8 unique places to see in Paris
Paris is filled with world-famous icons, yet beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre lies another side of the city that rewards curiosity. For those who have visited before, or simply wish to see a more authentic Paris, these eight places offer a glimpse into its history, culture, and quiet corners of everyday life.
1. The Catacombes of Paris
Beneath the streets of Paris lies an underground labyrinth containing the carefully arranged remains of around six million people. A small portion is open to the public, offering a haunting yet fascinating look into the city’s past. Walk through narrow passageways lined with bones and inscriptions that tell stories of centuries gone by. Entry numbers are limited, so book in advance and wear comfortable shoes. It is cool underground year-round, which can be a welcome relief during the Parisian summer.
2. Rue Crémieux
Tucked near Gare de Lyon in the 12th arrondissement, this quiet cobbled street feels far removed from the bustle of the city. Its pastel-coloured terrace houses are reminiscent of an English village and have become one of Paris’s most photogenic spots. Visit early in the morning when light spills across the façades and residents
3. Musée Édith Piaf
Hidden in the Ménilmontant district, this small private museum celebrates the life of the beloved French singer Édith Piaf. Inside you’ll find personal letters, costumes, recordings, and photographs that reveal the woman behind the voice. Visits are by appointment only, ideally arranged at least eight days ahead. It is an intimate experience that offers a moving insight into Paris’s artistic soul.
4. Musée de Montmartre
Perched on the hill of Montmartre, this museum occupies the oldest house in the area. Once a gathering place for artists such as Utrillo, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Willette, the museum showcases their original works, posters, and sketches that captured the spirit of Paris’s bohemian era. Step into the gardens once tended by Renoir and look out across the rooftops toward the Sacré-Cœur. A stop here pairs beautifully with a leisurely walk through Montmartre’s art-filled lanes.
5. The National Library of France
Founded in the 14th century by Charles V, the Bibliothèque nationale de France once held the title of the world’s largest library. The historic Richelieu site features an extraordinary oval reading room that combines quiet grandeur with architectural beauty. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates history or design. Guided tours are available, and the adjoining museum often hosts exhibitions exploring France’s literary and cultural heritage.
6. The Defender of Time
In a narrow laneway north of the Centre Pompidou stands an intriguing clock known as Le Défenseur du Temps. It depicts a man battling a crab, dragon, and bird that symbolise the forces of sea, earth, and sky. Although the mechanism no longer moves, the sculpture remains a captivating piece of public art and a reminder of the imagination that thrives in Paris’s quieter corners.
7. Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is impossible to miss, with its pipes, ducts, and escalators boldly displayed on the exterior. Inside you’ll find Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Matisse. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. Plan your visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the rooftops before dinner in the Marais district nearby.
8. The Statue of Liberty on the Île aux Cygnes
Few realise Paris has its own Statue of Liberty. Presented to the city in 1889 by American residents to mark the centennial of the French Revolution, it stands on the Île aux Cygnes, a slender artificial island in the River Seine. From the nearby Grenelle Bridge, you can admire the statue framed by the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It’s a thoughtful reminder of the long friendship between France and the United States.
Planning Your Visit
Whether it’s wandering through artistic Montmartre, standing in silence beneath the city in the Catacombes, or admiring modern architecture at the Pompidou, these experiences reveal a deeper side of Paris.
If you’d like me to help design a personalised Paris stay that blends well-known highlights with lesser-visited treasures like these, I’d be delighted to assist. Together we can craft an itinerary that suits your travel style, interests, and pace.
Do you have a favourite place in Paris that feels a little out of the ordinary? I’d love to hear about it.
Meet Your Europe Travel Expert, Philip
Awarded 2024 Outstanding Europe Destination Expert (QLD), I draw on my personal travel experiences across Europe to design seamless, tailor-made journeys for discerning Australian travellers. Read More
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