Unusual Sights in Paris: Where To Wander off the Beaten Path

You may be new to Paris or even a seasoned traveler, but either way, you probably know that the most recommended spots in Paris are usually the most crowded as well. If you’re a visitor to the city who wants a more personal and unique experience, then this guide is for you.

I’ll help you discover new, unexpected sights that are off the tourist track. These are the well-kept secret places locals know about and love. Each spot is worth a visit to see and experience the magic of Paris and encourage a genuine closeness to the city away from the usual crowds.

To make the most of your visit, exploring both the touristy and hidden parts of Paris, take a look at the best Paris tours. If you have a busy schedule, check out our Paris in a Day Tour.

Now without further ado, here are seven places that you need to add to your list of things to do in Paris.

1. Arènes de Lutèce (Lutèce Arena)

Right next to the famous Rue Mouffetard, a hub for students and families who want a bite to eat or a boutique shopping experience in a not-so-touristy area, there’s a historic Roman amphitheater hidden away in what seems like your average park.

This arena was built in the first and second centuries and used to host gladiatorial combats in front of audiences that reached up to 15,000 people in the now abandoned stands. It’s absolutely free to attend the empty arena today.

While you’re here, you should look out for the small enclosures that once most likely housed animals in cages and entrances for the gladiators. It’s exciting to try to imagine what life was like for the gladiators then, their dramatic fights and glories — or maybe just play Frisbee in the sandy, open arena.

You can find this arena at 4 Rue des Arènes in the 5th Arrondissement.

2. Le Défenseur du Temps (Defender of Time sculpture)

The Defender of Time (or in French, “le Défenseur du Temps) is an unusual clock made of brass and gold leaf. It was installed and created by Jacques Monestier, a local French artist, in 1979. This working clock and

You’ll be astonished by the imagination and fantasy world behind the sword-wielding man battling a bird, dragon and crab on a rock, which represent the air, land, and sea respectively. The animal sculptures attack individually but, at certain hours, all at once, accompanied by the sounds of wind, waves, or rumbling earth. 

The automata in this mechanical masterpiece were restored, and the clock was again put on display in 2023. Here’s a video of how it looks.

You can find this art piece on 8 Rue Bernard de Clairvaux in the 3rd Arrondissement.

3. Hôtel-Dieu courtyard garden

The Hôtel-Dieu is the oldest hospital located in Paris on the Île de la Cité. It’s also the oldest hospital in the world that is still in operation.

The central courtyard gardens are welcoming and open to visits from the public. You can come here for a quiet and more intimate garden experience in Paris, a total contrast to that of visiting the busy Tuileries Gardens.

You can soak up the sun in this garden at 1 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II in the 4th Arrondissement.

4. Buttes Chaumont Park

Come to this park to get away from the tourist bubble in the center of Paris. Buttes Chaumont Park is easily one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. It also has some of the best views of the city. Here, you can have an authentic Parisian experience, picnicking, exercising or relaxing among local Parisians who come here daily to do the same.

Make time to hike up to the centerpiece of the park, a beautiful gazebo that stands at the top of what scenically resembles a cliffside. From there, you can take in the beautiful panorama with your friends and family. It’s truly unforgettable seeing the sunsets here!

You can find Parc des Buttes-Chaumont at 1 Rue Botzaris in the neighborhood of Belleville in the 19th Arrondissement.

5. La Petite Ceinture

Along with the more well-known Promenade Plantée, this 1.3-kilometer walking trail along an abandoned rail line is a great way to experience Paris, away from the usual tourist attractions, and take in beautiful scenery. 

The Petite Ceinture trail goes from Rue Olivier de Serres west to Place Balard for a great window to nature in the otherwise urban atmosphere. The railway meets Georges-Brassens Park and André-Citoën Park, where you should feel free to stop to enjoy the sunshine and greenery.

You can start the walking trail at the staircase opposite 101 rue Oliver de Serres in the 15th Arrondissement.

6. Paris pet cemetery, aka Le Cimetière de Chiens

“The Cemetery of Dogs,” also known as the pet cemetery of Paris, is a somewhat quirky, maybe even spooky way of experiencing the city and its history.

This cemetery was founded in 1899, following a law stating Parisians couldn’t bury beloved pets wherever they wanted. Here’s a fascinating fact — Le Cimetière de Chiens is now home to the remains of over 40,000 animals. Here, there are pet dogs, cats, rabbits and more exotic animals, including a monkey, lion, and racehorse.

You can find this memorial for Parisian pets at 4 Pont de Clichy in Asnières-sur-Seine, which is 30 minutes outside Paris.

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7. Conciergerie Clock

Here, at the Clock tower (Tour de l’Horloge) of the Conciergerie, a royal palace dating from the 14th century, you will stand face-to-face with — or rather, staring up at — the oldest clock in Paris.

This clock is lavishly ornate with a gilded blue golden leaflet design in various patterns that reflect the style of Marie Antoinette’s era. Speaking of Marie Antoinette, she was actually kept in this medieval building for the time leading up to her infamous execution at the guillotine during the height of the French Revolution. You can even visit inside the building to experience it as it was back in her day.

You will find the clock tower on the corner of Quai de l’Horloge in the 1st Arrondissement.This is just a taste of some of the unusual places you can find around the city. Spend a few days here and you may uncover even more — especially if you can connect with a local who will tell you all their favorite destinations. (Hint: That’s exactly what we do on our guided tours of Paris.)