The best of Paris, (slightly) under the radar
Many of the most popular sights in the city of lights are both expensive and overrun with tourists. Instead of heading straight for the Mona Lisa, check out the below list of our favorite, slightly under the radar, things to do in Paris.
All recommendations are either locally-owned, environmentally sustainable, or culturally significant
All recommendations are either locally-owned, environmentally sustainable, or culturally significant
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Petanque in the park
Jardin du Luxembourg might already be on your list of things to see in Paris, but to experience the park like a local, head to its western edge and watch a few games of petanque. The game, similar to Bocce and played mostly by older gentlemen, includes throwing hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. |
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Even if there isn’t a match going on when you arrive, there will certainly be someone honing their skills. Just sit under the shade of the garden’s trees, drink some coffee, and take it all in.
Le Marais
Uncover the city’s old Jewish quarter, Le Marais. While it’s no longer “hidden,” it’s definitely a gem. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to quaint little bakeries and authentic falafel restaurants.
Uncover the city’s old Jewish quarter, Le Marais. While it’s no longer “hidden,” it’s definitely a gem. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to quaint little bakeries and authentic falafel restaurants.
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Galleries and trendy fashion boutiques fill the space inbetween. Although there are still plenty of other tourists, the crowds are much smaller than at the Champs d’Elysee, the Louvre, or Eiffel Tower.
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Rock en Seine
Every summer Paris plays host to Rock en Seine, a music festival in Domaine national de Saint-Cloud in the southwest corner of the city. Taking place in a 17th century park, the festival has four stages, dozens of musicians, and plenty of food and beer to keep you busy all night long.
Live music at Pop In
We realize music festival season can be short, but there are still plenty of places to take part in the local indie scene. Head to Pop In for a free concert almost any night of the week to find lesser-known bands from all over the world.
Every summer Paris plays host to Rock en Seine, a music festival in Domaine national de Saint-Cloud in the southwest corner of the city. Taking place in a 17th century park, the festival has four stages, dozens of musicians, and plenty of food and beer to keep you busy all night long.
Live music at Pop In
We realize music festival season can be short, but there are still plenty of places to take part in the local indie scene. Head to Pop In for a free concert almost any night of the week to find lesser-known bands from all over the world.
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Canal Saint-Martin
Most guidebooks won’t tell you to come here, which is exactly what makes it so awesome. Close to Gare du Nord and some sketchier parts of the city, Canal Saint-Martin is a trendy and up-and-coming beautiful area. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars line the canal streets and while you’ll see plenty of Parisan hipsters, tourists are nearly impossible to spot.
Most guidebooks won’t tell you to come here, which is exactly what makes it so awesome. Close to Gare du Nord and some sketchier parts of the city, Canal Saint-Martin is a trendy and up-and-coming beautiful area. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars line the canal streets and while you’ll see plenty of Parisan hipsters, tourists are nearly impossible to spot.
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The Seine, at night
The Seine, between the Musee D’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, comes alive at night. Riverside cafes and food trucks with picnic tables serve food and wine to young Parisians as tourist boats slowly pass by. Others bring their own picnic, finding spots along the benches and gardens that dot the riverside to drink wine and snack on baguettes and cheese. We spent a whole night walking along the river, which was quite possibly one of our favorite nights in the city.
The Seine, between the Musee D’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, comes alive at night. Riverside cafes and food trucks with picnic tables serve food and wine to young Parisians as tourist boats slowly pass by. Others bring their own picnic, finding spots along the benches and gardens that dot the riverside to drink wine and snack on baguettes and cheese. We spent a whole night walking along the river, which was quite possibly one of our favorite nights in the city.
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The back of Notre Dame
Every visitor of Paris goes to Notre Dame. And why not? It’’s beautiful and well worth the visit. But what most travelers don’t know, is that it’s wayyyy more impressive from the back. 
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Of course you could just walk around to the gardens behind the Cathedral, but we recommend two slightly different routes. From the right bank, first walk across the bridge to Ile Saint-Louis, then make your way across the walking bridge to Ile de la Cite to see the most beautiful view of the church. From the left bank, head across the Pont de l'Archevêché where lovers go to lock it down.
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The Eiffel Tower, at night
By far the best way to see the Eiffel Tower is at night. Beautifully lit and glowing in the dark, this is the only time to go. The stairs to the first and second levels close at 10pm, but you can still take in the magnificent 324 meter tower in all its glory from the pont d’lena or Champ de Mars. More than anything else, make sure to get to the tower on the hour after nightfall when 20,000 lights make it sparkle for 5 incredible minutes. Thursdays at Musee D’Orsay Heading to famous places at night is almost always a good idea. This rule of thumb is especially true when it comes to the Musee D’Orsay. Every Thursday night, the museum stays open until 9:45 pm (it normally closes at 6pm) and tickets are reduced to only 8 euro 50 (normally 11 euro). Avoid the tour groups and enjoy Van Gogh’s Starry Night as an after dinner treat. 
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Place de la Contrescarpe
A less-visited area of the left bank, Place de la Contrescarpe is a beautiful little square near the Latin Quarter. With plenty of cafes, shops, and bars on the square and along Rue Mouffetard, this hip area has many students and little tourists. We ended up here on accident, looking for crepes at Au P’tit Grec, but ended up loving the vibe. A truly awesome place to experience a more authentic side of Paris.
A less-visited area of the left bank, Place de la Contrescarpe is a beautiful little square near the Latin Quarter. With plenty of cafes, shops, and bars on the square and along Rue Mouffetard, this hip area has many students and little tourists. We ended up here on accident, looking for crepes at Au P’tit Grec, but ended up loving the vibe. A truly awesome place to experience a more authentic side of Paris.
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"I love you" wall
Le mur des je t'aime (I love you : the wall) is a modern work of art set within a beautiful and peaceful garden in the Montmartre district. Just a few steps from the Abbesses metro stop, the wall features over 311 written declarations of “I love you” in 250 different languages. Created by Frederic Baron and Claire Kito, it is, according to the website, “a meeting place for lovers of Love.” |
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