20+ Hidden Gems in Paris [2025 Guide to Secret Spots]

Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by April Nicole

Hidden gems in Paris are everywhere—you just have to know where to look. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, the City of Light is filled with secret spots waiting to be discovered. From tucked-away courtyards to cafés where locals linger, these overlooked places offer a glimpse into authentic Parisian life.

After living in Paris for years, I’ve uncovered places most tourists never find—charming alleyways, underground speakeasies, and historic passages frozen in time. These spots aren’t in every guidebook, but they should be.

In this post, I’ll take you off the beaten path to explore hidden gems in Paris. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective—and a list of must-visit spots.

📌 Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you! Merci! For full details, check out my Disclosure Policy.

If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of hidden gems in Paris:

Quick Summary: 5 Must-Visit Underrated places in Paris

If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds and discover Paris like a local, here are 7 absolute must-visit hidden gems you shouldn’t miss:

• Coulée Verte René-Dumont – I love strolling along this peaceful, elevated garden. The mix of greenery and Parisian rooftops makes it one of my favorite quiet escapes.
• Secret Vineyards of Montmartre – I first stumbled upon this vineyard while wandering Montmartre, and I was amazed to learn that Paris still produces its own wine! Visiting during the October harvest festival is a must.
• 59 Rivoli – Stepping into this artist collective was like entering a different world—bright murals, open studios, and artists actually working while chatting with visitors. It’s a must for art lovers!
• La Petite Ceinture – Walking along this overgrown, abandoned railway felt like uncovering a secret side of Paris. I even found some incredible street art along the way!
• Rooftop Terrace of Galeries Lafayette – This is my go-to spot for breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower—without the crowds or the ticket price! Watching the sunset from here is pure magic.

👉 Want more hidden gems? Keep reading to discover over 20 secret spots across Paris!

1. Hidden Gems in Paris: Secret Gardens & Green Spaces 🌿

Square des Peupliers

Hidden away in the 13th arrondissement, this picturesque street feels like a small village in the heart of Paris. Lined with ivy-covered houses and cobblestone paths, it’s one of Paris’ best-kept secrets.

Walking through Square des Peupliers, I felt like I had stumbled into a countryside village in the middle of Paris. The ivy-covered houses and quiet atmosphere made it the perfect escape from the city’s chaos. If you go in the late afternoon, you might even catch a local sitting on their stoop with a book, making it feel even more magical.

🌍 Location: 13th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Tolbiac (Line 7)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for golden-hour lighting
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🚫 Not Accessible – Narrow cobblestone streets and no ramps.

Jardin Alpin (Alpine Garden in Jardin des Plantes)

Found inside the larger Jardin des Plantes, this secluded alpine garden feels like a world apart from bustling Paris. It houses over 2,000 mountain plant species from the Alps, Pyrenees, and Himalayas, many of which are rare and endangered.

Winding stone pathways lead visitors through a diverse collection of flora, while shaded benches provide a peaceful retreat. Unlike the main gardens, which are often busy, the Alpine Garden remains a quiet, lesser-visited gem.

🌍 Location: Inside Jardin des Plantes, 5th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Jussieu (Lines 7 & 10)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for peak bloom
🎟️ Entry Fee: Included in Jardin des Plantes entrance (€7 for adults)
⚠ Partially Accessible – Some paths are uneven and may be difficult for wheelchairs.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont

Often compared to New York’s High Line, this elevated park follows an abandoned railway track, offering a peaceful escape from the city noise. Stretching for nearly 5 kilometers, it winds through tunnels, over bridges, and past hidden gardens, giving visitors a unique perspective of Paris. Lush greenery, wildflowers, and art installations line the walkway, making it a favorite spot for joggers, walkers, and photographers.

The first time I walked along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, I couldn’t believe I was still in Paris. It felt like a secret elevated garden floating above the city. As I strolled past blooming flowers and ivy-covered arches, I caught glimpses of Parisian rooftops and quiet courtyards below.

🌍 Location: 12th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8) or Daumesnil (Line 6)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer people
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
♿ Fully Accessible – Smooth paths, ramps available.

Secret Vineyards of Montmartre

Located in the heart of Montmartre, near Rue des Saules, this charming vineyard is one of the last remaining in Paris and a well-kept secret among locals. Known as Clos Montmartre, this small but historic vineyard has been producing wine since 1933. Each year, a limited amount of wine is made and auctioned off for local charities. While the vineyard itself is not open to the public, visitors can admire its picturesque rows of grapevines from the outside.

I first discovered Montmartre’s vineyard on a chilly morning while wandering aimlessly through the district. I had no idea Paris even had a working vineyard! If you visit in early October, you can experience the annual Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival, a lively celebration featuring parades, wine tastings, and cultural events.

📍 Location: Rue des Saules, Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
🚇 Nearest Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12)
🎟️ Entry Fee:Not open to the public, but visible from outside
🌅 Best Time to Visit: October for Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival
🚫 Not Accessible – Steep, cobbled streets with no ramps.

Grand Mosque of Paris Gardens

A hidden paradise in the 5th arrondissement, the Grand Mosque of Paris is an architectural gem that offers visitors a serene retreat from the busy streets. The beautifully landscaped gardens feature shaded walkways, intricate mosaics, and stunning fountains, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. One of the highlights of a visit is the traditional tea room, where guests can enjoy fragrant mint tea and Middle Eastern pastries like baklava and honey-drenched makroud.

This place is my personal oasis in the middle of the city. After a long day of exploring, I love coming here to sit under the shaded walkways and sip a cup of their famous mint tea. The sound of birds chirping and water trickling from the fountains makes it feel like a world away from the busy streets of Paris.

📍 Location: 5th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Place Monge (Line 7) or Jussieu (Lines 7, 10)
🎟️ Entry Fee: €3 for the mosque, free for the garden
🍵 Tea Room: Open daily, mint tea costs around €2
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a relaxed atmosphere and golden light filtering through the trees
♿ Fully Accessible – Flat paths, no barriers.

2. Secret Places in Paris: Unique Historic & Cultural Spots 🏛️

Arènes de Lutèce

One of the most overlooked historic sites in Paris, the Arènes de Lutèce is a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD. Hidden within the Latin Quarter, this ancient structure once hosted gladiator battles and theatrical performances for an audience of up to 15,000 spectators. Today, remnants of the stone seating and stage area can still be seen, and the arena is now used as a quiet gathering spot for locals and a playground for children.

I remember visiting Arènes de Lutèce on a quiet morning, expecting just a historical site, but instead, I found kids playing soccer in the middle of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Seeing a 2,000-year-old monument still being used as a gathering place was surreal. It really reminded me how Paris blends past and present so effortlessly.

🌍 Location: Latin Quarter, 5th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Place Monge (Line 7) or Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for a quieter atmosphere
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
⚠ Partially Accessible – Upper seating area is accessible, but the amphitheater floor requires stairs.

The Conciergerie

This medieval palace turned prison once held Marie Antoinette before her execution and played a key role during the French Revolution. Originally a royal palace, it became one of the most feared prisons in Paris, where prisoners awaited trial and often execution. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing its dramatic past, including preserved prison cells, an exhibit on revolutionary justice, and the restored Hall of Men-at-Arms.

Walking through the dimly lit stone halls of the Conciergerie, I felt like I had stepped back in time. Seeing Marie Antoinette’s cell and imagining what she must have felt in her final days gave me chills. The historical weight of the place is heavy, yet fascinating. If you’re into history, this is an absolute must-visit.

🌍 Location: Île de la Cité, 1st arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Cité (Line 4)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon (fewer crowds)
🎟️ Entry Fee: €11.50 for adults (included in Paris Museum Pass)
♿ Fully Accessible – Elevators and ramps available.

Half-Timbered Houses in Le Marais

Step back in time by exploring these medieval buildings hidden among the trendy shops and cafés of Le Marais. Dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, these rare architectural treasures are some of the last remaining examples of medieval Parisian homes.

Their exposed wooden beams and colorful facades provide a striking contrast to the surrounding Haussmannian architecture. You can find some of the best-preserved examples at 11 and 13 Rue François Miron, where these historic structures transport visitors to a bygone era.

📍 Location: 11 & 13 Rue François Miron, 4th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (exterior view only)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds
♿ Fully Accessible – Mostly flat streets with some minor cobblestone sections.

Paris Statue of Liberty

Located in the 16th arrondissement, this smaller version of New York’s Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French community in America to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. Standing at 11.5 meters (37 feet) tall, it faces west toward its larger counterpart in the U.S. You can find it on Île aux Cygnes, a narrow artificial island in the Seine, making it a unique and scenic stop for a walk along the river.

📍 Location: Île aux Cygnes, 16th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Javel (RER C)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Sunset for beautiful river views and reflections
♿ Fully Accessible – Located along a smooth, accessible river path.

Saint-Sulpice Gnomon

A little-known astronomical instrument hidden inside Saint-Sulpice Church, the gnomon was originally installed in the 18th century to track time and solstices with remarkable precision. This scientific marvel consists of a brass meridian line embedded in the church floor, leading to an obelisk that marks key astronomical events. It was used by astronomers to refine the calendar and remains an impressive blend of faith and science.

I had visited Saint-Sulpice Church before, but it wasn’t until my second visit that I discovered the gnomon. It’s incredible how something so scientific is hidden inside a church! Standing there, watching how the light interacts with the markings. It’s a cool hidden detail that most people overlook.

📍 Location: Inside Saint-Sulpice Church, 6th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Sulpice (Line 4)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning when sunlight enhances the meridian line
♿ Fully Accessible – The church has ramps and easy access.

The Sinking House of Montmartre

Near the Sacré-Cœur, this optical illusion makes a building appear as if it’s sinking into the hillside. The effect is created when the hill’s steep incline is aligned with the camera’s frame, causing the house to appear tilted. It has become a popular photography trick among visitors, who can make the building look like it’s disappearing into the ground with just the right angle. Despite its eerie illusion, the house itself is completely stable and remains an amusing hidden gem for those exploring Montmartre.

When I first saw the “sinking house,” I genuinely thought something was wrong with my eyesight! It’s a fun trick to impress your friends, and it’s right next to Sacré-Cœur, making it an easy stop for a cool photo.

📍 Location: Near Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, 18th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Anvers (Line 2) or Abbesses (Line 12)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer tourists
🚫 Not Accessible – Located on a steep hill, no ramp access.

3. Non-touristy places in Paris: Art & Architecture Finds 🎨

59 Rivoli

Once an abandoned squat, this vibrant artist residency now houses incredible contemporary artworks and exhibitions. Located in the heart of Paris, 59 Rivoli is a six-story building filled with artist studios, bold murals, and rotating exhibitions featuring everything from avant-garde paintings to experimental sculptures. Open to the public, visitors can explore the eclectic galleries, meet resident artists, and experience the ever-changing creative energy that makes this space one of Paris’s most unique cultural spots.

Walking into 59 Rivoli feels like stepping into a different world. The walls are covered in bold, chaotic murals, and the artists working in their studios often chat with visitors. I once spoke with a painter who had been working there for years, and he shared how the space had transformed from a squat into one of Paris’s most exciting art hubs.

🌍 Location: 1st arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Châtelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon (artists are present)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
♿ Fully Accessible – The building has an elevator!

Gustave Eiffel’s Secret Apartment

At the top of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel built a secret apartment where he conducted scientific experiments and hosted VIP guests. Unlike the lavish interiors of Parisian palaces, this modest yet elegant apartment featured wooden furniture, wallpapered walls, and even a grand piano.

Eiffel used this space for private meetings with notable figures such as Thomas Edison, who famously gifted him a phonograph. Today, visitors can peek inside a reconstructed version of the apartment, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the man behind France’s most iconic landmark.

🌍 Location: Top of the Eiffel Tower
🚇 Nearest Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late evening for fewer crowds
🎟️ Entry Fee: Included in Eiffel Tower ticket (€17.10 – €66.80)
🚫 Not Accessible – Requires climbing stairs inside the Eiffel Tower.

Covered Passages of Paris

These 19th-century shopping arcades, hidden throughout the city, are architectural marvels with glass ceilings, intricate ironwork, and mosaic-tiled floors. Once the heart of Parisian shopping before the advent of grand department stores, they now house vintage bookstores, charming cafés, and antique shops.

One of my favorite things to do in Paris is wander through the covered passages on a rainy day. My personal favorite is Passage des Panoramas—home to some incredible old bookstores and antique postcard shops. It feels like you’re walking back in time, and it’s the perfect way to escape the rain while still exploring the city.

📍 Location: Various locations, mainly in the 2nd arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Passage des Panoramas: Grands Boulevards (Lines 8, 9), Passage Jouffroy: Richelieu-Drouot (Lines 8, 9), Galerie Vivienne: Bourse (Line 3)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or early afternoon for the best lighting inside the passages
⚠ Partially Accessible – Some passages have stairs; Passage des Panoramas is more wheelchair-friendly.

Passage de l’Ancre

A tiny hidden alleyway home to a historic umbrella repair shop and quaint storefronts. Located in the 3rd arrondissement, this charming passage feels like a step back in time, with its cobblestone path and colorful facades.

The highlight is Pep’s, Paris’s last remaining umbrella repair shop, which has been restoring umbrellas since 1960. A stroll through this secluded passage offers a peaceful break from the bustling city streets, making it a spot deserving more attention.

📍 Location: 223 Rue Saint-Martin, 3rd arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Réaumur-Sébastopol (Lines 3, 4)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon when the charming storefronts are open
♿ Fully Accessible – No stairs, easy to explore.

4. Hidden Gems in Paris: Quirky Museums & Unusual Attractions 🏺

Les Égouts de Paris (Paris Sewers Museum)

Explore the underground tunnels beneath Paris and discover the fascinating history of the city’s sewer system. This museum offers a unique perspective on Paris’s infrastructure, showcasing centuries-old tunnels, engineering marvels, and exhibits on sanitation and urban planning.

Visitors can walk through portions of the still-functioning network and learn about how the city’s water and waste management evolved over time. A truly unusual attraction, it provides an offbeat but educational experience beneath the streets of Paris.

🌍 Location: Near Pont de l’Alma, 7th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Alma-Marceau (Line 9)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon (less crowded)
🎟️ Entry Fee: €9 for adults

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

A museum dedicated to hunting, taxidermy, and nature with unique art installations. Located in the 3rd arrondissement, this unsung highlight of Paris, blends history, artistry, and conservation, featuring elaborate displays of antique weapons, animal sculptures, and interactive exhibits.

The museum showcases an eclectic mix of classic hunting artifacts and contemporary art that challenges the relationship between humans and nature. It’s a fascinating spot for those interested in wildlife, culture, and offbeat museums in Paris.

🌍 Location: Le Marais, 3rd arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11) or Arts et Métiers (Lines 3 & 11)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quiet experience
🎟️ Entry Fee: €12 for adults
♿ Fully Accessible – Has an elevator.

Musée Gustave Moreau

The former home of the Symbolist painter, filled with his dreamy, surrealist works. This museum, located in the 9th arrondissement, preserves Moreau’s personal collection, featuring over 1,300 paintings and 5,000 drawings. The grand spiral staircase and floor-to-ceiling displays create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step inside the artist’s world.

I went to this museum with no expectations and was completely blown away. Walking up the winding staircase and seeing Gustave Moreau’s dreamlike paintings felt like stepping inside an artist’s mind. The whole museum has a quiet, almost reverent atmosphere, and I was surprised by how few people were there.

📍 Location: 9th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Trinité – d’Estienne d’Orves (Line 12)
🎟️ Entry Fee: €7
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Midday when it’s quiet
🚫 Not Accessible – Famous for its spiral staircase, no elevator.

Musée de la Vie Romantique

A hidden museum in the 9th arrondissement showcasing Romantic-era art, literature, and décor. Once the home of writer Ary Scheffer, this 19th-century mansion is now a museum dedicated to the Romantic movement.

Visitors can explore intimate salons filled with paintings, manuscripts, and personal belongings of famous artists like George Sand. The museum also features a charming garden and tea room, making it a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Paris.

📍 Location: 16 Rue Chaptal, 9th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Pigalle (Lines 2, 12) or Saint-Georges (Line 12)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Permanent Collection: Free, Temporary Exhibitions: €5–€9
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon to enjoy the quaint garden and tea room after exploring the museum
⚠ Partially Accessible – The museum is accessible, but the garden path is uneven.

5. Hidden Gems in Paris: Secret Neighborhoods & Streets 🏡

hidden gems in paris

Rue Crémieux

A colorful, Instagram-worthy street lined with pastel houses. This charming pedestrian-only street, located in the 12th arrondissement, is often compared to the colorful streets of Notting Hill in London. The cobblestone path and flower-filled window boxes add to its fairytale-like appeal, making it a favorite among photographers and visitors looking for a picturesque stroll. While it’s a peaceful residential area, visitors are encouraged to be respectful, as locals still live here

This street looks straight out of a fairytale. The pastel-colored houses and flower-covered windows make it one of the most photogenic places in Paris. If you visit early in the morning, you’ll have it almost to yourself, which makes for perfect photos.

🌍 Location: 12th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Quai de la Rapée (Line 5)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for best photos
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
♿ Fully Accessible – Flat pavement, easy to navigate.

La Campagne à Paris

A fairy-tale-like village hidden within the 20th arrondissement. Originally built in the early 20th century to provide affordable housing for workers, this charming neighborhood is now one of Paris’s best-kept secrets.

With its cobblestone streets, ivy-covered houses, and small gardens, it feels more like a countryside retreat than a part of the bustling capital. A stroll through its quiet lanes offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into a lesser-known side of Parisian life.

🌍 Location: 20th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Porte de Bagnolet (Line 3)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Spring or summer when flowers are in bloom
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
⚠ Partially Accessible – Some steep streets and cobblestones.

Butte-aux-Cailles

An artistic district known for street art, lively bars, and a unique village atmosphere. This historic neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement retains its small-town charm, with narrow streets, colorful murals, and a relaxed, bohemian feel. It is home to several independent cafés and bistros, making it a great spot for an authentic Parisian dining experience. A favorite among locals, Butte-aux-Cailles offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s more tourist-heavy areas.

This is hands-down one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. The first time I explored Butte-aux-Cailles, I was amazed at how different it felt from the rest of the city. The cobbled streets, colorful murals, and cozy bars make it feel like a hidden village. If you visit in the evening, grab a drink at Le Merle Moqueur—it’s a small bar with a laid-back, artsy vibe.

📍 Location: 13th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Corvisart (Line 6) or Place d’Italie (Lines 5, 6, 7)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (exploring the area)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into the evening when cafés and bars are lively
⚠ Partially Accessible – Some cobblestone streets.

Canal Saint-Martin

A scenic and relaxed spot away from tourist crowds, perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic. Lined with picturesque footbridges and trendy cafés, this canal offers a charming mix of old-world Paris and modern bohemian vibes.

Locals and visitors alike enjoy lounging along its banks with a bottle of wine, especially during warm summer evenings. The area is also home to independent boutiques and art galleries, making it a great place to explore beyond the typical tourist routes.

📍 Location: 10th & 11th arrondissements
🚇 Nearest Metro: République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11), Goncourt (Line 11), Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon: Ideal for a peaceful walk along the canal, Evening: Popular for picnics and a lively atmosphere with locals
♿ Fully Accessible – The walking paths along the canal are flat and wheelchair-friendly.

6. Hidden Gems in Paris: Best Viewpoints 🌆

hidden gems in paris

Montparnasse Viewing Deck

Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city without the long lines of the Eiffel Tower. From its 56th-floor observation deck, visitors can enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view, including iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Seine.

The deck also features interactive exhibits, a café, and a rooftop terrace, making it an excellent spot to watch the sunset over Paris. Unlike other viewpoints, it’s open late into the evening, allowing for stunning nighttime cityscapes.

🌍 Location: 56th floor of Montparnasse Tower
🚇 Nearest Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12, 13)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Sunset for breathtaking city views
🎟️ Entry Fee: €18 for adults
♿ Fully Accessible – Has an elevator to the rooftop.

Rooftop Terrace of Galeries Lafayette

A free, lesser-known rooftop offering stunning city views. Located on top of the iconic Galeries Lafayette department store, this terrace provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris, including landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Opéra Garnier. The rooftop also features a café where visitors can relax with a drink while taking in the skyline. Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, this secret spot offers one of the best free viewpoints in the city.

This is my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Paris! The best part? It’s completely free. I’ve come up here multiple times to watch the sunset over the rooftops, and every time it takes my breath away. If you go just before closing, you’ll get a peaceful, almost private view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance.

🌍 Location: 9th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Lines 7, 9)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the best lighting
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
♿ Fully Accessible – Elevators available, flat surface.

Ballon de Paris Generali

Take a hot air balloon ride in Parc André Citroën and see Paris from above. This tethered balloon, one of the largest in the world, rises up to 150 meters (492 feet) and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. It also serves as an air quality monitoring station, making it both a thrilling attraction and an environmental research tool.

I was skeptical about taking a hot air balloon ride in Paris, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences! Seeing the city from above, floating gently in the sky, was unlike anything else. The best part? No long lines like the Eiffel Tower! If you want a truly unique view of Paris, this is worth it.

📍 Location: Parc André Citroën, 15th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Javel – André Citroën (RER C), Balard (Line 8)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Adults: €18, Children (3–11 years old): €12, Free for children under 3
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best views and fewer crowds, Sunset flights offer breathtaking golden-hour views
⚠ Partially Accessible – The balloon itself may require assistance for boarding.

7. Hidden Gems in Paris: Forgotten Places & Abandoned Spots 🏚️

hidden gems in paris

The Ruins of St. Sulpice Crypt

A lesser-known crypt hidden beneath Saint-Sulpice Church, this mysterious underground space dates back centuries and is shrouded in history. While the church above is famous for its ties to The Da Vinci Code, few visitors realize that remnants of an ancient crypt lie below.

Though not always open to the public, occasional guided tours offer a rare glimpse into this eerie and atmospheric site, making it a must-visit for history buffs and curious explorers.

📍 Location: Beneath Saint-Sulpice Church, 6th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Sulpice (Line 4)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Not regularly open to the public (access possible via special guided tours)
🌅 Best Time to Visit: During European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) in September, when crypts and hidden parts of Paris are occasionally opened to the public

Paris Hidden Attractions: Interactive Google Map

Want to explore all these hidden gems with ease? Check out this interactive map where I’ve pinned every secret spot mentioned in this guide.

👉 Tip: Open the map on your phone for easy navigation while exploring Paris!