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20 Hidden Gems In Paris Most Tourists Never See

20 Hidden Gems In Paris Most Tourists Never See

Have you ever heard of hidden gems to visit in Paris? In this article we’ve collected for you 20 hidden gems in Paris most tourists never see! The City of Lights is one of the most romantic places in the world and hides countless fascinating places not to be missed. So, if you want to get a glimpse of truly authentic hidden Paris, there are many secret spots just waiting to be discovered. However, don’t get us wrong, if you are visiting the city of Love for the first time there are so many tourist spots you should visit first. On the other hand, if you have more time to spend during your visit or have already visited Paris in the past, you can set out to discover these hidden gems and you will not be disappointed!

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Rue Cremieux

Photo Credit @javiernapi on Instagram

As in London, there is also a beautiful cobblestone street in Paris with pretty colored houses on both sides. This pedestrian street is a real hidden gem of Paris thanks to the houses painted in all the bright colors of the rainbow. Also, in recent years, this street has become a popular Instagram spot. When you visit this street, remember to be respectful with the people who live in those houses.

Passage des Panoramas

Photo Credit @patrickcolpron on Instagram

This covered walkway, one of the oldest in Paris, is home to some eclectic shops and restaurants. Also, it’s a cute photo spot with a vintage look and the light coming in from the glass roof. On a rainy day, this walkway can be a perfect place for a coffee break.

Avenue de Camoëns

Photo Credit @__meenu on Instagram

Nothing more than a cul de sac with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. In fact, this hidden Paris gem is one of Instagrammers’ favorite spots for its view of the Iron Lady. You will find this spot in the 16th arrondissement, come with your camera!

Colonnes de Buren

20 Hidden Gems In Paris

Recently renovated in 2008, the 260 columns inside the courtyard of the Palais Royal are one of our favorite places for photos in Paris. In fact, these black and white striped columns of various heights offer different perspectives for your shots. The entrance to the courtyard is free, so you can easily visit this spot in the French capital.

The Red Car at Merci

Photo Credit @merciparis on Instagram

The vintage red Fiat 500 is an irresistible photo spot and not so easy to find. Indeed, this red car is located at Merci Concept Store in the Marais district at the end of a hidden cobbled street. It’s pleasant to visit this store like other extravagant shops you will find in Paris and take some pictures of the famous red car.

The Sacré-Coeur Carousel

20 Hidden Gems In Paris Most Tourists Never See

Try looking at your target from a different perspective. This is exactly what you can do from the carousel in the Square Louise Michel. Indeed, the view of the Sacré-Coeur from this carousel is really worth it. Also, it’s a great spot for your photos. You can reach this carousel by going down the steps from the Sacré-Coeur or on the opposite side from the Metro Anvers.

Le Consulat

Domi and Frida 20 Hidden Gems In Paris

Not only a historic café in the heart of Montmartre, Le Consulat Café is one of our favorite spots in this Parisian district. Also, in recent years, it has become one of the most instagrammable places in the whole area. This café-restaurant located on Rue Norvins, just a few steps from the Basilique du Sacré Cœur, was visited in the 19th century many times by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet.

Villa Léandre

Photo Credit @morganhizar on Instagram

Villa Léandre is a lovely corner of England in Paris. In fact, walking down this cobbled street immediately seems to be across the Channel. This street, located in the quaint district of Montmartre, is a hidden gem not to be missed on your trip to Paris.

L’Oasis D’Aboukir

Photo Credit @ruemargaux on Instagram

The Oasis of Aboukir, called “hymn to biodiversity”, is a vertical garden covering a huge blind wall at the intersection of Rue d’Aboukir and Rue des Petits Carreaux. This green project was created in 2013 by Patrick Blanc and boasts 7600 different plants. This vertical garden is one of those unknown places that is worth a visit during your trip to Paris.

Au Vieux Paris D’Arcole

Photo Credit @prettylittletrips on Instagram

One of the prettiest cafes in Paris, located at 24 Rue Chanoinesse, a stone’s throw away from Notre Dame on Île de la Cité. Due to its facade covered in purple wisteria, matching the purple tables on the terrace, this cafe is also a perfect Instagram spot in spring. In addition, its interior environment has something of a fairytale that makes this cafe a perfect place for a break with a glass of wine while visiting Paris.

The Great Mosque of Paris

Photo Credit @crazy__paris on Instagram

Located in the 5th arrondissement in the Latin Quarter, the Great Mosque is the largest mosque in France and the third-largest in Europe. Inside it boasts a beautiful courtyard with a lush garden, perfect for taking some photos. Also, the Great Mosque includes Turkish baths, shops selling Arab crafts, a tea room and a traditional restaurant. This hidden Parisian gem is open all day for tourists except Friday.

Grand Foyer, Palais Garnier

Domi and Frida at Palais Garnier

Opened in 1875, the Opéra Garnier is a theater of exceptional grandeur, located in the 9th arrondissement. The interior looks like the Versailles Hall of Mirrors and both the central staircase and the foyer are truly stunning. The Grand Foyer is 18 meters high and 154 meters long with Baroque style, gilding, chandeliers and painted ceilings.

Rue des Thermopyles

Photo Credit @nuage_nomade_ on Instagram

This hidden street is another Parisian gem, located in a quiet area with few tourists in the 14th arrondissement. The best time to visit Rue des Thermopyles is in spring when the flowers are in bloom and the facades are bright green. Furthermore, this 280-metre long street has no shops and was a private road closed by iron gates until 1959.

Abbey Bookshop

Photo Credit @nastasiaspassport on Instagram

An old bookstore located in the Latin Quarter and founded in 1989 by Canadian book lover Brian Spence. Not far from the historic Shakespeare and Co. bookshop, Abbey Bookshop boasts more than 35,000 English titles on its old wooden shelves. This is a true bibliophile’s paradise and a quaint place for a few shots with your camera especially its exterior facade.

Galerie Véro-Dodat

Photo Credit @alexandrine_ar on Instagram

This gallery is located in the heart of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, within walking distance of must-see attractions such as the Louvre and Rue Saint Honoré. Neoclassical in style with a black and white tiled floor and a glazed ceiling, this walkway features shops and restaurants. Galerie Véro-Dodat can be a perfect place to stroll on a rainy day in the French capital.

Square des Peupliers

Photo Credit @_aya.lulu_ on Instagram

Square des Peupliers is a little known street even by locals but definitely very photo-worthy especially in spring/summer. In fact, at this time, the street is pretty with lots of bright green and freshly blooming flowers. It’s located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, on the southern flank of the Butte-aux-Cailles. Don’t miss this hidden gem in Paris.

The Musée d’Orsay Clock

Domi and Frida at Musee d'Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is located in the old railway station inaugurated in 1900, later transformed into a museum, which was inaugurated in 1986. It collects impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, as well as a large collection of sculptures and decorative art objects by artists such as Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet and Gauguin. For your perfect photo, look for the clock on the top floor, it’s a really fascinating spot. Head to the clock as soon as the museum opens to avoid crowds.

Jardins Albert Kahn Boulogne

Photo Credit @didineta on Instagram

The gardens of the Albert Kahn Musée are a paradise outside the chaos of the city, a unique and authentic place to visit. With red bridges, ginkgo trees and cherry blossoms, this garden will feel like you are in Japan. Also, it’s a cool place to take pictures! On Tuesdays and Sundays in some months, in the pavillon du the, you can even take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, led by a tea master from Kyoto.

Passage de l’Ancre

Photo Credit @dr_difilippo on Instagram

One of the oldest passageways in Paris as well as an authentic hidden gem you can’t stumble upon unless you really look for it. Passage de l’Ancre, located in Le Marais, is a fascinating passageway with plants in pots scattered everywhere and shops painted in different colors. Here you will find from the 60s, the umbrella repair shop of Pep that repairs all kinds of “parapluies”.

Galerie Vivienne

Photo Credit @pariswithlanden on Instagram

Built in 1823, Galerie Vivienne is one of the most charismatic and oldest passages in Paris. Thanks to its mosaic floor, twinkling lights and some luxury shops it’s a beautiful place not to be missed. Also, Galerie Vivienne just before and during the Christmas holidays twinkles with bright lights and a typical festive air.


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About Author

Born and based in Italy, wanderlust-obsessed with passports always in our hands, we are Domi and Frida a passionate travel couple since 2006. Thanks for following along on our adventures!