What to see in Paris: 8 hidden gems not to be missed

Paris is a city where timeless history meets rich European culture. Why not take this year to escape the tourist spots and try something different on your trip to the French capital? Renting a car will allow you to explore at your own pace and give you time to visit the outskirts of the city as well.

Everyone visits the famous Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but there are many other things to discover in Paris that you might not know about. Below, we offer you a list of the best travel experiences to venture into.

The best thing about Paris’s hidden gems is that you don’t have to wait in long lines or move through large crowds, as they are the city’s best-kept secrets.

1. Parc des Buttes

It is a beautiful open green space in the north of the city where you can go to relax and a must-see on your itinerary. The extensive park opened in 1867 and has perfectly withstood the test of time. With an impressive 25 hectares of land to stroll through, it is the ideal place to get close to nature while in the city. Inside the park, you will find the Italian-style Temple de la Sibylle, an artificial waterfall, and numerous photo spots. It is the perfect place for a picnic and to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying Paris under the spring sun.

2. The Abbey Bookshop

Entering the Abbey Bookshop in Paris is like taking a trip back in time and is fascinating for book lovers! It is the best English-language bookstore in Paris and seems like something out of the Harry Potter universe. You can spend hours surrounded by books stacked around you and searching for bargains. It is located near Notre Dame, and you will find all types of books you can imagine there.

3. The Promenade Plantée

Take a walk through one of the most magical gardens in Paris. The Promenade Plantée offers a unique experience as it rises above street level on an abandoned railway viaduct. The park is full of greenery and offers an impressive walk of almost 5 kilometers from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. Don’t miss this unique and free walkway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. The sinking house in Montmartre

You may have seen photos of the sinking house in Montmartre on social media, but where exactly is it? You can find this optical illusion next to the Sacré-Coeur, in front of the Basilica. It might be one of the most intriguing photos you take in all of Paris, and it will be a perfect post for your Instagram. It’s impossible to miss, with the cream-orange color of the brick and the black railing on the outside.

5. Jazz at the Parc Floral de Paris

When you visit Paris in the summer, if you are a jazz fan, there is no better place than the romantic streets of Paris. Every year, the city hosts a festival founded in 1994 by two jazz lovers. The festival takes place from mid-June to early August at the Parc Floral de Paris. The park is a beautiful example of what the French lifestyle offers: a charming picnic atmosphere while listening to music. These outdoor performances attract the best jazz artists from around the world. You may not know much about jazz yet, but you will surely love it!

6. Rue Cremieux

If you are looking for the most vibrant place in Paris, look no further. Rue Cremieux, near the Gare de Lyon, is one of the most photographed and Instagrammable streets in the city. Here you will find brightly colored houses, from orange to pink to yellow and blue, no two are alike. The cobblestones give the area a village-like atmosphere, and the street is named after the famous lawyer and politician Adolphe Crémieux.

• Catacombs of Paris

It is a bit more well-known, but it is still one of the best gems in Paris to visit. The catacombs are definitely only for the brave! You will go under the streets of Paris and find the remains of millions of Parisians who have been there since the late 18th century. It is a truly fascinating 1.5km tour that reveals interesting details of Paris’s history.

• Sainte-Chapelle

Another hidden gem on the list is the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle. Everyone goes to the busy Notre Dame Cathedral, but this royal chapel is also extraordinarily beautiful and much less crowded. It took 7 years to build, was completed in 1248, and is one of the best examples of stained glass art in the world. Next to the Sainte-Chapelle is 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.