In a city as saturated with things to do as Paris, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to get off the beaten path. Do you wander and get lost, and risk ending up somewhere with no good food? Do you trust content creators who make the same off-the-beaten-path recommendations as others, or risk those places not being truly off the beaten path? Is off the beaten path even possible in Paris anymore?
Our answer? Yes. Paris is a big city, with lots of nooks, crannies, and side streets to explore. You can absolutely get off the beaten path during your time here—in fact, you’d be able to spend your entire trip off the beaten path if you so desire. While overtourism is a problem in Paris, as it is with many other places around the world, there are ways to avoid crowd fatigue and ensure you have an authentic travel experience. Today, we’ll be sharing a roundup of places to explore off the beaten path in Paris, to help you have the best time possible in the City of Light.
And if you’re looking for the best places to eat and drink off the beaten path, without wasting hours of endless research to figure out if it’s a quality spot or not, our Guide might be the best option for you. Filled with hundreds of recommendations of our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and more, both on and off the beaten path, with Paris in My Pocket you’ll always know where your next meal is coming from (and that it’ll be a good one!)
12 Places to Explore Off the Beaten Path in Paris
As travel behavior is shifting toward destinations that feel more authentic, less crowded, and more culturally grounded, many people believe that they can’t have that experience in Paris. Off-the-beaten-path travel remains possible in this city because it focuses on destinations outside of the overcrowded tourist circuits. The best off-the-beaten-path experiences often require flexibility, preparation, and an openness to slower travel. Because of this, we recommend slightly lighter itineraries and a willingness to change in the moment - if something sparks your interest, it’s always best to have the ability to follow the thread and see where it leads. Once you’re ready to ditch the city center, finished with the Notre-Dame on Île de la Cité or the Louvre, and ready to move on, keep reading.
Hidden Gem Parks & Green Spaces
Paris is full of incredible green spaces, but you don’t have to battle the crowds at the Jardin du Luxembourg to get your nature fix. Here are a few of our favorite local spots where you're far more likely to hear French than English:
Parc de Belleville
Perched up on a hill, this spot offers one of the absolute best sweeping views of Paris (Eiffel Tower included!) without the chaotic crowds of Sacré-Cœur. It’s a great place locals gather for a cold beer or a hang.
Parc Monceau
This is a totally picturesque and rather upscale park filled with what look like ancient roman statues and pillars (they’re not). You’ll find a peaceful pond, and lots of places to sit. It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll or a picnic.
Coulée Verte René-Dumont
Built on an elevated, abandoned railway line, this tree-lined walkway is basically Paris’s High Line. It stretches from the center of town at the Bastille Monument all the way out to the Bois de Vincennes. Speaking of…
Bois de Vincennes
This wooded area is massive and technically part of Paris’ 12th arrondissement. It’s the perfect escape if you want to rent a rowboat, explore a medieval château, or just take a nap in the sun - aka take a break from the travel chaos.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Eats & Drinks
Supercoin
For craft beer lovers looking for a true neighborhood vibe, this friendly, slightly divey taphouse is a dream. Expect great local brews, a creative (and veg-friendly) kitchen, and a crowd of friendly locals in a corner of Paris most tourists completely miss. This place has been in our guide now for quite a while, but even we don’t make it to this area of town often enough! Get directions.
The Dancing Goat
One of our favorite coffee shops when we’re in the 20th arrondissement. A genuinely charming café with the brightest natural light, and a super welcoming staff. It’s a lovely spot to refuel and relax, and we’re just obsessed with its aesthetic. Get directions.
Ploc
We found this place about 4 years ago and it’s been in the guide ever since. Ploc is a cozy French bistro serving a simple, tasty menu. If you’re craving delicious classic French dishes WAY off the radar, making the trip here will score you major adventurer bonus points. Get directions.
Café Cayo
Café Cayo, run by our friend Fox, is a brilliant triple-threat coffee shop, restaurant, and bar born from a collaboration between Paname Brewing Company and Good News Coffee Shop. Swing by for a top-tier morning brew or a relaxed lunch. We love it here so much, this is where were had our pre-launch Paris for Jay’s most recent memoir. Get directions.
Cool Things to Do
La Grande Mosquée de Paris
A peaceful spot with gorgeous architecture, a hidden courtyard, and an incredible place to pause for a warm mint tea and sweet pastries. This is a great spot to journal, and it’s adjacent to the beaten path, so you can hop back on whenever you need. Get directions.
Jardin d’Acclimatation
This is a delightful old school amusement park located in the Bois de Boulogne. It’s particularly fantastic if you're traveling with family or just feeling nostalgic. Get directions.
Saint-Vincent Cemetery
Everyone knows Père Lachaise (though in our opinion not nearly enough people choose to visit it - so please do!), but Saint-Vincent is arguably even cooler. It’s located behind but close to Sacré Coeur, and surrounded by quiet, because many visitors don’t make it to this side of the hill. Get directions.
Chevaleret Street Art Walk
Are you a street art fan looking for giant murals? We’ve got you covered. Hop on Metro Line 6 between Quai de la Gare and Place d’Italie (you'll even spot a massive mosaic of Hugh Laurie as House) Hop off at metro stop Chevaleret or Nationale to wander the neighborhood on foot and snap some amazing photos right under the elevated tracks.
What Does Off the Beaten Path Mean?
We want to clarify that off the beaten path does not mean unsafe or inaccessible. In this blog, we’re referring to less commercially saturated or less frequently visited areas of Paris (the red and yellow spots above) - spots away from major tourist hubs. You’ll find that for this article, that means leaning away from central Paris. Thankfully, Paris is very well connected by public transportation, so you’ll have an easy time getting everywhere we recommend.
How To Find Off-The-Beaten-Path Travel Destinations in Paris
Use Reddit threads
Obviously take it all with a grain of salt, and follow up with your own research, but we’ve found reddit to be a great space for travel advice.
Paris je t’aime (tourism board)
But be aware that other people use this too, so we’re not fully convinced Paris je t’aime’s destinations are truly off the beaten path. Still, it can be useful when looking up unique things to do in Paris.
Book a tour for day 1
Book a tour with a local guide on your first day here. Ask them all of your questions on where to go off the beaten path and they’ll be able to advise you. Specifically this scooter tour company knows great locations to hang, as does this motorcycle and sidecar company!
Scan the map
While it might seem silly, Paris is full of secondary-but-beautiful monuments and churches, and if you zoom in on your maps app, chances are you’ll see something interesting. It’s a time-consuming way to plan, but a fun way to prepare to visit the city.
Use Paris in My Pocket
Or, you can find everything you need all in one place in Paris in My Pocket. We’ve already covered the best hidden gems in Paris, and have endless more free tips on our blog page, and that’s just the free information! With your purchase of Paris in My Pocket (access for life!) you’ll gain access to our interactive website with hundreds of recommendations on where to eat and drink (both on and off the beaten path) as well as dozens of articles on how to be prepared for your trip. If you want to take it one step further, our Guide+ comes with three full-day itineraries, and a special audio walking tour of the Canal Saint-Martin, as well as whatever perks we decide to add for the future.
How To Travel Off The Beaten Path
Some tips on making your trip easier to accommodate a slower travel style and getting out there and off the beaten path!
Pre-arrange transit
To keep your day moving smoothly, pre-purchase your Navigo Easy or metro tickets through the ÎDF Mobilités App.
Prep offline digital tools
Save offline maps if you lose service. Or, make sure you have an eSIM that boasts fantastic coverage, like this one.
Keep cash on hand
Sometimes smaller businesses that aren’t used to a heavy flow of patrons might have a minimum spend for cards or take cash only. In these instances, it can't hurt to be carrying a few 20s around.
Embrace a slower pace
Off-the-beaten-path travel moves at its own rhythm. Don’t try to rush it—enjoy your day!
Seek local advice
As we mentioned above, always ask us or other locals for tips rather than relying purely on popular travel content.
With all of this, you should be confident as you begin planning your Paris vacation, whether on or off the beaten path, or a mixture of both.
