Underrated Paris: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Standing alone in a small park off the Rue de Rivoli, this 54-meter flamboyant Gothic tower is all that remains of the 16th-century church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. Once a bell tower for the powerful butchers' guild, it is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbolic starting point for the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (Camino de Santiago).

Built in 1846, Passage Jouffroy is one of the most popular and charming covered arcades in Paris. It was a technological marvel of its time, being the first Parisian passage built entirely of iron and glass and the first to feature underfloor heating. It remains a bustling corridor of nostalgia, connecting the Grands Boulevards to the Rue de la Grange-Batelière.

Tucked away at the western tip of the Île de la Cité, Place Dauphine is a hidden sanctuary often called the most romantic square in Paris. Commissioned by Henri IV in 1607 (shortly after the Place des Vosges), it is a unique triangular "square" enclosed by elegant 17th-century buildings that shield it from the noise of the surrounding city.

A charming circular fountain located in the center of the Place de la Contrescarpe, at the summit of the historic Rue Mouffetard. The square and fountain were established in 1852 during the Haussmann renovation of Paris, clearing a dense cluster of medieval houses to create a central gathering point for the Latin Quarter.

A magnificent Louis XIII-style private mansion located in the heart of the Marais, the Hôtel de Sully serves as the headquarters for the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. Built between 1624 and 1630, it is one of the most remarkable examples of classical Parisian architecture, featuring a grand sculpted courtyard and a formal French garden.

Rue du Nil is a tiny, unassuming cobblestone street in the Sentier district (2nd Arrondissement) that has become one of Paris’s premier "foodie" corridors. Once a quiet alleyway, it was transformed over the last decade into a gourmet hub by star chef Grégory Marchand and the artisanal supplier Terroirs d’Avenir.

One of Paris’s most magnificent private museums. It was the lavish 19th-century home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, who spent their lives traveling Europe to amass a world-class collection of Italian Renaissance art, 18th-century French paintings, and Flemish masters.

Opened in 1799, the Passage des Panoramas is the oldest covered walkway in Paris and a pioneer of the "shopping mall" concept. It was the first passage to feature gas lighting (in 1817) and remains a vibrant, bustling corridor connecting the Grands Boulevards to the Bourse district.

Housed in two spectacular mansions (Hôtel Carnavalet and Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau) in the heart of the Marais, this is the oldest municipal museum in Paris. It is dedicated to the history of the city, from prehistory to the present day, showcasing its evolution through art, furniture, and historical artifacts.

One of the most elegant and unusual parks in Paris, Parc Monceau was originally created in the late 18th century as a "folly" garden for the Duke of Chartres. It is famous for its eclectic architectural ornaments, including a miniature Egyptian pyramid, a Roman colonnade, and various statues of famous French figures (such as Chopin and Maupassant).

Located in the historic Les Halles district, Saint-Eustache is one of the most visited and architecturally significant churches in Paris. Built between 1532 and 1632, it features a unique blend of massive Gothic proportions and delicate Renaissance-style decoration. It has long been known as "the church of the common people" due to its proximity to the city's central market.

Once a famous artist squat known as "Chez Robert, Électron Libre," 59 Rivoli is now a legalized, government-supported arts center in the heart of Paris. It houses 30 artist studios across six floors and a ground-floor gallery, offering a space where creators live, work, and exhibit outside the traditional commercial gallery circuit.

Rue Cler is one of the most famous and beloved market streets in Paris. Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, it is a largely pedestrianized, cobblestoned thoroughfare lined with high-quality specialty food shops, colorful flower stalls, and classic Parisian terraces. It has retained its authentic "village" feel despite being just steps away from the city's grandest monuments.

Rue Mouffetard is one of the oldest and most atmospheric streets in Paris, with origins dating back to the Roman era. Located in the 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter), it stretches from the lively Place de la Contrescarpe down to the Church of Saint-Médard. It is a bustling, narrow cobblestone street famous for its permanent market, historic façades, and vibrant student life.

Located in former wine cellars in the Bercy neighborhood, this private museum houses one of the largest collections of fairground objects, carousels, and amusement park memorabilia in the world. It is a "performance museum" where visitors are encouraged to interact with and ride the historic attractions.