14 Underrated Attractions In Paris For 2024

1. Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle rose petal stained glass windows

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10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel constructed in the Gothic style. A still underrated Paris attraction, this stunning church is located in the heart of Paris, within the Palais de Justice complex.

The chapel is of great religious and political significance. It was commissioned by King Louis XI of France and completed in under seven years.

Sainte-Chapelle serves as the chapel for the royal palace and to contain Christ’s crown of thorns and other Passion relics.

The stained glass feature spread across 15 windows and measuring 15 meters in height, depicts 1,113 episodes from the Old and New Testaments, narrating the history of the world up until the relics arrived in Paris.

2. Musée des Arts Forains

53 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, France

Paris is home to a plethora of world-renowned museums and attractions, but did you know that there are also some not-so-popular ones that deserved more attention?

These underrated Parisian museums offer a unique and enriching experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Step right up and experience the wonder of the Museum of Fairground Arts! Here, you’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era of carnival fun and excitement.

Take a spin on vintage rides, test your skills at classic fair games, and marvel at the stunning decor from yesteryear. It’s a trip down memory lane that you won’t want to miss!

3. Half-Timbered Houses – Maison du Faucheur & Maison du Mouton

11 rue Francois Miron, 75004 Paris France

Several of the city’s oldest surviving homes are in the Le Maris neighborhood of Paris.

The conventional buildings in Paris are often designed in the Haussmann style, but these half-timbered residences are remarkably unique.

The foundations of these two homes date back to the 14th century, while the 16th century saw the construction of the upper floors of both homes.

The residences here are among the oldest in the whole city of Paris. If you are interested in history, this area would be such a treat!

4. Grand Rex Cinema

1 Bd Poissonnière, 75002 Paris, France

Who doesn’t enjoy coming to the movies to see what’s new in the world of film? Grand Rex Cinema, the largest movie theater in Europe doubles as a concert venue in addition to being a movie theater.

The theater has 2,800 seats and shows the most recent films from France in addition to those big movies from Hollywood.

Plus, if you are a lover of escape rooms, there is one located here as well. You may very well spend a considerable amount of time at the Grand Rex Cinema taking advantage of everything that it has to offer.

5. Rue Crémieux

Rue Crémieux, 75012 Paris, France

If you’re looking for a charming spot to explore in Paris, head to the 12th arrondissement.

Then, stroll down a delightful pedestrian-only cobblestone street. This quaint avenue is lined with a row of pastel-colored houses that are sure to catch your eye and make for a perfect photo opportunity.

With the rise of social media, Rue Crémieux has gained popularity among photography enthusiasts and Instagram users who are drawn to its charming and picturesque ambiance, making it one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.

As you explore this charming neighborhood, please remember that it is primarily a residential area.

To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you show consideration and respect toward the residents.

6. Église de Saint Germain des Prés

3 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France

The Église de Saint-Germain des Prés is another must-see among the lesser-known cathedrals in Paris.

This beautiful church is in the Saint Germain des Pres neighborhood of Paris, directly across the street from Les Deux Magots.

Beautiful stained glass windows, frescoes, and even painted starry skies adorn the interior.

And unlike the city’s other notable churches, you won’t have to fight your way through hordes of visitors to get inside.

Even the tiny garden next to the chapel is a visual treat so stop by after you’ve explored Église de Saint Germain des Prés.

7. Père Lachaise Cemetery

16, rue du Repos Paris, 75020 France

The Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, is the final resting place of many famous people. Oscar Wilde’s grave is one of the most often visited.

Many Wilde admirers visit his tomb and leave letters, flowers, and sometimes lipstick kisses. There are also likely to be full bottles of Jim Bean and flowers left at Jim Morrison’s grave.

Star-crossed lovers from the 12th century, Abelard and Heloise, are also buried here, and their graves are a must-see for history buffs.

After having an affair that resulted in a kid, Heloise was sent to a convent, and Abelard was castrated. The only way for their love to endure was through the letters they exchanged.

8. Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen

99 All. des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

The “Paris Flea Market” is a must-see if you’re ever in Paris. It’s one of the cities of Paris’s best-hidden secrets. It’s a great place to shop for house furnishings if you have the means to do so.

Even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, just strolling through the maze of little alleyways lined with specialty stores is like exploring an outdoor museum.

It’s a long way from the city center, but if you’re looking for unique antiques, it’s well worth the trip.

Everything from furniture and appliances to dishware, records, and old postcards can be discovered here.

9. Parc Des Buttes Chaumont

1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, France

The 19th arrondissement is home to the wonderful Buttes Chaumont Park, which is far less visited than the more well-known Jardin des Tuileries. This lovely park is one of the best. places to visit in Paris if you want to avoid the crowds.

Buttes Chaumont remains to be an underrated attraction in Paris, despite its stunning vistas of the Sacré-Coeur, a grotto, a waterfall, and a small temple.

Still, if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Paris for a while, pack a picnic and spend a few hours here.

10. Butte Bergeyre

Rue Georges Lardennois, 75019 Paris, France

Butte Bergeyre, a micro-arrondissement adjacent to Buttes Chaumont, is one of those underrated destinations in Paris. But perhaps the lack of traffic around the narrow, cobblestone streets and alleys of Butte Bergeryre is because there are so few entrances to the area.

One of the best unusual places to visit in Paris is a vineyard hidden away in this obscure neighborhood, which not even many residents know about. It is surrounded by tranquil open spaces and beautiful Art Deco buildings from the 1920s.

11. Nicolas Flamel House

49 Rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris, France

Are you curious if Nicolas Flamel mentioned in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the same person as the historical figure? Indeed, it is.

Believe it or not, this individual was not just a fictional character – he is a real alchemist!

He even delved into the mysteries of transmutation and the creation of the fabled philosopher’s stone.

In 1407, this visionary builder erected a magnificent house in the heart of Paris, which still stands tall today as the oldest house in the city.

Paris is known for its many underrated attractions, and this particular house is no exception. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a peaceful and secluded destination.

12. Musée Gustave Moreau

14 Rue Catherine de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris, France

The life and art of the French symbolist painter Gustave Moreau are the focus of the Musée Gustave Moreau.

The museum, housed in Moreau’s former Parisian home and workshop, displays more than 14,000 works by the artist, including paintings, drawings, and sketches.

Moreau’s style included elements of classical art, mythology, and the Bible, and his paintings were known for their vivid colors and exquisite details.

Many of his most well-known works are on display, including “The Apparition,” “Salome Dancing before Herod,” and “Jupiter and Semele.”

The museum also features Moreau’s collection of decorative items, including furniture, ceramics, and textiles.

If you’re an art lover interested in learning more about a major character in the French symbolist movement, a trip to the Musée Gustave Moreau is a must.

13. Parc Monceau

35 Bd de Courcelles, 75008 Paris, France

If you’re looking for a lesser-known yet charming park in Paris, Parc Monceau is worth a visit.

The park boasts an English-style design, featuring winding pathways and whimsical statues scattered throughout.

Its ambiance is less rigid than that of traditional French gardens, lending a more relaxed and carefree atmosphere.

The attraction showcases scaled-down replicas of various architectural wonders, such as a charming windmill, majestic Corinthian pillars, a mystical Egyptian pyramid, and other fascinating structures.

14. Musee National Eugene Delacroix

6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris, France

The modest museum Musée Eugène Delacroix is in the house where the artist lived until he died in 1863.

Place Furstenberg is one of Paris’s most picturesque squares, and the museum is situated there among the magnificent trees and beautiful architecture.

Visit to the artist’s red-themed rooms, where you may examine the moving works on show. It is like having a private conversation with the man behind the art, even if his most famous pieces are on display at the Louvre.

Delacroix’s studio, which is part of the museum, is located in a small garden. The garden has been restored to its original glory.

Christine Rogador

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.