, but there are plenty of attractions in Paris that are worth visiting even though they might not get the attention of more celebrated landmarks. There are lots of speciality museums, lesser known parks and markets. 

Are there any secret spots in Paris locals love?

Yes, especially where eating and drinking is concerned. Parisians will try and keep good local restaurants to themselves, so you may have to do some research to find out which eateries have the best reputations!

Go beyond the guidebook with LeShuttle

Squirreling out the secret places and hidden gems in Paris is a great way to spend your time in the French capital. If you’re driving there, we have all the information and advice you need, as well as tips on where to park, speed limits and emission zones. It’s only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais on LeShuttle, and a 3½ hour drive from Calais to Paris. Musée Carnavalet