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 des peupliers in the 13th arrondissement of Paris; February 2022.
📍✨ Who Is This Guide For? ✨🇫🇷
🗼 Already Seen the Icons
You've already visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre, and want to discover a different side of Paris.
🤫 Escape the Crowds
You're looking for non-touristy places in Paris where you won't be shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other visitors.
🥐 Live Like a Local
You'd rather spend time wandering quieter neighborhoods where Parisians actually live, shop, and relax.
📸 Slow Travel
You love photography, cafés, parks, and hidden streets more than simply ticking famous landmarks off your bucket list.
Why You Should Trust This Underrated Places in Paris Guide
If you’re looking for the place to find the best hidden gems in Paris, look no further.
As an American living here for five years, I’ve done a lot of exploring in Paris over the past few years to find the best local spots for people on a repeat trip to Paris. Having lived here for years to test all of these parks, neighborhoods, and gardens several times – 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 as a local living here!
Outside a café in Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
🇫🇷✨ Already Been There? Try These Hidden Paris Alternatives 💎
| If You've Already Visited... | Try This Instead |
|---|---|
| 🎨 Montmartre | Butte-aux-Cailles — the same charming cobblestone streets, cafés, colorful houses, and little hills, just without the overwhelming crowds. It feels like the Montmartre locals wish tourists had never discovered. |
| 🌷 Jardin du Luxembourg | Parc Monceau — just as beautiful with elegant flower beds, fountains, and tree-lined paths, but with a much more local, family-friendly atmosphere where you'll actually be able to find a bench. |
| 🛍️ Champs-Élysées | Jardin des Champs-Élysées — a much quieter way to experience the city center. It's perfect for people-watching, relaxing beneath the trees, and escaping the shopping crowds while still staying within walking distance of the Champs-Élysées. |
| 🌈 Rue Crémieux | Quartier des Peupliers — the same colorful houses and charming streets, just with softer pastel colors, virtually no tourists, and peaceful cafés where you can actually sit and enjoy the neighborhood. |
| 🗼 Trocadéro | Esplanade des Invalides — the Eiffel Tower views aren't quite as commanding, but it's dramatically less touristy, far more relaxing, and free from vendors trying to sell you souvenirs every few minutes. |
| 🌳 Champ de Mars | Place des Vosges — you won't get Eiffel Tower views, but you'll be surrounded by one of Paris' prettiest squares, beautiful boutiques, charming cafés, and Le Marais instead of endless souvenir shops. |
| 🌿 Jardin des Tuileries | Parc des Buttes-Chaumont — much bigger, far less crowded, and one of the best places in Paris to escape the city with waterfalls, cliffs, suspension bridges, and winding walking paths. |
| 🖼️ The Louvre | Musée d'Orsay — significantly less crowded while still housing world-famous artwork. The museum itself is stunning inside a former train station, and the upper floor offers beautiful views toward Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur. |
| 🍷 The Seine | Canal Saint-Martin — while tourists flock to the Seine, locals gather along Canal Saint-Martin to eat takeaway dinners, enjoy drinks with friends, and soak up the atmosphere on sunny evenings and weekends. |
| 📚 Latin Quarter | Belleville — you'll still find a blue-collar Parisian atmosphere, but Belleville is even more artistic, multicultural, and a little grungier, with incredible street art, independent cafés, and some of the city's best viewpoints. |
| 🛍️ Champs-Élysées Shopping | Beaugrenelle — honestly, very few locals go shopping on the Champs-Élysées. Instead, we head to Beaugrenelle for stores like FNAC, Monoprix, fashion brands, restaurants, and one of the nicest movie theaters in Paris—all without fighting huge tourist crowds. |
View of the Eiffel Tower from Invalides; March 2022
Map of Non-Touristy Places in Paris
Quartier Populaires in Paris, France; February 2022
🗺️✨ Half-Day Hidden Gems in Paris Itinerary 🇫🇷
Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
10 Hidden Gems and Underrated Places in Paris You Can’t Miss: A Local’s Guide
1. Butte-aux-Cailles
📍 Arrondissement: 13th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Corvisart
⏰ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
✨ Best For: Less crowded cafés, parks, and wandering around to get a taste of normal life for locals in Paris.
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.
View of St. Anne's Church in the Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
La Butte aux Cailles was originally a fenced-in village outside of Paris that overlooked the (now underground) Bièvre river. Limestone mining was a primary activity in the area during the 17th century, and the area remained working class until recently.
Once a quiet village outside Paris, Butte-aux-Cailles (which literally translates to “quail hill”, officially became a part of Paris was in 1860 – but still keeps its quaint and charming atmosphere nearly 200 years later. Between the colorful street art, cobblestone streets, and village feel – this should be a place for every repeat visitor in Paris. I often take my friends and family, who have been to Paris more than once, to Butte-aux-Cailles as its a refreshing change of pace from the more touristy parts of Paris.
Best Time of Day to Visit
The best time to visit this hidden gem in Paris is on a Sunday afternoon. I love to stroll here between the hours of 1 and 4pm on the weekends to see people congregating in cafés or taking their kids to the park. Years after living here, this is still one of my all time favorite places in Paris for a pensive walk, take unique photographs, and to sit in the park and write in my journal.
Walking around Quartier des peupliers in the 13th arrondissement of Paris; February 2022.
Why it’s Underrated
Buttes Aux Cailles is underrated as it’s something I had never even heard of until moving to Paris.
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.
Outskirts of Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
I still can’t get over just how cute everything in this neighborhood is.
In fact, cute is an understatement – it’s precious.
Street view of Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
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!).
Pink and yellow buildings in Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
2. Quartier des peupliers
📍 Arrondissement: 13th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Maison Blanche
⏰ Time Needed: 30 minutes–1 hour
✨ Best For: Colorful houses without the Rue Crémieux crowds, peaceful streets, and very quiet local cafés.
Right nearby Buttes Aux Cailles within walking distance is Quartier des peupliers. It is mostly residential, and quiet – but so colorful just like those muted, vibrant buildings of Notting Hill I mentioned before.
Tucked safely area in one of the quietest parts of the 13th arrondissement, Quartier des Peupliers was largely developed in the 1920s. With its colorful houses, quiet pedestrian lanes, and village-like atmosphere, it remains one of the few neighborhoods in Paris that still feels like a hidden countryside enclave within the city.
Rue de Moulin des Prés in Paris; February 2022
Best Time of Day to Visit
My favorite time to visit is similar to Butte-aux-Cailles – on a weekend in the afternoon, as that’s when the calm vibes with locals enjoying their day off are in full swing. That being said, if you want person-less and car-less shots of these streets – it’s best to come right away early in the morning.
Why it’s Underrated
The streets of Quartier des Peupliers are incredibly picturesque, like Rue Cremieux in Paris – except it’s quiet and there are several Instagram-worthy streets to choose from.
If you’re looking for a top-secret Instagram photo location in Paris – this is the place to take it.
Street view of Quartier Populaires in Paris; February 2022
3. Espanalde Invalides
📍 Arrondissement: 7th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Invalides
⏰ Time Needed: 30 minutes–1 hour (or longer if you're planning a picnic)
✨ Best For: Peaceful picnics with Eiffel Tower views, people-watching, and experiencing local Parisian life without the crowds.
Invalides in Paris
Best Time of Day to Visit
The best time of day to visit is in the middle of the day or early afternoon, as the park will be empty and you’ll be able to watch the bridge and traffic circulating in peace and quiet to contemplate your life in silence alongside Paris.
Why it’s Underrated
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.
View of Invalides in the Fall in Paris, France; November 2021
4. Jardins des Champs-Élysées
📍 Arrondissement: 8th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau
⏰ Time Needed: 30 minutes–1 hour
✨ Best For: Enjoying a peaceful local park while taking a break between visiting popular attractions like the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées.
I know, you’re thinking – there’s nothing there.
Jardin Champs Elysees in the winter; January 2022
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.
Best Time of Day to Visit
Anytime that Paris is most awake, which is usually between the hours of 3pm and 5pm – is my favorite time to sit here. This is because this underrated place in Paris is prime-time for people watching – meaning it shines best when more people are out and about.
Why it’s Underrated
Jardins des Champs-Élysée is such a nice, big open space for some true Parisian people watching and my personal favorite – journaling. Also, there are a few nearby crepe stands and coffee vendors that are usually open right at the park entrance – letting you take a sweet treat into the park with you before you people watch.
It’s often overlooked for the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. If you’re looking for something nearby a little less muddled with tourists – this is the place to go.
Outskirts of Jardin Champs Elysees
5. Square Saint Jacques
📍 Arrondissement: 4th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Cité
⏰ Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
✨ Best For: Writers who love watching the world go by while admiring one of the most underrated monuments in the heart of Paris' city center.
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!
Reminiscent of the Gothic architecture often found in Barcelona, Tour Saint-Jacques is all of what’s left of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie Church – which was demolished after the French Revolution. This little history behind it makes it feel all the more special when you sit there.
Tour Saint Jacques in Paris; October 2021
Best Time of Day to Visit
Late afternoon is my favorite when it’s the spring and summer, as lots of locals will sit on the grass for a picnic – which adds to the character of this non-touristy place in Paris.
Why it’s Underrated
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 place has some hilarious pigeon episodes to watch, if you know what I mean. It’s like free entertainment to watch them go insane over every free dropped croissant.
Inside Park near Tour Saint Jacques in Paris, France
6. Jardin des Grands Explorateurs
📍 Arrondissement: 6th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Luxembourg
⏰ Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
✨ Best For: A quiet pocket away from the busier areas of the Jardin du Luxembourg without missing out on the same Parisian charm.
Sitting at the end of the infamous (and one of my favorites) Jardin du Luxembourg, this little pocket is often overlooked in Paris.
Jardin des Grands Explorateurs in the winter
Best Time of Day to Visit
I love to sit here closer to the end of the day, as it’s secluded nature feels more natural as you approach dusk hours. Plus, it leaves better chances for a nice quiet pocket of Paris to yourself.
Why it’s Underrated
If you sit at the very corner near the fountain, you can catch the Sacré-Cœur in the distance. There is nothing more enchanting to me than being in Paris and seeing its monuments from miles away.
7. Parc Monceau
📍 Arrondissement: 8th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Monceau
⏰ Time Needed: 45 minutes–1 hour
✨ Best For: Charming flower-filled parks with a local crowd, family-friendly afternoons, and a peaceful escape from Paris' busier gardens. It's also one of my favorite family-friendly places in Paris.
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.
Inside Park Monceau; July 2021
Best Time of Day to Visit
Hands down, anytime on a weekend in the spring or summer is the best time to visit Parc Monceau – as that’s when every is out and relaxing, and it adds to the charm with families and young children running around the park to give it a true local feel.
Why it’s Underrated
Parc Monceau isn’t known by people visiting Paris as it’s in an extremely residential area and is usually overlooked by gardens closer to more touristic things like Jardin des Tuileries near the Louvre and Jardin du Luxembourg near the Latin Quarter. This serves as a far less touristic option without skipping out on the beauty.
8. Places des Voges
📍 Arrondissement: 4th arrondissement (Le Marais)
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Paul
⏰ Time Needed: 45 minutes–1 hour
✨ Best For: A safe-feeling park surrounded by local boutiques, charming cafés, and restaurants in the heart of Le Marais—perfect for shopping before or after relaxing in one of Paris' prettiest squares.
Some will say that Places des Voges is touristy, but in comparison to other Parisian landmarks or parks – I personally disagree. This underrated place in Paris is more often than not filled with locals on the weekends – and after years of living here, I can confirm I usually hear far more French than I do English when chilling in one of the four water-fountain-filled quadrants.
Places des Voges in Paris on a fall day; October 2021
Built back in the 1600s under King Henri IV, Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris – and you can definitely feel it whenever your there.
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.
People walking in Places des Voges in Paris; October 2021
Best Time of Day to Visit
The earlier you can visit Places des Voges, the better. It starts to get crowded around 3pm, and by 5pm – it will be next to impossible to find a seat on the grass. I personally love Places des Voges best in the summer with the sun, and again in the autumn with all of the orange colors that match the buildings that surround the park.
Why it’s Underrated
Places des Voges is in the middle of Le Marais, which is known to be one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Paris – and this park is what I believe to be the most “local” side to this otherwise bustling neighborhood. I usually see tourists flocking down Rue des Rosiers – but Places des Voges has continued to belong to the Parisians.
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.
Places des Voges in Paris; March 2025
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
📍 Arrondissement: 19th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Buttes Chaumont
⏰ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
✨ Best For: Nature lovers looking for a city escape who want to forget they're in Paris for a while, thanks to its rolling hills, waterfalls, lake, and peaceful walking trails.
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.
View of Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021
Best Time of Day to Visit
Sunset is a really beautiful time to visit Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris, as locals will gather for summery picnics with friends, and from certain areas of the park – you’ll be able to see the Sacré-Cœur perched on the hill in the distance.
Why it’s Underrated
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’s a little safe-haven of greenery in the midst of a big city – in the best way possible.
10. Square René Viviani
📍 Arrondissement: 5th arrondissement
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame
⏰ Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
✨ Best For: People who love relaxing in parks with views of famous monuments, enjoying a much more laid-back way to see Notre-Dame, and browsing the nearby Shakespeare and Company Bookshop.
While wandering around Ile-de-cite, the island in Paris which Notre Dame resides on, I stumbled across this park right outside Shakespeare & Company.
View of Square Rene-Vivani in Paris; January 2022
After first opening back in1928, Square René Viviani is one of Paris's most charming hidden gardens. It's also home to the oldest tree in all of Paris – which was planted all the way back in 1601!
Surprisingly enough, depending on the time of day, this place can be completely empty – despite its central location right next to the popular bookstore, “Shakespeare & Company”.
Outside Shakespeare & Company in Paris; January 2022
Best Time of Day to Visit
I love being here mid-day, usually after an early stroll down Boulevard Saint-Michel – as it’s still early enough that it’s quiet but enough people that you can still remind yourself your in modern day Paris – otherwise, the unreal views of Notre-Dame cathedral start to make it feel like a time warp!
Why it’s Underrated
This is an underrated place in Paris as it’s perfect to sit and be still for a moment, with a beautiful view of Notre Dame.
Instead of walking straight up to the famous Parisian cathedral, this spot in Paris offers more charming, shady-side views with a glimpse of the seine – away from the touristic chaos and long lines on Île de la Cité itself.
View of Notre Dame in Square Rene-Vivani; January 2022
🌿✨ Bonus Hidden Gems in Paris ✨🇫🇷
🌿 Coulée Verte René-Dumont
One of Paris' most underrated walks, the Coulée Verte gives you close-up views of beautiful Parisian rooftops before ending at Jardin de Reuilly, a peaceful local park perfect for a quiet picnic. Along the way you'll pass charming flower-covered arches, gardens, and benches that feel worlds away from the tourist crowds.
🚲 Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is where young Parisians come to spend their weekends. It's always buzzing with locals enjoying takeaway food, drinks along the canal, and hopping between the area's many bars, cafés, and independent restaurants.
🥐 Saint-Ambroise
The Saint-Ambroise neighborhood is a charming local pocket of Paris with a weekend market, a beautiful church, and plenty of cozy cafés that make it one of the best places in the city for a relaxed brunch away from the crowds.
And there you have it! Want to see some of these places in action?
Watch my Paris vlogs below!
🥖🍷 FAQs on Underrated Places in Paris 🇫🇷💎
Looking for more information and Paris and France as you plan your trip?
Click here to discover more, as I have several articles like this to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris and the rest of France.
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15 Best Rooftop Bars in Paris You’ll Actually Want to Visit in 2026
10 Best Neighborhoods in Paris: Where to Stay (A Local’s Guide)
Your Guide to a First Trip to Paris: A Local-Approved 5-Day Itinerary
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Last updated: July 3, 2026