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 Populaires in the 13th arrondissement of Paris on Rue Henri Pape February 2022.

Walking around Quartier Populaires in the 13th arrondissement of Paris; February 2022.

I’ve done a lot of exploring the past few weeks, and 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!

 

1.    Buttes-aux-Cailles

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.

St. Anne's Church in the Butte-aux-Cailles

View of St. Anne's Church in the Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022

Quartier Populaire

Walking around Quartier Populaires in the 13th arrondissement of Paris; February 2022.

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.

pink buildings in paris

Walking around Quartier Populaires in the 13th arrondissement of Paris; February 2022

Quartier Populaires

Quartier Populaires in Paris, France; February 2022

Buttes-aux-Cailles

Outskirts of Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022

 

I couldn’t get over just how cute everything in this neighborhood was. In fact, cute was an understatement – it was precious.

13th arr paris

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. 

quiet street in paris

Street view of Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022

outside a park in paris

Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022

13th arr paris

Pink and yellow buildings in Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022

13th arr paris green terrace café chairs

Outside a café in Butte-aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022

Dare I say – I like it better than Montmarte (shhh – don’t tell anyone who lives in Montmarte that I said that!).

 

2.    Quartier Populaires

Neighboring Buttes Aux Cailles in Quartier Populaires. It is mostly residently, and quiet – but so colorful just like those muted, vibrant buildings of Notting Hill I mentioned before.

Rue de Moulin des Prés in Paris

Rue de Moulin des Prés in Paris; February 2022

Rue Chéreau in Paris

Rue Chéreau in Paris; February 2022

This is like Rue Cremieux in Paris, but quiet… and it’s not just one street.

Quartier Populaires in Paris

Quartier Populaires in Paris; February 2022

 

If you’re looking for a top-secret Instagram photo location – this is the place to take it.

Street view of Quartier Populaires in Paris

Street view of Quartier Populaires in Paris; February 2022

 

3.    Espanalde Invalides

invalides in paris gold dome building

Invalides in Paris

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.

invalides in the fall

View of Invalides in the Fall in Paris, France; November 2021

View of the Eiffel Tower from Invalides

View of the Eiffel Tower from Invalides; March 2022

Benches in Paris Park

Benches in Paris Park


4.    Jardin Champs Elysees

 I know, you’re thinking – there’s nothing there.

Jardin Champs Elysees in the winter

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.

fountain in paris

Outskirts of Jardin Champs Elysees

 But it’s such a nice, big open space for some true Parisian people watching and my personal favorite – journaling. 

 

5.    Square Saint Jacques

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.

Tour Saint Jacques in Paris, France

Tour Saint Jacques in Paris; October 2021

paris park

Inside Park near Tour Saint Jacques in Paris, France

And it even has it’s own little square! 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.

Tour Saint Jacques in Paris in the winter naked trees

Tour Saint Jacques in Paris in the winter

Birds snacking on a baguette in Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques in Paris

Birds snacking on a baguette in Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques in Paris

P.S. – this one has some hilarious pigeon episodes to watch, if you know what I mean. 

 

6.    Jardin des Grands Explorateurs

 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

Jardin des Grands Explorateurs in the winter

If you sit at the very corner near the fountain, you can catch the Sacre-Coeur in the distance. There is nothing more enchanting to me than being in Paris and seeing its monuments from miles away.

 

7.    Parc Monceau

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.

entrance to park monceau

Entrance to Park Monceau; July 2021

Like Jardin champs elysees – this is a nice moment away from Paris’s more famous gardens and parks.

Inside Parc Monceau

Inside Park Monceau; July 2021

 

8.    Places des Voges

Some will say this is touristy, but in comparison to other Parisian landmarks or parks – I personally disagree. This is more often than not filled with locals.

Places des Voges in Paris on a fall day; October 2021

Places des Voges in Paris on a fall day; October 2021

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. 

couple walking in places des voges red leaves

People walking in Places des Voges in Paris; October 2021

fountain in places des voges paris

Places des Voges in Paris; March 2025

sunset views in places des voges

Sunset view from Places des Voges in Paris; October 2021

Places des Voges on a Sunny Day in Paris

Places des Voges on a Sunny Day in Paris

Inside Places des Voges leaves changing

Inside Places des Voges; October 2021

It emanates a certain feeling no other place in Paris can for me. Plus – you’re near the fun neighborhood of Le Marais!

outside streets places des voges

Outside of Places des Voges; October 2021

 

9.    Parc Buttes-Chaumont

In Paris, where most parks are small and in the middle of a relatively busy environment – this one is not.

View from Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris

View from Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021

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. 

Wandering around Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris

Wandering around Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021

le sacre-couer view from parc buttes-chaumont in paris

Flowers in Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021

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… 

Suspension bridge in Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris

Suspension bridge in Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021

View of Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021

 …it is a little safe-haven of greenery in the midst of a big city – in the best way possible.

 

10. Square Rene-Vivani

While wandering around Ile-de-cite, the island in Paris which Notre Dame resides on, I stumbled across this park right outside Shakespeare & Company. 

Square Rene-Vivani in Paris colorful buildings

View of Square Rene-Vivani in Paris; January 2022

Surprisingly enough, it was completely empty despite its central location right next to the popular bookstore.

shakespeare company & cafe paris january 2022

Outside Shakespeare & Company in Paris; January 2022

 It’s perfect to sit and be still for a moment, with a beautiful view of Notre Dame. 

View of Notre Dame in Square Rene-Vivani

View of Notre Dame in Square Rene-Vivani; January 2022

 And there you have it! Want to see some of these places in action?

 Watch my Paris vlogs below!

Last updated: June 30, 2025