Paris Off the Beaten Track: Top 10 Unusual Attractions That Will Blow Your Mind
Paris, the city of love! It is known for its enchanting streets, romantic vibes, and most notably, for landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame. But do you know what else we love about Paris? Its unique, offbeat attractions ready to leave you flabbergasted, eyebrow-raised, yet astoundingly content! Let’s take an unexpected turn and discover the less-travelled path in this beautiful city. Ready? Don your beret, grab your baguette because we're all set to dive in!
The 59 Rivoli Art Squat
A former artists' squat, this place is a bohemian paradise that screams 'unique'! This is art at its rawest and purest form. Who needs the Louvre when you can witness the dynamism of live art?
The Catacombs of Paris
Sure, you wanted something different but did you expect to find yourself admiring the arrangement of six million skeletons? This one's going to be hard to 'bury' from your memory! (Couldn't resist a dad joke, sorry.)
Le Passe-Muraille
This unusual statue is a tribute to Marcel Aymé's character who could walk through walls, but it looks like he didn't time this trip too well.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
This oddball museum throws a delightful curveball in tourist expectation. Picasso and his Starry Night have got nothing on a grizzly bear poised mid-snarl!
The Museum of Counterfeiting
Handbags, watches, money, and even board games; all fake, all in one place! It's your one-stop destination to feel genuine (and rightly so) about owning counterfeits.
Scale Mode of Paris in the Pavilion de l'Arsenal
A 37 sq.m. model of Paris, at 1/2000 scale? Yes, please! This is the closest you’ll ever get to feeling like Godzilla in Paris without destroying a national monument.
Le Manoir de Paris
Haunted house in Paris? Check. Come face-to-face with the darker side of the city of love.
The Magic Museum
Ever wondered how Harry Houdini and David Copperfield did it? This museum lifts the curtain on magic's best secrets.
The Paris Sewer Tour
Where, dear traveller, could be more off the beaten track than the underbelly of Paris itself?!
The Holy Grail in the Saint-Sulpice Church
Quest like Indiana Jones and explore this conspiracy theory favourite. You might not find a knight guarding the legendary grail, but that doesn't make it any less interesting!
Remember, even in the City of Light, the shadowy corners hold the most mysterious and fascinating stories. Bon voyage, Maverick!
References
Fodor's (2019). Paris Off the Beaten Path. Fodor's Travel.
Frommer's (2021). Quirky and Unusual Sites To Visit in Paris. Frommer’s.
Lonely Planet (2020). Top offbeat experiences in Paris. Lonely Planet.