Paris is a city where timeless history meets rich European culture. Why not get away from the tourist spots this year and try something a little different on your trip to the French capital? Renting a car means you can explore at your leisure and leaves you time to visit the outskirts too.
Everyone flocks to the famous Eiffel tower and the Louvre. But there are lots of other things to discover whilst you’re in Paris that you may not know about. Here’s a list of some of the best unique travel experiences you can embark on in the city.
The best thing about the hidden gems of Paris is that you don’t have to tackle long queues or large crowds as these are the city’s best-kept secrets.
- Parc des Buttes
This is a beautiful open green space in the north of the city to relax in and should be on your Paris itinerary. The sprawling park was first opened in 1867 and has stood the test of time. With an impressive 25 hectares of land to wander through, this is a place to get close to nature within the city. Inside the park you’ll find the Italian-style Temple de la Sibylle, an artificial waterfall and lots of places for photo opportunities! This is the perfect place for a picnic and relaxing afternoon enjoying Paris in the spring sunshine.
- The Abbey book shop
The Abbey bookshop in Paris is a trip through time and will fascinate book lovers! This is the best English language bookshop in Paris and feels like something straight out of Harry Potter. You’re surrounded by books stacked high all around you and can rummage for bargains for hours. Located near Notre Dame, you’ll find every kind of book you can imagine.
- La Promenade Plantée
Take a walk through one of Paris’s most magical gardens. La Promenade Plantée offers a unique experience as it’s raised above street level on an abandoned railway viaduct. Full of greenery, the park offers a stunning 3-mile stroll from Bastille to Bois de Vincennes. Be sure to make time to visit this free unique walkway to escape the bustle of the city.
- Montmartre’s sinking house
You may have seen pictures of Montmartre’s sinking house on social media, but where exactly is it? You’ll find this optical illusion next to the Sacré-Coeur facing the Basilica. This may well be one of the most intriguing pictures you take in the whole of Paris, and it’ll make a great post for your Instagram. You can’t miss it thanks to the orange creamy colour of the brickwork and the black bannister wrapped around the exterior.
- Jazz at the Parc Floral de Paris
When visiting Paris in the summer, if you’re a jazz fan there’s no better place to be than the romantic streets of Paris. Every year the city holds a jazz festival that was founded in 1994 by two jazz lovers. The festival runs from mid-June through to early August and is held in the Parc Floral de Paris. The park is a beautiful example of what the French lifestyle offers – a lovely picnic atmosphere whilst listening to music. These open-air performances attract top jazz performers from all over the world. Jazz may be a new genre for you but you’re sure to love it!
- The Rue Cremieux
If you’re looking for the most vibrant place in Paris, look no further. Rue Cremieux, near Gare de Lyon, is one of the most photographed and Instagrammable streets in the city. Here you’ll find brightly coloured houses from orange to pink to yellow and blue – there are no two the same. The cobbles give the area a village feel and the street takes its name from the famous lawyer and politician Adolphe Crémieux.
- Paris Catacombs
A little more well-known but still one of Paris’ best gems to visit. The Catacombs are certainly for the brave amongst you! You descend deep beneath the streets of Paris where you’ll find the remains of millions of Parisians who’ve been lying there since the late 18th century. This is a truly fascinating 1.5km tour which delves into the history of Paris.
- Sainte-Chapelle
Another hidden gem on the list is the Gothic Sainte-Chappelle. Everyone flocks to the busy Notre Dame cathedral, but this royal chapel is extraordinarily beautiful too and far less crowded. Completed in 1248, it took 7 years to build and is one of the best examples of stained-glass art in the world. Next to Sainte-Chapelle you’ll find the Conciergerie, the imposing prison where Queen Marie-Antoinette was held after the French Revolution.
Rent a car with Europcar and drive around Paris visiting these beautiful hidden gems at your own pace.
