PARIS
These lesser-known but special Paris attractions can enhance your itinerary
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Paris is home to some of the world’s most admired monuments, and beyond those are a bounty of Paris hidden gems to explore.
Paris is my favorite city and the special places I’ve listed here are ones I’ve especially enjoyed on my recent trips. Perhaps mix a few into your itinerary, and please let me know if there’s something you especially enjoy on your Paris travels. No doubt you’ll discover some Paris gems of your own. I love leaving room in my Paris itinerary for making unexpected discoveries. The next gem may be waiting around the corner; that’s the magic of Paris.
The Panthéon of Paris
I’m pictured here at the Panthéon, a beautiful neoclassical building where many of France’s most beloved historic figures are buried in the crypt: Voltaire, André Dumas and Victor Hugo among them. The American-born singer, dancer and actress Josephine Baker was also inducted into the Pantheon in 2021.
The interior of the Pantheon is stunning, and its small size means it’s easy to add on to an afternoon of touring the Left Bank. If you purchase the Paris Museum Pass this is among the Paris hidden gems that is included.
Napoleon III Apartments at the Louvre
Long before it became a museum the Louvre was a palace. You can experience a slice of palace life with a visit to the Napoleon III Apartments which remain almost exactly as they were in 1861. They are located in the museum’s Richelieu wing, a quiet contrast to the bustling Denon Wing, where the Mona Lisa is located, so it’s easy to miss this Paris gem.
As of 2023 the Louvre is reducing daily capacity so make an advance timed-entry reservation. If you are also visiting the Denon Wing and you are entering early, it’s better to see it first. The Richelieu Wing will be much less crowded. Note the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Les Puces Flea Market
Les Puces flea market in the north of Paris is the largest of its kind anywhere, and offers a treasure trove for antique hunters looking for hidden gems to bring home. This weekend market has everything from vintage French posters to antique carpets and baskets brimming with sterling silver flatware. I bought a vintage ice bucket along with a set of 5 champagne coups – that’s what he had available. Most vendors did seem to take credit cards.
Pro tip: if you are on the hunt for anything breakable, such as dishes or glassware, bring some bubble wrap from home, just in case. The vendor will wrap your breakables in newspaper which may not be enough to protect them for travel.
Palais Garnier
Napoleon III was the first President of France from 1848 to 1852, as well as its last Emperor. Crime was quite rampant in 19th century Paris, and Napoleon wanted a quick and safe jaunt to the opera house, so had one built a short carriage ride from the Louvre, his home at the time.
The stunning architecture and opulent interior were the work of Charles Garnier and completed in 1875. I highly recommend a visit to this Paris gem. You can take a self-guided tour or a guided 1.5 hour for only about 18 euros. Book ahead for a guided tour as capacity is limited.
You can also purchase tickets to see an opera, ballet or symphony here, immersing yourself in the splendor of this Paris gem. (Be sure when you are booking that the performance is staged here, not the Opéra Bastille, the modern opera house in the 12th arrondissement.)
There’s so much to admire about this stunning building including the theatre ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964. It caused quite a stir; visit and find out why.
Rodin Musée
The garden at the Rodin Museum in Paris features more than 300 works by the world’s most celebrated sculptor. The Three Shades is pictured here in the foreground with the stunning Hôtel Biron beyond; it dates to 1732. Rodin created a workshop here in 1908 and it was home until
The work of the famous French sculptor is beautifully showcased in a sprawling garden and historic mansion. Admission is included in the Paris Pass and typically does not require a reservation. The line was very short when I visited on a fall Wednesday. I also thought the gift shop had some cute things. My husband Sean greatly admires Rodin, so I was able to get my gift shopping done and buy myself an adorable Rodin Tote Bag.
Medici Fountain
The Luxembourg Gardens are my favorite green space in Paris. It is a beautiful respite from the city streets, and worth a visit to see the gorgeous Luxembourg Palace from the 17th century. It now houses government offices. It’s easy to miss the garden’s hidden gem, tucked beyond the Palace: The Medici Fountain. Built in 1630 by Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, it is one of the most beautiful fountains in all of Paris and was restored in 2021, so this gem is even more sparkling and beautiful than in this photo (taken before the latest restoration).
Pictured at the end of the fountain is the sculpture Polyphemus Surprising Acis and Galatea, by Auguste Ottin. It was added to the fountain in 1866. The quiet leafy setting is a lovely place to relax or read a book, and it’s an excellent place for photos. Say fromage!
Places des Vosges
The Place des Vosges is a historic gem of green space in the popular Le Marais district of Paris, in fact it divides the the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.
It was inaugurated in 1612 making it the oldest planned square in Paris, and a perfect spot to sit under the shade of the chestnut trees when you’re ready for a break from your exploration.
It’s also a chance to admire the remarkable architecture. The house fronts were built exactly the same: red brick with stone accents and pitched slate roofs, over vaulted arcades. It reflects the vision of King Henry IV, a visionary for the urban planning of his capital. He also oversaw the building of La Place Dauphine, another of my Paris gems, listed below.
The surrounding arcades are now filled with shops and cute cafés. Stop by Carette for tea and a palmier (25 Pl. des Vosges). Sometimes flea markets are held in the park as well. Note that you are very nearby the Musée Carnavalet. The next gem on our list.
Musée Carnavalet
This free museum offers a unique insight into the city as it tells the story of the history of Paris. The exhibits are varies and creative offering a different perspective on Paris. After exploring the museum, relax in the pretty courtyard garden and enjoy a drink or light bite.
Tucked away in Le Marais, the garden is a hidden gem in its own right. Feel free to relax here even if you don’t order anything. I thought the gift shop was especially charming so save some time to have a look around. It’s located at the edge of the garden, near the exit.
Place Dauphine
I adore this historic public square which dates to 1610. This gem is an archiectural time capsule, built two centuries before much of the rest of Paris which features Haussmann architecture. Place Dauphine is tucked away in the heart of old Paris, on the Île de la Cité. It’s the perfect place for lunch or a Kir Royale on a warm day. I like the restaurant La Rose de Paris which is open all day. It’s also an ideal location before or after visiting Sainte Chapelle, the next Paris gem on my list.
Sainte-Chapelle
This 13th century church is one of my favorites in Paris. Its stunning stained glass panes have survived intact for centuries, and depict scenes from the old and new testaments. The Sainte-Chapelle was built in seven years, remarkable for that time period. Its style is Gothic and its located in the oldest part of Paris, Île de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century. It was originally built to hold important religious relics including the Crown of Thorns. Visit in the morning or late afternoon to see the chapel aglow with color as sunlight streams in from the east or the west.
Note that Sainte Chapelle is located around the corner from another Paris gem, Notre Dame. It is closed after a terrible fire, but is expected to reopen in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Pont Alexandre
The most beautiful bridge in Paris is easy to miss if you zoom over it in a taxi, so take the time for a leisurely stroll across this Belle Époque beauty, admiring its incredible detail. It’s especially nice at sunset with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The tower begins to sparkle at dusk each evening and continues to do so on the hour, until its final show at 1 am.
Picasso Museum
2023 is a special celebration of the Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso who spent the formative years of his career in Paris. A charming museum dedicated to his work is found in Le Marais area. I think it’s worth a visit just to see the the stunning Hotel Salé which houses the museum (and is included in the Paris Pass).
Special exhibitions are planned for this year, beginning in spring. Check the Picasso Museum website for timing of special exhibits, which may require advance tickets due to demand.
Marché Raspail (Farmers Market)
I loved visiting the Marché Raspail (farmers market) in the 6th aronndissement; it’s open Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. Paris is filled with delicious markets so inquire with your hotel about nearby options, and when they are open. Enjoy your French fare with a picnic on the banks of the Seine – don’t forget the wine, it’s permitted. Or take your picnic to a park such as Luxembourg Gardens, another Paris gem mentioned above, or the beautiful Tuileries located next to the Louvre.
The Paris Pass for Exploring Hidden Gems
Five of the Paris hidden gems I’ve highlighted here are included in the Paris Museum Pass: Napoleon Apartments (at the Louvre), Musee Rodin, Picasso Museum, Sainte Chapelle and the Pantheon, so it’s worth considering whether to purchase it.
The pass is available in 2, 4 and 6 day options and allows you to reserve times to visit ahead. That allows you to skip the line for tickets upon arrival. I purchased the 6-day digital pass on my most recent trip and it worked well. Note that it gives you 7 days if you spread it out as it’s based on a 24-hour clock which starts at the time of your first entry, rather than calendar days.
I will say that each museum has it’s own website and reservation system and requires you to create an account; that part if a bit of a hassle. Not all museums require a reservation so check for latest info on websites. As of early 2023, you should reserve time slots for the Louvre and Sainte Chapelle. For the Pantheon, Musee Rodin, and Picasso Museum, you can visit anytime without a reservation; they tend to be much less busy.
If you are reserving a timed-entry with the Museum Pass, select the option “I already have a ticket” or “free entry”. That allows you to reserve a time without having to pay, because you’ve paid for the pass. You should bring a copy of the timed entry confirmation, and the museum pass, with you.
Share Your Paris Hidden Gems
I hope this has give you a few ideas to explore on your next trip. Have you discovered Paris hidden gems on your adventures in the city of light that I haven’t included here? Please share in the comments below. I am always looking for new things to explore on my next trip to my favorite city!
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