Whenever people think about Paris, the City of Lights summons images of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and romantic strolls along the Seine. Beyond these iconic landmarks lies a treasure trove of unexpected delights for the curious traveler, so I’m here writing a list of unusual things to do in Paris.
Paris is one of the cities I have visited the most, along with London and Helsinki, since I moved to Europe from Brazil. At first, I used to stop there on my way to a metal festival near Nantes, Hellfest. Every year, I went to this festival in the summer, so I was back in Paris for a couple of days.
On my first trip there, I visited all the essential and basic places and sights everyone must see in Paris. For the second time, I was already looking for unusual things to do in Paris. As time went on and I continued going there, I ended up with a good list, and now it’s my time to share some of them with you.
Paris Beyond the Eiffel Tower: A Guide to the City’s Hidden Gems
Buckle up and get ready to explore a different side of Paris with these ten unusual things to do:
A Doorway to Beauty: The Most Beautiful Door in Paris
Not all Parisian treasures are grand museums or historical monuments. Sometimes, beauty lies hidden in plain sight, like the famous doorway of the Lavirotte Building.
This architectural gem features intricate ironwork and a captivating centerpiece – a woman’s head believed to be that of the architect’s wife. It’s easy to admire the craftsmanship and marvel at the extraordinary details of this ordinary doorway.
Location: 29 Av. Rapp, Paris
Journey to the City’s Depths: The Paris Catacombs
Ready to descend into the eerie and fascinating world of the Paris Catacombs? This vast network of tunnels holds the remains of millions of Parisians, transferred here centuries ago to relieve the city’s overflowing cemeteries.
The walls are lined with carefully arranged bones and skulls, creating a macabre yet strangely beautiful labyrinth.
Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris
The Last Original Standard Meter
Science and history buffs, take note; this is for you! One of the remaining original meter standards is hidden on a wall near the rue Vaugirard. Before the French Revolution, measurements were arbitrary and inconsistent; you can imagine the problems this could cause.
Sixteen of these marble meters were installed around Paris in 1791 to bring order. Today, only one remains. While the meter has been more precisely redefined since then, finding this little piece of scientific history is a true Parisian treasure hunt. Especially because it’s nested next to a bus stop.
Location: Near rue Vaugirard 36, Paris
Time After Time: Salvador Dalí’s Sundial
Fans of Surrealism and the eccentric genius Salvador Dalí won’t want to miss his melting sundial sculpture. Tucked away in a courtyard on Rue Saint-Jacques, this whimsical piece distorts time itself. It’s a reminder that even the most practical items can become fantastical with a touch of Dalí’s imagination.
Location: Rue Saint-Jacques, Paris
A Parisian Cemetery Turned Public Square: Place Joachim-du-Bellay
Paris’ bustling Place Joachim-du-Bellay hides a surprising secret. This charming square was once the city’s largest cemetery, the Cimetière des Innocents. Overcrowded and unsanitary, the cemetery was closed in the 18th century, and the remains were relocated to the famous Paris Catacombs.
Today, the square is a lively hub of cafes, restaurants, and the beautiful 16th-century Fountain of Innocents—the sole survivor of the cemetery. I accidentally discovered this place by accident as I ate a crepe in a nearby cafe. I wondered about the fountain and decided to go online to find its name, and the story about the old cemetery came to me.
Location: Place Joachim-du-Bellay, Paris
Pay Homage at Frédéric Chopin’s Tomb
Music lovers and history enthusiasts will find a poignant stop at Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of the renowned composer Frédéric Chopin. His tomb, adorned with a statue of Euterpe, the muse of music, is a place of pilgrimage for admirers of his work.
This is a curious place to visit, considering that Chopin’s body is in Paris, but his heart is in Warsaw.
Also, the Père Lachaise Cemetery has many interesting graves and memorials if you are into this kind of tourism, as I am.
Location: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris
Explore the Evolution of Medicine: The Museum of the History of Medicine
Step into this unique Parisian museum’s fascinating and sometimes macabre world of medical history. Explore its collection of surgical instruments, anatomical specimens, and medical artifacts that span centuries. From antique trepanning tools to intricate anatomical models, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the progress of medical science – with a healthy dose of gratitude for modern anesthesia!
Location: Université Paris Descartes, Paris
A Memento Mori Masterpiece: The Statue of Death
Nestled within the Université Paris Descartes courtyard lies a hauntingly beautiful sculpture – The Statue of Death. Carved in 1910 by Henri Allouard, this marble masterpiece depicts a cloaked Grim Reaper standing on a pedestal of worldly treasures.
It’s a heartbreaking reminder of our mortality but also a strangely serene and thought-provoking work of art.
Location: Université Paris Descartes, Paris
Architectural Whimsy in Noisy-le-Grand
Step off the beaten path and venture to the suburb of Noisy-le-Grand, where architectural oddities await. This place is a short train ride away, but I swear it’s more than worth your time.
The Palacio d’Abraxas, Les Espaces d’Abraxas, and Le Théâtre d’Abraxas are a trio of bizarre neoclassical buildings designed by Ricardo Bofill and Manolo Nunez. Their towering columns, geometric shapes, and theatrical facades will make you question if you’ve stepped into an ancient Roman city or a surreal dreamscape.
It’s one of my favorite European architectural experiences and one of the unusual things to do in Paris.
Location: Noisy-le-Grand, suburb of Paris
Dive into the Deep: The Argonaute French Submarine
History buffs and submarine enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Argonaute. Launched in 1958, this French submarine served 24 years before retiring to a dry dock in Paris.
Today, you can explore its intricate passageways and compartments, getting a glimpse into the lives of submariners and the power of underwater exploration.
Location: Parc de la Villette, Paris
