Unusual places in Paris
Paris is very special to me and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to visit on many occasions. And, whilst of course, I always love stomping back over some of our favourite territories, our familiarity with this great city now means that we can spread our wings a little further and get to know the real Paris.
As a child, my brother and I were always happy to explore areas we hadn’t been before. Instead of hanging out at the local shopping centres with all the other kids, we’d jump on our bikes and go looking for something new. More often than not, you could find us in a smelly old drain, catching tadpoles or small fish. Or we’d visit businesses to have a chat or head into the grasslands, intent on carving out a new path that no-one had before us.
These were happy times in my childhood, and I think my adult version of this is to now go a little left of centre when we’ve got time to spare in big cities.
It is also a city where, as a first-timer, you must visit some of the most popular places in Paris. But, as we are now one of those couples who are fortunate enough to have been many times, here are a few of the secret suburbs, and the more unusual places in Paris we’ve discovered.
We also love walking all over Paris. Here’s a great article for a free walking tour of Paris.
Looking for the best area to stay in Paris? Check out this guide to the best arrondissements to stay in Paris.
Places to Visit through Dan Brown’s Novels
Canal St-Martin and the Bassin de la Villette
If you’ve been around the Bastille before, you might recognise the Canal St-Martin. It’s the small canal, running down to the Seine. Noted for its beautiful footbridges and (in summer) its lush green trees, it is the perfect environment for walking and picnics.
It’s also where the barges and houseboats are moored. [This is where I gaze at the boats and make a mental note to travel the French locks via boat one day]
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know that this part of the canal isn’t exactly “off the beaten path” in Paris. Quite right!
The secret is in the detail, and when it is discovered, it unveils an area of Paris that remains largely unknown to the masses.
With the canal being used extensively once upon a time for the transport of food and other goods, it was a lively port area. But, during the 1960’s water traffic started to diminish and the plan was to cover the entire canal with roadways. Luckily, this was not completely carried out. Today, a part of the Canal St-Martin actually runs underneath the city from the Bastille through to Republic, where the water once again can be seen from above the ground.
From here, the canal feeds further north until it reaches Stalingrad, where a double lock separates the Canal St-Martin from the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.

Standing at Place de Stalingrad at the point where the Bassin de la Villette is stopped by the double lock
As one of the two ports situated on the Seine in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette area was once an industrialised area. Warehouses, commercial buildings and even abbatoirs lined both sides of the water.
But, as mentioned above, when the waterways became less popular as a means of transportation, this whole area fell into disrepair.
As is often the case with run-down suburbs, this area eventually underwent a revival and today is one of the unsung areas of Paris.
As a nod to its past, here you will find restaurants occupying the sheds, and even the barges, that once housed local industry. It’s a feature that makes this area seem a little more gritty and edgy. Like it’s the naughty child of Paris.
Far enough away from the maddening pace of inner-city Paris, you’ll find people hanging out on the water’s edge, reading books, or cycling along the paths. This is also an area for boating activity, with several businesses established along the banks to hire boats. Kayakers head out for an early morning paddle as well.

Love this painted building along the water. This is also where we saw kayakers putting their vessels into the water.
The lake has also become the home of some annual events, like the Paris Plage, where each summer, a part of the bank is turned into an artificial beach, complete with deck chairs and umbrellas.
With the sun out and all this wonderful activity on the water, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to have lunch and a beer on an outside deck at Paname Brewing Company.
Tip: This is an outer Paris suburb, so whilst it is all bright and shiny during the daylight hours, care should be taken in this area at night time, particularly around the Place de Stalingrad.
Rue Montorgueil
Not far from the Pompidou Centre, yes that’s right, in the centre of Paris, is a little-known street. Rue Montorgueil is one of Paris’ oldest streets, which is one of the things I love about it. At the end of the street is a large and very elaborate iron entryway, signalling that you are entering a special area.
Those drinking their morning coffees and picking the flakes off their croissants sit alongside the fishmonger who is competing at top voice with the fresh produce stalls, willing those passing by to stop and buy. Fromageries, boucheries, boulangeries, patisseries and chocolatiers all blend in here.
It’s an area that most tourists wouldn’t know about, and it’s a great place to visit for an authentic local neighbourhood experience, and to pick up some gorgeous food.
Boulevard de Strasbourg
Boulevard de Strasbourg commences at Porte St Denis and runs down to Gare l’Est, another of Paris’ stunning railway stations.
This area is not the fashionable area of Paris, and I imagine most visitors would not even consider coming here. It’s true, it’s a dirty part of town, with many homeless mixing it in with working girls. It’s a mixed ethnic area and it’s clearly an area of low-cost accommodation.
But I can see the winds of change here. Walking down the boulevard offers up glimpses of what life will be like on this street in a few years (possibly). I can almost picture this being like Rue Montorgueil and other streets just like it that have gone through a revival.
Most of the shops here are old, probably being run by the same family for generations. But in amongst them are the new stores, bringing new styles and new products into this area. Of course, with development comes an impact on the immediate area and those who reside here, which doesn’t always play out in a perfect way.
For now, I’m content to walk in this busy street, where kids as young as eight are selling coat hangers to strangers, and others (probably their big brothers) are playing a violin just to earn a couple of extra euro. I’m happy to stop and taste some cheese from a local shopkeeper, and smile at absolutely everyone that passes me by who looks at me strangely because they haven’t seen me around these parts before.
Promenade plantée
If any of you have visited the High Line in New York City, you’ll know what I’ve found here. This is Paris’ own version of the High Line. Perched above the streets in the 12th arrondissement is 4.7km of tree-lined walkways, taking over what was once a functioning railway line.
Best accessed from the western end at Bastille, it is a pedestrianised area that weaves in and out of residential buildings. It provides an area for quiet reflection, somewhere to eat your lunch in peace and quiet, or to just take some time out.
Underneath the railway line are arts and crafts shops. Offering unique, handmade items, they are beautiful to look at and very expensive to buy.
There are several parks that join onto the promenade. Caution should be exercised around these areas at night.
Place des Fêtes
This area is REALLY off the usual places to visit list and I’m quite sure you won’t see this too often when you google “things to do in Paris”. This is a working class ‘hood through and through. And, because it’s all in the outskirts of this fine city, the beauty, simplicity and elegance of the Haussmannian buildings are definitely nowhere to be seen.
This is a tough area, with some really ugly concrete, high-density residential apartment blocks dominating the view.
So why are we out here?
Like so much of any big city, there are always quirky little places, hidden amongst the “normal”.
Place des Fêtes is living the good life. Tucked away, almost sight unseen and away from prying eyes, is this gorgeous collection of villas (laneways), all coming off Rue de Mouzaïa. Along these villas sit small, two-story houses.
Whilst some could do with a little love, the majority of them are well kept, usually covered with ivy, and mostly all with their own colour-matched windows, gates and doors.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Out in the 19th arrondissement, an area which is quite often written off for safety reasons is the fifth largest park in Paris. It was a little difficult to navigate when we were here due to parts of the park being closed for rejuvenation, but we were still able to make our way to the top. It’s a steep walk in parts, but the view once you reach the top is well worth the effort. For it is here that you get a great view over the Paris city.
Rue de Mouffetard
One of Paris’ oldest neighbourhoods, it was one of my favourite streets for markets, cafes and plenty of places to eat.
Grand Boulevards
So good I gave them their own page. You can read about the Grand Boulevards here.
It’s quite a large list, and I have no doubt there is more to uncover. But for now, this will give you some ideas for things to do in Paris, that you may not have otherwise realised were even there. Happy exploring.
I find these places by simply catching a Metro to a station, hopping out, and walking around. If you’ve found other hidden locations, I’ve love to hear from you so I can visit next time.
Daniela
This post would have been so useful to me few weeks ago when I went to Paris! I`ve never heard of Place des Fêtes, but from your photos on Instagram, looks like a place I would like to see.
Isn`t the French food just too incredible?!
Stephanie
La Fromagerie is calling my name!!!!
Alayne
You certainly are not afraid to go to different places.
Beer and Croissants
Oh no what a shame Daniela. Maybe next time? And yes, the food is amazing!
Nancy
I am bookmarking this page for the next time we are in Paris. You would think with all the times we have been there we would have seen all of these places. But they are new to us! Now we have to go and see it for ourselves. I loved like you, the photo of the Bassin, very unique!
Beer and Croissants
I think we could walk all over this great city and still find more. I know for example there are at least a couple of other locations where the villas exist. Thanks for your comments Nancy.
Alison
This is a great round-up! It’s so satisfying finding un-touristy places in the big cities. I love Parc des Buttes Chaumont and Rue Mouftard too. In fact, we usually stay around the corner from Mouftard just so we can food shop 🙂
Stella @ Travelerette
Thanks for the tips! I love Paris (I even teach English at a French school in the States), and I’m always looking for new fun things to do there. But the first thing I must do is eat those tomatoes!
Life, Other Than (Shannon)
Clearly, I missed a great deal of Paris when I was there. Thanks for the post! I’ll have to go back for another visit!
Beer and Croissants
The best thing about travel Shannon….always time to go back again (and again)
Beer and Croissants
Better you than me to eat the tomatoes Stella. I love the colours but don’t like the taste 🙂
Beer and Croissants
We have stayed before in St Germain, which isn’t far away, but we only found Rue Mouffetard this time. I could definitely see myself staying there next time.
Christine K
I love your narratives and the descriptions of all the unique places to see in Paris. This is a very extensive article and also very useful. Thanks for sharing all the information and the lovely photos. I’m saving this for my next trip to Paris in September.
Beer and Croissants
Thanks so much Christine. I especially love Paris and there is so much to find away from the bright lights. Enjoy your September trip too.
Jessica Lippe
Aw man, I think I missed all of these on my trip to Paris in July! But other than a bus on my way in and out of Paris, plus a round-trip bus to Disneyland, I went by foot for my entire time there. I’m guessing it would be difficult to walk to most of these places from downtown!
Hung Thai
Such a colorful place and all within walking distance to a metro station – I wish our public transportation here would allow such visitation 🙁
Beer and Croissants
I agree!
Beer and Croissants
A couple are central to the city but most would require a metro. I’m still sure you saw plenty of great things as you walked around. It’s the best way !
marie
I’m not sure about most Paris suburbs – concert jungles for the most part. Well done, you managed to find some hidden gems!
marie
Oops, Concrete jungles!
MariaAbroad
What a lovely post. I really enjoyed your off-the-beaten-path suggestions. This is how I enjoy to visit a city as well. I hurry through the “must-sees”, so I can say I’ve done that, and then just stroll through a neighborhood, getting lost and exploring.
Beer and Croissants
Thanks Maria. Yes, it’s definitely the way to do it (I think)
Lifestobelived
Plenty of places that I’ve not visited in Paris before, will have to keep this in mind for my next visit… 🙂
Beer and Croissants
Thanks Mark
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)
Some fantastic alternatives here. It’s great to find those more unusual, less obvious things to do in a city you know well. #allaboutfrance
Jill BARTH
Oooooh, I love it! Is there any end to the excitement of discovering something new and wonderful in Paris. Thanks for sharing these delights. Cheers!
Lillian @ The Smalls Abroad
Great post and fantastic suggestions! Rue Montorgueill is so lively – I totally agree with you. Same with Promende Plantee. I have not heard of Place des Fetes… I’ll have to take a trip over there to discover it myself. Thanks! #AllAboutFrance
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
thanks for the tips! I hope to visit PARIS again one day so I might use some of these ideas:) #allaboutfrance
Christy Swagerty
I LOVE Rue Mouffetard! It’s where I bring all of my friends, it’s what I feel like Rue Cler used to be like before Rick Steves made it way too popular. You’ve made a wonderful list of places, I can’t wait to be roaming Paris again in May! Great post with #allaboutFrance!
Beer and Croissants
Thanks Christy. I could have stayed in Rue Mouffetard all day!
Tilly Horseman
I’ve been to Paris a number of times, my trips often centred around gallery visits, but I like adding in somewhere a bit different…and this has given me more ideas. My next trip will feature many of the outlying parks including Bois de Bologne and Bois de Vincennes. Also Parc Monceau and Parc de la Villette. Have you been to any of these?
Beer and Croissants
We always camp (when we are in the motorhome) in the Bois de Bolgone – been going there for years now. Also visited Parc de la Villette last year. I haven’t been to the other two though.
Hanna
Rue Montorgeuil is such a little gem! I stopped for a chocolat chaud there on a beautiful day at the end of April and did some tea and chocolate shopping in those little shops, lovely! I was staying just a couple of blocks from Porte St. Denis and yes, there were those working girls but also the authenticity that I loved. It was my third time in Paris and the first time there alone. I also love the area near Sacré-Coeur, around Place Dalida where old men walk their even older dogs and it’s so peaceful and quiet and just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Place du Tertre.
Beer and Croissants
Looks like you had an amazing time there Hanna. Always so much to uncover!