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A Tourist’s Guide: Unusual and Unique Things To Do in Paris

When in Paris, you will certainly want to visit the most popular destinations. It would be a crime to miss the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the other main attractions in Paris.

But don’t just limit your Paris vacation to these places. There are several off-the-beaten-path Paris attractions that can be very interesting. Here is a listing of some of the places many visitors miss out on seeing. Don’t make the same mistake.

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay – Everybody knows that Paris is a city of museums, yet most visitors just pay a visit to the Louvre. We don’t blame them–after all, the Louvre houses the Mona Lisa and so many other famous pieces of art. But you should also visit the Musée d’Orsay to learn about the history of French art.

Interior view of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, showcasing the expansive gallery space with visitors admiring the artworks, beneath the arched, glass ceiling and ornate gold details.
Exploring the Grandeur of Musée d’Orsay

The collection is incredible to say the least. You’ll find impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces of Renoir, Degas, Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and others.

  • Address: Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and until 9:45 pm on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays, May 1, and December 25.

Musee du Vin

Musee du Vin – If you’ve found yourself saturated with history and sculpture, consider spending an afternoon at the Musee du Vin, a haven for French wine enthusiasts. Here, you can delve into the art of winemaking and discover its evolution over the centuries.

A narrow corridor in the Musée du Vin Paris with stone walls and arches, displaying antique winemaking tools in wooden cases, alongside vintage barrels and woven baskets, evoking the rich winemaking heritage of France.
A Hidden Gem: The Musée du Vin Paris

This experience, undoubtedly an unconventional but fascinating aspect of your vacation, offers a unique glimpse into an integral part of French culture.What’s Paris without some French wine?

The Underworld

The Underworld would one of the unique things to do for you while you are in Paris. What lies beneath the City of Light could be just as interesting as the “above ground” of Paris attractions. Wear your rubber boots, carry a flashlight, and head to the underground.

Catacombes_de_Paris

About 200 years ago, Paris cemeteries were getting crowded, so the civic authorities came up with the idea of creating the underground. There, you’ll find thousands of skeletons all arranged in patterns. Spooky yet fascinating.

Flea Markets

Flea Markets – Paris is famous for its amazing shops an designer boutiques and for sure it is one of the my favarite things to do in Paris. You’ll find the most up-market stores anywhere in the world lining Paris’ streets. However, Paris flea markets are worth a visit, too.

An eclectic collection of vintage objects on display at a Paris flea market, including old tennis rackets, globes, maps, clocks, and scientific instruments, all against a striking blue wall, capturing the allure of unique finds in the city.
Treasure Hunting at Parisian Flea Markets

The three markets you should visit are Clignancourt, Montreuil, and Vanves. At these Paris markets, you’ll find an incredible collection of inlaid furniture, vintage clothing, and a range of other goods. There are also day tours that will take you around the city to these Paris shopping highlights.

The Jazz Cellar

The Jazz Cellar – A lot of tourists visit the famous Moulin Rouge, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But did you know that locals prefer the basement for their music? The Caveau de la Huchette is a cellar that goes back to 60 years. It was popularized by the jazz bands during the 1940s and has remained popular among locals ever since.

Learn more about Paris: 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary