We’ve all heard about the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, such as the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. But what about the other attractions in Paris that are slightly less well known, yet no less fascinating? Discover an incredible array of hidden gems in Paris to go beyond the typical tourist trail.
La Pagode
Visit this historic cinema, set within a Japanese pagoda from 1896. The Japanese-inspired architecture is elegant and soothing and unlike anything you would expect to find in Paris. As well as screening movies, you can also visit La Pagode for a lovely afternoon tea in the oriental garden.
Au Lapin Agile
This tiny cabaret in Montmartre has a long history that involves a lot of impressive artistic name dropping. Utrillo, Matisse and Picasso used to drink there and pay their bill with their paintings. Au Lapin Agile (aka The Nimble Rabbit) was popular with all sorts of strange and interesting Montmartre characters, including student, anarchists, eccentrics and bourgeoisie out on a lark. On an evening out here you can enjoy live music, poems and entertainment – all in French of course.
Château Bouffémont
Built in the 19th century, this stunning chateau has been the setting for many prestigious events and ceremonies hosted by its previous residents Baron Empain and the Marquise of Preignes. It is located within Montmorency Forest and offers views of the Paris International Golf Club. It was renovated in 2012 by its new proprietor and is now available to rent for exclusive use. It offers 5 grand reception halls, 10 beautiful suites and an elegantly landscaped garden and grounds.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
This park is not very well known, even with local Parisians. It is located a little bit out of the city centre in the 19th arrondissement and it offers expansive views of Paris. Inside this green oasis you will find a suspension bridge, a waterfall, a grotto, a temple and a lake. This is the ideal place to have a picnic and watch the sun set over the city.
La Chapelle (Little Sri Lanka)
You will feel like you have stepped into another country when you walk into La Chapelle, the neighbourhood known as Little Sri Lanka. You can shop for colourful saris, enjoy freshly brewed chai tea and taste some of the best curry and samosas in the city (even vegetarean and vegan) . The best time of year to explore this part of the city is during the Ganesh Festival, which takes place on August 28th and celebrates the Hindu god with parades and rituals.
Paris is an enormous city with endless facets to explore. Once you have checked off the most popular attractions, dig deeper and see what else the French capital has to offer. In your explorations of the hidden gems of Paris you might just discover something that you love more than anything listed in your guidebook.