Visiting Paris? Here Are Some Spectacular Hidden Gems No Tourists Know About
Visiting Paris is an exciting feat in itself. Seeing all the famous landmarks and beautiful cobblestone streets would take anyone’s breath away when seeing it for the first time. However, there is more than meets the eye in the City of Love. In fact, we’ve taken the chance to gather some unique and fun little hidden gems you should go see next time you happen to be in the capital of France!
The Passage des Panoramas
Located at 11 Boulevard Montmartre, the oldest covered walkway in Paris makes for an incredible spot to get some stunning photos. The glass roof gives you amazing lighting and all the hanging lanterns make the street feel almost magical and vintage. The Passage des Panoramas is filled with eclectic boutiques and ethnic restaurants. If you find yourself in Paris on a rainy day, this place is the perfect one to grab a quick bite and coffee.
The Flower and Bird Market
You’ll find the flower and bird market at 37 Place Louis Lépine. It’s a breathtaking flower market located along the River Seine between Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. If you’re in the area, take a stroll through all the green cast iron pavilions and take a look at all the colorful flowers and planters. As a matter of fact, this market transforms every Sunday into a bird market, complete with the sounds of thousands of birds tweeting. It truly is a Parisian hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
The Hidden Red Car at MERCI
You can find the little red Fiat at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais. Located at the MERCI concept store, this spot has become an iconic Instagram spot for photos. However, it’s still rather difficult to find if you aren’t sure of where to look. That’s just what makes it a hidden gem rather than an overcrowded tourist spot. The Merci concept store happens to be tucked away in the high Marais district at the very end of a hidden cobblestone street.
The Sacre Coeur Carousel
This beautifully crafted carousel is located at Place Saint-Pierre. While most people head directly to the stairs leading to the Basilique or they take the funicular up, they tend to miss out on this beauty. The carousel is in the Square Louise Michel, next to Metro Anvers and it happens to be the spot for some of the best views of the Sacre Coeur. Many tourists tend to miss this hidden gem.
The Montmartre Windmills
Go to Rue Lepic in Montmartre to find the ‘Moulin de la Galette’ and its two windmills. Paris was once full of wooden windmills but very few remain today. Lots of people tend to visit the Sacre Coeur and Place des Terstres but not many know about this little detour to catch a glance at these gorgeous wooden windmills.
Abbey Bookshop
If you happen to be a book lover, this little spot is just for you. Located at 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, there is a small second-hand bookshop filled with books from floor-to-ceiling. With over 35,000 English titles inside, this is a book lover’s paradise. Not to mention, getting the chance to see a genuine old bookstore complete with old wooden bookshelves and ladders? We wouldn’t miss the chance!
La rue du Chat-qui-Pêche
You can find this little street at Rue du Chat Qui Peche. It’s a quirky secret place in Paris that translates to the ‘Street of the Fishing Cat’ and is the narrowest street in the city. It dates all the way back to 1540 when locals would use it to go to the Seine. Just be sure to find the cure cat street art inside!