Paris is a city of endless adventure. Your exploration will likely include well-known sites such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. While these famous Parisian sites should not be skipped, they are only the beginning of the journey. Some of the best spots still wait to be discovered by visitors who dare to be different.
Break free from the oppressive crowds and check out these seven lesser known locations.
1. La Musée du Chocolat
28 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle (map)
Chocolate lovers, this one is for you! The Musée du Chocolat is a delicious learning experience. For a small admission fee, guests can learn about the history of chocolate as well as create and taste their own chocolates. The museum is a family-friendly destination; one of the highlights is a 9.8-foot, 441-pound sculpture of the Arc de Triomphe made entirely of chocolate. Tickets can be purchased here.
2. UC-61
4 rue de l ‘Arc de Triomphe, 75017 (map)
Looking to explore the night life of Paris and avoid the cabaret crowds? Venture over to this unique hidden bar decorated to look and feel like the inside of a German submarine. Guests must ring a doorbell on the street in order to get into this low-profile hangout. Once inside, mixologists offer a variety of signature cocktails in a nautical atmosphere. All aboard!
3. Cimetière des Chiens
4 pont de Clichy, 92600 Asnières-sur-Seine (map) – 15 min. outside Paris on M13 subway
Take your own walking tour through the world’s first pet cemetery. Created in 1899, the cemetery is the resting place of over 40,000 animals including cats, monkeys, lions, and police dogs. You’ll see lots of elaborate sculptures and headstones paying homage to furry friends, and (surprisingly) lots of cats who are very much alive.
This is also the final resting place of Rin Tin Tin, the dog that starred in several 20th century Hollywood films and inspired the television show, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.
4. Marché de Montreuil
Avenue du Professeur André Lemierre (map)
Instead of going on a shopping spree on the expensive Champs-Elysées, find unique souvenirs at the Marché de Montreuil. This open-air flea market offers an expansive selection of goodies from clothing to books, all for affordable prices. Spend the day hunting for bargains on items with much more character than the Eiffel Tower key chains found in every overcrowded souvenir shop. Food vendors on site will even keep you from having to leave at lunchtime!
5. La Mosquée Salon de Thé (peppermint tea)
39 rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire (map)
Located in the Latin Quarter outside of the Grande Mosquée de Paris, the largest mosque in Paris, La Mosquée Salon de Thé is a peaceful stop for food and drink. Visitors sit in an outdoor courtyard featuring beautiful tile mosaics, and birds flit over head. Various Middle Eastern food and desserts are available, but be sure not to miss out on the peppermint tea, the salon’s specialty! When you finish your tea, take a tour of the Grande Mosquée for just a few euros.
6. Le Musée du Fumeur
7 Rue Pache, 75011 (map)
Established in 2001, the Musée du Fumeur walks visitors through the history of smoking over time and across cultures. For smokers and non-smokers alike, this museum is a unique way to learn about the various forms of smoking and its influence on populations, free of charge. It’s especially interesting since you’re basically in the land of smoking.
7. Le Mur des Je T’aime
Square Jean Rictus, Place des Abesses (map)
Just a short stroll through a romantic garden in Montmartre leads you to this wall, Le Mur des Je t’aime, consisting of 612 tiles made of enameled lava engraved with the words “I love you” in various languages. Find your own language, and then try proclaiming your love in a few other languages too!
Also Read: The Best Free Things To Do In Paris
