Put your travel hat on, we’re heading to Paris to explore some of its less touristy, hidden gems. Here are 10 of them…
Paris has always been on my bucket list. The idea of Paris feels so romanticised, so naturally, when I finally headed there at the end of November, my expectations were quite high. After all, it’s a city of love, fashion, and everything in between. You see it on TV, hear people singing about it – so it must be special.
People in Europe often whisper that Paris isn’t quite what it seems in the media, but I can fully confirm: it is!
Of course, since it was my first time in Paris, I had to visit the iconic spots – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe – you know the drill. However, having travelled with a long-lost, travel-savvy friend from my university days, I was also able to explore some of the hidden gems in Paris.
La Petite Rose des Sables
Get here: 6 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris, France
Prices: Expect to pay around €15 for a meal
This cute little restaurant is a must-visit for anyone coming to Paris. Run by the sweetest elderly lady, it’s a Sangria-filled paradise and a chance to enjoy an hour or two in the most romantic setting.
The menu is packed with hearty dishes. Think beef bourguignon, lasagna bolognese, duck casserole, and more.
Before visiting La Petite Rose des Sables, there are a few things you should know. First of all, there are only about four tables, so the place is tiny but oh-so-charming. Secondly, it opens every evening at 7 p.m. However, if you want to secure a table, I advise arriving early, as you might have to wait in line for a while (but trust me, it’s worth it!). And lastly, before you leave, the owner of this lovely restaurant may want to take a photo of you, as she has plenty hanging on the restaurant’s wall. Bon appétit!
59 Rivoli
Get here: 59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Price: Free
One for the art lovers: 59 Rivoli is a former squat turned into an open artist community. As you pass by, you can’t miss it – even from the outside, it looks magnificent. The building houses a variety of artists – painters, sculptors, musicians, and performers – who work and showcase their art within the space.
Entry to this cultural hotspot is completely free, and you can browse the space, meet the artists, and have a chat with them. And don’t let the old stereotype about French people fool you; they’re some of the nicest, most fashionable, and creative people you will ever meet.
The Centre Pompidou
Get here: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Price: Free ride
Okay, so while the Centre Pompidou itself is quite a famous cultural attraction, you should go there for the escalator ride up to see Paris from above. While you might have to wait in line for a bit, it moves quickly, and it’s completely free (just remember to stay in the blue line).
We went there on a sunny yet cold day, around 4 p.m., just as the sun was setting, and the view was simply breathtaking. As you go up, the see-through walls allow you to appreciate the city beneath your feet, and when you get to the top, you have a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding areas.
Shakespeare and Company, Independent Bookstore
Get here: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Prices: Book start around €10
If you’re a book-lover like me, make sure you add Shakespeare and Company to your Paris hidden gems list. I’ve heard about it from my boyfriend, who recently went to Paris, and from a colleague at work, who years ago was reading his poems at this charming little bookshop.
Upon entering, it’s hard not to take out your phone and start snapping photos. However, learn from my mistake: I was told off for doing just that. Filming of any kind is not allowed, so it’s a feast for the eyes instead. The bookshop itself is filled with books stacked from floor to ceiling, and it almost feels like a living museum. There are plenty of English books, so readers of any genre are sure to find something they’ll like.
Fragrance shop: Officine Universelle Buly
Get here: 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
Prices: Expect to spend €50 to €150 on most products
Founded in 1803, this fragrance boutique is perfect for those who appreciate the finer, more luxurious things in life. Stepping inside, the shop impresses with its old-fashioned (in the best possible way!) atmosphere, reminiscent of an antique apothecary. There are plenty of wooden shelves filled with jars of the most dreamy scents.
The best part of this fragrance shop is that it allows customers to create their own unique fragrance blends, and it offers a wide range of products with personalised engravings. From luxurious candles to travel beauty kits and more, there’s something for everyone. It’s also worth noting that reservations are recommended for those wishing to create their own perfume or use the engraving services.
Café Campana
Get here: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Prices: Expect to pay around €10 – €25 for a drink and a light snack
If you’re looking for a dreamy spot to sip some delicious coffee and have a bite to eat, Café Campana is the place to be. With its very unique interior design, it’s a beautiful space to sit down and take a break from running around Paris.
I think the most notable feature of this coffee shop (besides, of course, the coffee!) is the ‘clock-like’ detail. Formerly a train station, the clock is an ode to the past. You can also look through the glass clock face to the outside world, with beautiful views of the Parisian skyline.
Did I mention that the café is located within the Musée d’Orsay, yet another fascinating impressionist museum?
musiam-paris.com/fr/restaurants/cafe-campana/
Cedric Grolet Café
Get here: 6 Rue Danielle Casanova, 75002 Paris, France
Prices: Expect to spend around €10 – €25 for a drink and a pastry
I’m not usually big on sweet treats, but my friend convinced me that this is one of the hidden gems to visit when in Paris. Cédric Grolet Café is the brainchild of, well, you guessed it, Cédric Grolet – one of the most acclaimed pastry chefs. With locations in Paris, London, and beyond, it’s the place to be if you fancy a coffee and something sweet on the go.
Queuing seems to be a common thing in Paris, and Cédric Grolet Café is no exception. However, the staff work their magic quickly, and before I know it, I’m ordering a hot mochaccino and a pistachio cream-filled croissant doughnut! The only word I can think of to describe this sweet goodness is – divine. And if I don’t mind queuing for it, that means it’s worth it!
Vintage shop: Bobby
Get here: 89 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France
Prices: Vary depending on the brand!
I mean, it would be a shame to come to Paris and not visit at least one of their vintage shops. This one has plenty of unique, high-quality second-hand fashion and accessories. The shop spans over two floors and features some really unique designer pieces at prices that are somewhat reasonable.
What I noticed while I was there is that each garment has its own charm, so if you’re looking for something that stands out, this is the place to be. While they do sell luxury and designer pieces, such as Chanel bags and retro Levi’s items, Bobby is by no means intimidating. It’s cosy, laid-back, and fun!
Self Photo Studio – Memoli
Get here: 13 Rue Poissonnière, 75002 Paris, France
Prices: Around €8
We stumbled upon one of the last hidden gems in Paris quite accidentally, but once you walk past it, it’s hard not to notice it. This self-photo studio looks fun, pink, and, well, that’s it – that’s all you really need to lure me in. It’s not a concept I had heard of before, but my friend explains that there are self-photo studios like this all over the world, and the way it works is quite simple.
You go in, pick a photo booth, choose some photo props (and there are so many of them! Cat ears, chic sunglasses, hats, wands – the list goes on and on), dress up, and take some Polaroid-style photos. They’re printed right on the spot, and you have a cute little memory to hold on to.
Musée des Arts Forains
Get here: 53 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, France
Prices: Adults around €14 – €16 (for general admission); Children (ages 6 – 12): Around €8 – €10; Children under 6: Free.
The last hidden gem in Paris is this private museum dedicated to vintage carnival attractions and fairground entertainment. Expect to see lots of fun antique carnival rides and games from the 19th and 20th centuries.
I think the highlight of this museum is how interactive it is. You can participate in most of the games and fairground rides, taking your museum experience to a whole new level. This would be perfect for couples, families, and little ones, as there’s plenty to see, do, and explore within this whimsical venue.