Travel to France - Explore Secret and Offbeat Paris © French Moments
  • Home
  • Blog
  • The Secret and Offbeat Paris I want to share with you

Last Updated: 13 July 2022

Flip

When I got some spare time one of my favourite things to do was jump on the RER A from our beautiful suburb of Maisons-Laffitte into central Paris. I have often taken my little girl Aimée with me to hunt out lesser-known places in the French capital. This is the Paris I’ve been exploring after having exhausted the popular tourist spots. You know: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and so on. Follow me on exploring the secret and offbeat Paris and prepare to be surprised on many many occasions!

 

Secret and offbeat Paris

Soon after our arrival in Paris in 2014, I found myself attracted to historic street corners, quirky places, beautiful buildings and little alleys. Those things that aren’t necessarily described in a guidebook. These hidden areas tell endless tales. They show a side of Paris you don’t normally discover… unless you live here or spend longer holidays to have time to discover Paris in depth.

Paris
Rue des Rosiers (4th arrondissement) © French Moments

 

So much to share!

There’s so much to share about secret and offbeat Paris. I’ve taken literally ten thousand photos on my quest to explore unexpected Paris.

Armed with my camera, I have explored each of the 20 arrondissements of Paris.

I’ve been to most of the city’s museums

And I’ve met many locals that were only too happy to talk to me about their neighbourhood.

I’ve seen Paris from above and underground, in the depths of winter and in the height of summer, in the pouring rain and bright sunshine.

And I never fail to find something new or a different photo angle to add to my collection.

The Clisson gate, Paris © French Moments
The Clisson gate, Paris © French Moments

You will find all my articles on secret and offbeat Paris by clicking here.

I am constantly uploading the blog with new posts so come back here often or subscribe to my newsletter to get more news.

Enjoy reading and as always, do write a comment or let us know if you want some particular places covered!

The Soubise Mansion, Paris © French Moments
The Soubise Mansion, Paris © French Moments
Coffee break in Paris! © French Moments
Coffee break in Paris! © French Moments
Half-timbered houses on rue Francois Miron, Paris © French Moments
Half-timbered houses on rue Francois Miron, Paris © French Moments
Elegant façades of Ile Saint-Louis © French Moments
Elegant façades of Ile Saint-Louis © French Moments
Newsstand and metro entrance in Place de Barcelone (16th arrt) © French Moments
Newsstand and metro entrance in Place de Barcelone (16th arrt) © French Moments
Place de Furstemberg, Saint-German-des-Prés © French Moments
Place de Furstemberg, Saint-German-des-Prés © French Moments

 

Oh and finally, check out this affiliate link to get your priority entrance to Paris monuments!

Check out our curated magazine on Flipboard for exclusive stories & insights on France!

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

  • Pierre I know Paris reasonably well. I’ve been many times and love to explore offbeat places. There’s always more to discover. And your articles here are amazing. I appreciate them. I didn’t know about the sandboxes. So interesting. Ta muchly, Debra

    • Oh thank you so much Debra for taking the time to write this… it really encourages me to know you’re getting interesting thinks about Paris on the blog! A bientôt!

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

    Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

    Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

    25 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

    25 Places to see in France 2025
    >