Paris, also called the City of Light, is undeniably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Paris’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, popularly known as the iron lady, its history, especially of the French Revolution, and its cultural charm are tourist magnets. It has popular attractions that draw over one million visitors who visit Paris annually.
It may be challenging to get around Paris during the busy high season for tourists of April through September and for the remainder of the year. Appreciating the Mona Lisa is difficult if you’re constantly dodging a large crowd of tourists. It’s also frustrating to wait long to see the top of the Eiffel Tower if your view is blocked by someone much taller than you.
Top Hidden Gems in Paris
Here are the best places in Paris to avoid tourists and create unforgettable memories away from the crowds. They are off the usual Paris tourist traps and away from the beaten path;
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin, located in the city’s northeast, is a tranquil haven away from the crowds. This scenic waterway is four miles long and links the Canal de l’Ourcq with the Seine. Lovely bridges, tree-shaded promenades, and hip cafés sit along the canal.
You can enjoy a picnic in any of the tranquil parks of Canal Saint-Martin beside the canal while taking a stroll along its banks and watching the boats pass through the locks. Since Canal Saint-Martin is rarely crowded, you will discover Paris’s trendy and creative side in the surrounding area’s galleries, vintage stores, and boutiques.
La Coulée Verte Skywalk Garden
In Paris, you can stroll away from the crowd along the lush Promenade Plantée, also called La Coulée Verte. This green path offers something different and pleasant in the middle of the busy metropolis, with its elevated viaduct, peaceful gardens, and exciting tunnels. The elevated Viaduc des Arts is a highlight of this 4.5-kilometer footpath, which was created in 1988 on a disused railway.
If you enjoy spending time in a peaceful and rejuvenating setting amidst blooming flowers and the soothing voices of birds, La coulée verte Skywalk garden is your ideal destination. You will have incredible moments far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Weekdays, public holidays, and summer months are suitable for a peaceful stroll at La coulée verte Skywalk garden ass its less clouded.
Beautiful scenery, cutting-edge architecture that blends into the landscape, and a bounty of fragrant flowers await you along the journey. As you cross La coulée Verte skywalk garden, the vibe changes as you enter the “Coulée Verte.”
The Coulée Vert is a 4.7 kilometers-long linear park on top of abandoned rail lines. It allows you to explore darkened tunnels and hidden pits for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Walking down the La coulée verte skywalk garden, you will realize the tree-lined lanes juxtaposed with brightly illuminated passageways. If you wish to get some rest and recreation at the end of your stroll, you can stop at the tranquil Jardin Charles Péguy.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The 25-hectare Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris was formerly the site of the infamous Gibbet of Montfaucon, a sewer museum where the bodies of the executed were on display for months. Despite its troubled history, the park is now a haven of peace and tranquillity for city dwellers. There are verdant meadows, a gorgeous lake packed with ducks and fish, a Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, and an enchanting grotto with a sixty-foot-tall waterfall.
The barren hill on the park’s current location was formerly mined for gypsum and limestone before being turned into a dumping ground for human waste and dead animals, hence the park’s current name.
Napoleon III’s restoration efforts in the 19th century transformed the city of Paris into a sprawling park system that continues to draw tourists today. Beautiful panoramas of Montmartre and the Sacre-Coeur may be seen from the Temple de la Sibylle, a belvedere perched on the top floor of a rocky slope.
The work of Gabriel Davioud, who also designed the Mairie in the 19th Arrondissement and other world-famous buildings in Paris, is on display in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Jean-Charles Alphand directed the park’s construction with the help of horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps and landscape designer Gabriel Davioud. Playgrounds, horse rides, and comedy performances still make the park famous for tourists and families looking to escape the city for a while.
Rue des Martyrs
If you’re looking for authentic French culture, visiting the 9th Arrondissement’s Rue des Martyrs is a must. Almost a mile in length, this bustling street is home to a wide range of retail outlets, eateries, and service providers. Rue des Martyrs has narrow alleyways paved with cobblestone streets, and you can stop at some of the local bakeries and patisseries for French cuisine.
Still, away from the masses of tourists, the locals of Paris may be seen going about their daily business on Rue des Martyrs. Small bookstores, charming flower shops, and expertly crafted chocolate shops are all within walking distance in Rue des Martyrs.
La Petite Ceinture
La Petite Ceinture is an old railroad bed turned into a park, and exploring it is a one-of-a-kind adventure. This undiscovered treasure encircles the city and extends for about 20 kilometers. Take an outing or ride your bike along the beautiful path as it winds under tunnels, over viaducts, and past verdant groves of trees and bushes.
While in La Petite Ceinture, you will discover secret gardens, street art pieces, and calm enclaves along the reclaimed railway and feel the contrast between urban adventure and lush nature. La Petite Ceinture is a tranquil haven away from the masses of tourists and a fascinating window into the city’s history.
Visiting Paris: Offbeat Experiences in Paris
Paris offers offbeat experiences for people searching for a more unique and authentic adventure. Other attractions exist besides the French Revolution’s history, the French people, culture, and landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Other hidden gems to explore in Paris include the following:
Street Art Tour in Belleville
Belleville is a bustling and historically working-class Parisian district conveniently out of sight of tourists. The best graffiti painters in Paris flock to its streets because of their reputation. Despite its own Notre Dame and the city’s historic Gothic architecture, Belleville is a haven for young artists because of its affordable rent and lack of history.
A street art tour in Belleville will expose you to colorful and ever-evolving temporary exhibits full of individual expression. Independent galleries and visual arts institutions are only two of the many cultural attractions available to guests. Belleville is the place to go if you’re looking for creative and beautiful streets to experience Paris.
Wine Tasting at Les Caves du Louvre Museum
Wine tasting in Les Caves du Louvre is a wonderful way to avoid the madding crowds. This hidden gem is located inside a historic building once used as royal wine cellars. It’s close to the Louvre Museum. Experience the best wines France has to offer with the guidance of knowledgeable sommeliers.
The winemaking process, the characteristics of various grape varieties, and the subtleties of wine appreciation are covered during a wine tasting in Les Caves du Louvre. You may get a taste of wine and learn about the modern art of winemaking in France in this inviting and educational setting.
Cooking Class at L’Atelier des Sens
Experience the best French cuisine at L’Atelier des Sens with a cooking lesson in Paris. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to master French cooking techniques from renowned chefs. You’ll pick up valuable skills while learning to make great food, whether your focus is on perfecting classic dishes or delving into regional delicacies.
Away from the crowded Paris tourist trap restaurants and tourist areas, the cooking class offers a chance to immerse oneself in local culture via food. Since you will also participate actively in food cooking, it will be a good form of physical exercise. Additionally, you will breathe in the fragrances and taste the deliciousness that is traditional French cooking.
Factors to Consider When Avoiding Tourists in Paris
Many visitors explore Paris at different times of the year, and if you don’t plan your journey well, you may encounter long queues. To avoid long lines and long waits, a lovely way to avoid tourists in Paris is by considering the following aspects;
Time of Day/Week/Year
Time your visit well, and you’ll have a far more relaxing and less crowded time. Visit major attractions sites during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Some times of the year, including spring and fall, have warmer weather and fewer tourists than the busiest times, such as the summer.
Mode of Transportation
Paris offers many modes of transport. Some of the options include the use of buses and railway line networks. However, to have the best experience and avoid tourists, it’s recommended that you walk or ride to the different tourist destination sites at your own pace. You could walk along the Rue De La Huchette and soak in the history as you enjoy the cafes.
Flexibility with Itinerary
Most believe that unexpected discoveries yield the greatest rewards. In that case, you should be flexible and ready for everything that may happen on your vacation. Avoid setting rigid expectations for limitless discoveries and meaningful interruptions. Remember that there are overhyped attractions and other well-kept secrets; thus, your schedule should always allow some modifications.
Most visitors from all over the world are drawn to the mesmerizing city of Paris. The best places in Paris to avoid tourists include Canal Saint-Martin, La Coulée Verte, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Rue des Martyrs, and Rue de La Petite Ceinture.
If you’re looking for a more personal experience of Paris, engage with Paris’s vibrant art scene through a street art tour in Belleville. Alternatively, you can opt for wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre or a cooking class at L’Atelier des Sens. When visiting Paris, please plan ahead and know when there are fewer visitors. You must also choose a convenient means of transport like walking or cycling. There is much we can say about avoiding Paris tourist traps. In our next review, we will give you more to make your Paris trip unforgettable.
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