The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre may be cool, but we know plenty of hidden gems in Paris that deserve your attention.
So you’re planning a trip to France – c’est magnifique! But you’re probably bored of visiting the same old tourist spots (nothing wrong with that) and looking for something new. Well, we’re here to help: from vintage bookstores to sprawling parks, we’ve got you covered with the best hidden gems Paris has to offer. Bookmark this guide now!
Vous voyagez en France? Hidden gems in Paris you shouldn’t miss
1. The windmills of Montmartre
Paris used to be full of windmills; sadly, very few remain today. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t spot them here. Head to Rue Lepic, where you’ll spot two wooden windmills still standing tall and proud. Constructed in 1717, Le Moulin Radet can be found atop the Le Moulin de la Galette restaurant. The other, the Le Moulin Blute-Fin, was built in 1622 and is now on private property. If you’re lucky, you can spot the windmill in early spring or the winter season. Fun fact: the windmills have been painted by many great artists including Van Gogh, Renoir, and Picasso.
Le Moulin Radet and Le Moulin Blute-Fin, 83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France
2. The Abbey Bookshop
Attention, bibliophiles: you’re going to love this magical bookstore. In the heart of the Latin Quarter resides The Abbey Bookstore, a book boutique packed to the brim with new, used, and rare titles. Just how stuffed are we talking about here? Extremely, to the point that books spill out onto the pavement! You’ll spend a good few hours exploring the space, pulling out various publications hidden in the nooks and crannies. Plus points for the hot pots waiting for you outside the store – just pour yourself a cup and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the bookshop.
The Abbey Bookshop, 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris, France
3. Albert Kahn Musee et Jardins
If you’re looking for sweeping lush greenery, this hidden gem in Paris is one you should have on your itinerary. The museum’s four-hectare garden is divided into seven gorgeous landscapes that showcase banker and philanthropist Albert Khan’s appreciation of world cultures. Go ahead and check them all out, though we recommend setting aside more time for the Japanese contemporary garden. It features a gorgeous red lacquered bridge, a flowing brook, and cherry blossoms.
Albert Kahn Musee et Jardins, 2 Rue du Port, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
4. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
We’re all about escaping the city’s hustle and bustle, and you can do that too in the French capital. Tucked away in Canal Saint-Martin is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a 25-hectare park that’ll immediately transport you to the countryside. There are plenty of things to do here: marvel at the grotto and waterfalls, cross a suspension bridge, hike up to the Temple de la Sibylle where you can spot the Sacre Coeur from a distance, and stop for refreshments at the 19th-century pavilions. Or, make like a Parisian by packing a picnic, finding a spot on the grass, and spending the day just relaxing and people-watching.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 1-7 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, France
5. Grande Mosquée de Paris
You’re probably not expecting a place of worship on this list. But if you’re into architecture and design, this mosque is a must-visit. France’s oldest and largest mosque was built in the 1920s as a tribute to the 70,000 Muslim soldiers who died for the country during World War I. It also served as a refuge during World War II. Step inside and be stunned by the central garden with elegant fountains surrounded by plants and flowers, the 33-metre minaret, the sculpted arches, and beautifully intricate mosaics. Visit the tea room afterwards for some sweet mint tea and pastries. Oh, there’s also a hammam here, though it’s strictly for the ladies. Don’t skip this hidden gem in Paris!
Grande Mosquée de Paris, 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris, France
6. La Recyclerie
Those of you who are into sustainable dining should take note of this restaurant. As its name implies, La Recyclerie is all about being eco-conscious by using homegrown and locally sourced ingredients in its menu. Apart from being an eating establishment, it also conducts recycling workshops, film screenings, seed swaps, and other community-building events. While waiting for a table, you can walk around the miniature farm and see what the restaurant’s growing. What we love about La Recyclerie is that it’s housed in a former train station.
La Recyclerie, 83 Boulevard Ornano, 75018 Paris, France
7. Centre Pompidou
What do you get when you combine a library, a museum, and a centre that researches music and acoustics? That’ll be the Centre Pompidou, a multi-cultural complex located around 20 minutes away from the Louvre. But we’re not here to talk about the centre per se. Here’s where you can get the best views of the city, which includes the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and even Notre Dame. Be sure to head to the top floor, where you can soak in the vistas over drinks at the terrace restaurant. Psst: best to visit this hub quick, as it’ll be closed for renovation from 2025 onwards.
Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
8. Statue de la Liberté
Nope, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. If you know your history, you’d remember that France gifted the iconic statue to New York City back in the late 1800s. So it makes sense that there’ll be replicas in Paris as well – think of it like the Merlion statues scattered all over Singapore, if you will. The miniature version is located on Île aux Cygnes, an artificial island on the river Seine. You can access it from Pont de Bir-Hakeim or Pont de Grenelle. Here’s an interesting fact: the statue is said to face New York City. How cool is that?
Statue de la Liberté, Pont de Grenelle, 75015 Paris, France
Now you have no excuse to visit these hidden gems in Paris.
