Paris: 12 Hidden (+ Quirky) Gems You Prob Don’t Know
By Sam Lee, 2025. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are must-sees in Paris, but there's something truly magical about ditching the crowds.
Read on to uncover ten hidden (some charming, some quirky) gems that will make you feel like you’re experiencing Paris like a true local.
01—
La Campagne à Paris
Hidden away in the 20th arrondissement, the La Campagne neighborhood is your quiet antidote to the city's usual chaos.
Picture adorable houses, cobblestone streets, and greenery stretching as far as you can see. It's the perfect escape to tourist overload—especially when you realize you're hearing birds chirp instead of car horns blaring. The peace here is a nice contrast to the buzz around areas like the Marais or the Latin Quarter. It's well worth the detour.
Okay, let's move on to number two.
02—
Paris' oldest tree
When wandering through the Latin Quarter, you might stumble upon a living legend in Square Viviani dating back to 1601 (as far as anyone knows).
This marvel of nature is Paris’s oldest tree: a grand locust tree, standing more than 15 meters tall. How lovely is that?
It was imported from North America and planted here by Jean Robin, gardener to Henri IV. Despite its age, it still blooms every spring, though it now leans on a concrete crutch.
The tree saw both Versailles and the Eiffel Tower built, and will likely keep eavesdropping on Paris’s future. We can only hope!
03—
The Secret Passages of Paris
These covered arcades were once the bustling heart of Parisian social life, teeming with shops, and cafes. Today, they offer a tucked-away slice of history and a unique shopping experience far from the usual tourist traps.
These passages date back to the early 1800s and were built to save Parisians from muddy streets and bad weather.
Stroll through Passage des Panoramas or Galerie Vivienne, and you'll swear you've been transported to 19th-century Paris. To uncover these lesser-known gems, head to the 2nd arrondissement.
04—
Belleville: Trendy + Multicultural
This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris, and it's impossible not to fall head over heels for Belleville's diverse and quirky charm.
Where else can you find Vietnamese pho shops next to Middle Eastern bakeries? And those colorful murals? Pure Instagram gold.
The heart of Belleville cozies up between the 20th and 19th districts, with Rue de Belleville as its main artery. The rest spills over into the 10th and 11th districts.
As you stroll around the Belleville neighborhood, don’t skip the street art gem: Rue Dénoyez. Artists splash creativity along this 150-meter stretch, hosting frequent art events — think massive murals, graffiti, tags, and vibrantly colored flowerpots. And since street art is ever-evolving, you’ll catch something new every visit.
Oh, and for something completely different, head to Parc de Belleville for nice views of Paris' skyline and a peaceful escape. And not far away is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which is also worth a visit. Read on.
05—
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a sprawling park in the 19th arrondissement that feels like nature hit the jackpot. It's got steep cliffs, winding paths, and even a waterfall, all perfectly arranged.
One of the park's standout features is its temple perched atop a hill, the Temple de la Sibylle. The view of Paris from up there is pretty good — not as spectacular as tour guides will make out, but still worth checking out. Stroll around, and you'll find hidden grottoes, charming bridges, and an artificial lake complete with a suspension bridge.
You'll see locals jogging, families picnicking, and even the occasional yoga class happening on the grass. Keep an eye out for the adorable ducks and swans strutting around the park.
06—
Cité des Fleurs
Tucked away in the 17th arrondissement, Cité des Fleurs is a gorgeous neighborhood. Wander through its narrow lanes and discover charming homes decked out with vibrant flowers and lush greenery.
Saunter by quaint cafes where locals savor their morning brew. Eavesdrop on chatter from hidden gardens as neighbors gossip over garden gates.
The peace here is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of central Paris, making it perfect if you’re craving a chill escape but still want that city vibe.
07—
Paris' Statues of Liberty
Yes, that’s right. The Statue of Liberty — that iconic symbol of the United States and New York City — was actually crafted by the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and gifted to the U.S. by France to celebrate the camaraderie between the two nations.
While the grand dame on Liberty Island stands tall at 97 meters (pedestal included), Paris boasts five replicas scattered around the city, including one nestled inside the breastplate of French sculptor César Baldaccini’s centaur statue. And don’t miss the Flame of Liberty on Pont de l’Alma – it’s a perfect replica of Lady Liberty’s torch.
Where to spot these gems: In the Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue Guynemer, 75006, On the Île aux Cygnes, Pont de Grenelle, 75015; at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, 292 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003; at the Musée d’Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007; and inside the centaur statue (Centaure de César), Place Michel Debré, 75006.
08—
Musée de la Chasse
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is a unique museum in the Marais that combines hunting artifacts and natural history in an eccentric way.
The collection explores humanity's relationship with nature through a blend of old and new exhibits, including taxidermy animals and unusual art installations. The museum's quirky charm, knowledgeable staff, and intimate setting make it a hidden gem worth visiting for art aficionados, history buffs, and those who enjoy offbeat experiences.
Opening hours are typically from 11 AM to 6 PM, and you can get there via Metro line 3 or bus lines.
09—
Cimetière des Chiens
This one is for animal lovers. The Cimetière des Chiens is the world's oldest pet cemetery located outside Paris. Established in 1899, it features ornate tombstones and touching epitaphs dedicated to beloved pets ranging from horses to lions to monkeys and even fish, including famous animals like Rin Tin Tin.
The cemetery is a tribute to the bond between humans and their furry friends, offering a peaceful escape and a reminder that pets are family members. It is a unique and heartwarming experience for animal lovers, or you’re seeking something offbeat.
10—
The Vineyard of Montmartre
The Vineyard of Montmartre, aka Clos Montmartre, is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris that churns out around 1,000 bottles of vino each year. Planted back in 1933 to keep real estate developers at bay, it's now a quirky attraction that throws a lively grape harvest festival.
Normally, the vineyard plays hard to get, but visitors can sneak peeks from nearby streets and join guided tours during the festival. The sheer surprise of stumbling upon a vineyard in the bustling city only adds to its charm, making it a must-visit for wine lovers wandering through Montmartre. Cheers to that!
11—
The Passage Verdeau
The Passage Verdeau is like that secret club you always wanted to join but never knew existed. Located in the 9th arrondissement (6 rue de la Grange-Batelière, 75003 Paris), this covered passageway is the cooler cousin of the more famous shopping spots.
Built in 1847 (yeah, it’s old), it’s managed to keep its vintage vibes alive. Antique bookstores are the main attraction here.
Art galleries? Oh, they have those too. The passage has become a bit of a hub for emerging talents, which makes it an ideal place to discover unique pieces or souvenirs (you can thank me later).
Got a sweet tooth? Stop in at A la Mère de Famille, one of Paris' oldest chocolate shops, because who doesn’t need more chocolate in their life?
12—
Merci’s Hidden Red Car
MERCI is a concept store nestled in the trendy Marais neighborhood of Paris, and it’s famed for its beautifully curated collection of fashion, home goods, and accessories — and its vintage Peugeot 404 convertible painted a vibrant red. It’s become quite the Instagram gem lately, but it’s still a bit of a scavenger hunt to find if you don’t know where to look.
But how did this flashy car end up here?
Well, this red beauty has quite the tale. It once belonged to Marie-France Cohen, one of MERCI’s founders. She found it abandoned on the side of the road and decided to give it a new lease on life as a unique decoration piece for her store. After some TLC and careful restoration, the car is now an eye-catching display and a functional storage space for merch.
But wait, there’s more! Rumor has it that if you squint at the license plate, you’ll find a hidden message in French – "Merci la vie," which translates to "Thank you life." How nice is that? I couldn’t see it myself but don’t trust me: I’m kinda blind without my glasses! You might have better luck.
You can find it at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France.
That’s a wrap!
What do you think? Do any of these make it to your travel itinerary? I hope you found my list helpful.
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