14 future paths, seen in Paris (updated in 2025)

Paris is full of famous attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the pantheon, the arc triomphe, the Sacre-Coeur. The list continues. There are so many amazing sites here that you can take a few days (heck, even weeks) to see the main, most famous sites.

However, Paris has more sites than attracting thousands of tourists every day.

My mission in the past few months when I lived in Paris was to see some more unusual, lesser-known (but equally awesome) attractions (this is not accompanied by the aggravated crowds that make so many Paris attractions unbearable).

And, while some of the things on the list below may not be “super secret” attractions or activities, they do fall into the “neglected attractions” category, so I include it.

Here are the best companionship lanes in Paris:

1. MuséeédithPiaf

ÉdithPiaf was perhaps the most famous French singer from the 1930s to the 1960s and is known for her songs la vie en rose and non, je ne regret (appeared in the movie “Inception”). At the beginning of her career, she lived in a small apartment in the Ménilmontant area, which had become a small museum dedicated to her. You can glimpse her life with her gold and platinum records, photos, clothes, letters from fans, posters, records and scores.

Admission is free, but you need to make an appointment.

2. Muséucurie

Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize (and the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice) to study radioactivity (the word she invented). She was the first female professor at the University of Paris and the first woman to be buried in Panthéon with her own merits. Located in the fifth building, the museum emphasizes her radiological research in her old laboratory. It is insightful and eye-opening for those unfamiliar with its historic discoveries.

3. Archives

The National Archives opened in 1867 and houses thousands of historical documents dating back to 625 AD. The museum, one of the six national archives in the country, illuminates France’s turbulent past, providing subtle historical details and context through permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Built by Napoleon I, the building itself (called hôtel desoubise) is absolutely amazing. It is in the late Baroque style, embracing long columns, many statues and sculptures. It also has perfect ground and garden. They always hold many excellent exhibitions.

4

The bookstore claims to be the oldest British bookstore on the continent, opened in Paris in 1801. Prior to this, they were located in Venice, and the Galignani name has been associated with published books since the 16th century. Aside from age, this is a great place to browse because it is absolutely full of books. You can easily spend hours searching on stacks and shelves here. This is a quiet, quaint shop with super knowledge of the staff. If you are an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!

5. Paris point zero

This is the official center of Paris, measuring all distances in the city. While this is just a simple brass star, nestled on the sidewalk near Notre Dame Cathedral, there are some popular rituals that make it a short but fun stop (and since you may be visiting the cathedral nearby, you might as well stop here). Some people see stars as good as hope, throw coins and fulfill their wishes (this is why there are usually a small number of coins on the stars). However, others insist that if you stand on the stars with your loved ones and kiss them, your love will last forever.

6. Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy Gallery

The gallery opened in 1898 and is part of the National Museum of Natural History in France. It occupies the base of the building and it is home to more than 1,000 animal bones from around the world, including the complete bones of elephants, big cats and even dinosaurs. It’s fun and disturbing: all animals face in the same way, making you look like you’re in some undead cowboy!

7

Used from 1862 to 1964, the Paris Railway hovering was abandoned when the city expanded beyond the restrictions. It is mostly hidden behind the buildings and is now covered with wild plants and grass, although some parts are now officially open to the public. You will find a wide variety of flowers and street art on the track.

While some parts are illegal, near Parc Georges Brassens you will find a part, the “Petite de la petite festival”, which is both free and legally accessible. It is located in 15e Arrondissement.

8. El Salvador Dali

This surreal San Dial was created by the world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. It is located on Rue Saint-Jacques and is a human face and scallop shell (the symbol of Camino and Santiago, as the street is named after the saint). While San Dial doesn’t actually work, it’s an easy way to see artworks from one of the most famous artists in the world.

9. LePasse-Muraille

Located near Montmartre, this iconic bronze sculpture makes it easy to stop on your itinerary. It is based on The man passing through the wall (Le Passe-Muraille), “The Short Story by Marcel Aymé in Paris” was published in 1941. In the story, a person gains the ability to walk through the walls, and he uses his skills to achieve bad things. But at the end of the book, his power disappeared as he walked through the wall…he was stuck. If you get close to the sculpture, you will find the statue’s hands very smooth, thanks to countless people taking pictures of themselves trying to free the man.

10. Montmartre Cemetery

Although Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most popular in Paris, for a more secluded stroll, check out Montmartre Cemetery. Many visited the top of Montmartre to enjoy the Sacré-Coeur and the views, but few spent time wandering around this cemetery at the foot of the area. It opened in 1825 and is home to many pebbles tombs, as well as a few stray cats. You won’t see a lot of people here, so you can explore peacefully.

11. Forged museum

The museum opened in 1972 and is home to counterfeit items collected by French customs agents and police (as well as donated items from brands and consumers). There are over 500 items in the museum, ranging from fake art and luxury goods to more mundane items such as cleaning supplies. While some of the repetitions are impressive, it is also fun to see how bad some of the disguisers are!

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée Verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined sidewalk is a green belt that stretches nearly 5 km along the old Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased operation in 1969 and the park took office decades later. Until New York established the High Line, it was the only elevated park in the world. (To be honest, this is better than the New York City High Line).

You will find many trees, flowers, ponds and along this long path extending from the Bastille to the edge of Paris. It’s a long, relaxing and beautiful walk. You won’t find many people here. Even on a good day, it’s empty. It quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Paris and I wouldn’t recommend you to come here!

13. Canal St. Martin

Extending 4.5 km, the St. Martin Canal is an artificial waterway commissioned by Napoleon. The building was completed in 1825 and connects the canal De L’Ourcq to the Seine through an overground lock and an underground tunnel. While there are no secret locations (on a pleasant day you will find a canal with people), this is mainly a place for locals who want to have a picnic and relax. So, say no to the Seine and come to have a picnic along the canal. Easier, fewer people!

14. Montmartre Museum

Founded in 1960, the museum spreads across two buildings from the 17th century. Over the years, these buildings have been home to many famous writers and painters. The museum’s garden has actually been renovated and looks more like a garden in Renoir’s paintings (there is also a vineyard nearby, dating back to the Middle Ages, but horrible wine). The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide variety of paintings, posters and paintings.

While the main attractions in Paris are always worth a visit, if you want to be a visitor and have a greater appreciation of the unique and complex history of Light City, visit these unconventional and unusual attractions.

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