10 Underrated & Non-Touristy Places to Visit in Paris
Planning a first trip to Paris almost always includes the essentials: the Latin quarter, Jardin des Tulieries near the Louvre, Jardin du Luxembourg, Notre Dame, Montmarte, the Eiffel Tower…
…but what if you’re heading back to Paris for a second, third, or maybe even a fourth time – and you’re looking for some hidden pockets of Paris that make this city scream home to the rest of us?
Walking around Quartier Populaires in the 13th arrondissement of Paris; February 2022.
I’ve done a lot of exploring the past few weeks, and here’s my round-up list of some of my favorite, underrated, tourist free hidden gems in Paris.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Read more below to find out my favorite underrated places in Paris!
1. Buttes-aux-Cailles
The 13th arrondissement is a forgotten district of Paris… when it really shouldn’t be.
It has a lot to offer that people overlook. I never even set foot in this arrondissement until my fourth visit to Paris, and I’ve only really explored it in depth since moving here.
This neighborhood is too picturesque for words. Think of some baby Montmarte hills, the colorful homes in Notting Hill in London, New York City’s West Village… and you have Buttes Aux Cailles.
I couldn’t get over just how cute everything in this neighborhood was. In fact, cute was an understatement – it was precious.
You have to come here. It is so unbelievably peaceful, quiet – and picturesque unlike any other place in Paris I’ve been.
Dare I say – I like it better than Montmarte (shhh – don’t tell anyone who lives in Montmarte that I said that!).
2. Quartier Populaires
Neighboring Buttes Aux Cailles in Quartier Populaires. It is mostly residently, and quiet – but so colorful just like those muted, vibrant buildings of Notting Hill I mentioned before.
This is like Rue Cremieux in Paris, but quiet… and it’s not just one street.
If you’re looking for a top-secret Instagram photo location – this is the place to take it.
3. Espanalde Invalides
This is such an underrated green space in Paris. With the view of Pont Alexandre III, Invalides, and the Eiffel Tower peeking through the trees – it is one of the nicest places in the city for a picnic or to throw a Frisbee with your friends.
4. Jardin Champs Elysees
I know, you’re thinking – there’s nothing there.
There really isn’t. This is a pretty uneventful park in Paris, but that’s kind of why I like it. It reminds me of Madison Square Garden in Manhattan – it is situated right between chaos, with the Champs Elysees to the left and Place de la concorde and Jardin des Tulieres to it’s right.
But it’s such a nice, big open space for some true Parisian people watching and my personal favorite – journaling.
5. Square Saint Jacques
Tour Saint Jacques is one of my favorite Paris landmarks. I’m not sure what it is… the details, how I see it from afar on the other side of the city on the seine – but I love it.
And it even has it’s own little square! Again – no tourists here. Locals stopping by for a quick break, which is what I do myself. I’ll journal, eat a pain au chocolat, listen to a song or two – and then get back up and continue with my day.
P.S. – this one has some hilarious pigeon episodes to watch, if you know what I mean.
6. Jardin des Grands Explorateurs
Sitting at the end of the infamous (and one of my favorites) Jardin du Luxembourg, this little pocket is often overlooked in Paris.
If you sit at the very corner near the fountain, you can catch the Sacre-Coeur in the distance. There is nothing more enchanting to me than being in Paris and seeing its monuments from miles away.
7. Parc Monceau
Off a business/break office heavy avenue – this is a nice, opened space park filled with family friendly activities. I come here and see kids playing, or people taking their lunch break.
Like Jardin champs elysees – this is a nice moment away from Paris’s more famous gardens and parks.
8. Places des Voges
Some will say this is touristy, but in comparison to other Parisian landmarks or parks – I personally disagree. This is more often than not filled with locals.
Places des Voges in Paris on a fall day; October 2021
This is truly one of my favorite parks in Paris. Something about before surrounding by the four streets tucked away with the warm orange Parisian buildings makes you feel so safe, relaxed, and peaceful.
It emanates a certain feeling no other place in Paris can for me. Plus – you’re near the fun neighborhood of Le Marais!
9. Parc Buttes-Chaumont
In Paris, where most parks are small and in the middle of a relatively busy environment – this one is not.
Reminiscent of Manhattan’s Central Park, the only big green, open space in a concrete jungle – this Parisian park mirror’s the character of Luxembourg City, if you’ve ever been there.
Multiple bridges, bodies of water, hills, and a plethora of pathways to wander around – this park is conspicuously where Parisians go to escape any vivacious character. It is one of the only places in Paris where you don’t feel like you’re in Paris…
…it is a little safe-haven of greenery in the midst of a big city – in the best way possible.
10. Square Rene-Vivani
While wandering around Ile-de-cite, the island in Paris which Notre Dame resides on, I stumbled across this park right outside Shakespeare & Company.
Surprisingly enough, it was completely empty despite its central location right next to the popular bookstore.
It’s perfect to sit and be still for a moment, with a beautiful view of Notre Dame.
View of Notre Dame in Square Rene-Vivani; January 2022
And there you have it! Want to see some of these places in action?
Watch my Paris vlogs below!