Discovering Paris beyond the usual tourist spots

[Quirkyme]

Hey everyone,

I’m heading to Paris at the end of the month and staying into the start of September for 4 days. I’ve been to Paris many times, so I’m not looking to do the usual touristy things. Instead, I’m hoping to discover some hidden gems and local favorites. Do you have any recommendations, tips, or suggestions for making the most of my trip?

I’ll be staying near Gare Du Nord, in case that’s relevant.

Thanks in advance!

From the Gare du Nord, walk up the hill (Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis) and take the second right, into Rue Cail. You are now in Petite Inde, or perhaps Petite Asie du Sud. Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and probably these days Afghan and/or Maldivian eateries and shops, all mixed together.

The food is inexpensive, not too unfamiliar to British palates (French people are not usually big on spicy food), and largely vegetarian if that matters to you (I am a carnivore but will happily eat a pure-veg masala dosa).

Thanks for the tip! Petite Inde/Asie de Sud sounds like a fascinating area to explore. I love discovering unique areas and trying different cuisines. Your description of the food being both flavourful and vegetarian-friendly is really appealing. Thanks for sharing!

I recommend the Musee Romantique; the Rodin museum and the Picasso museum. La Samaritane for shopping and the beautiful mural on top.

Get the Praluline from Pralus - heaven

Thanks for the great recommendations! The Musée Romantique, Rodin Museum, and Picasso Museum all sound fascinating. I’ll definitely check out La Samaritaine for shopping and the mural. And Pralus’ Praluline sounds like a must-try—can’t wait to taste it!

There's an old railway line which has been planted up and extends from Bastille out to the Bois de Vincennes - the Promenade Plantee - it's about 4km but you don't have to walk all of it. Nearest metro is Bastille - walk down the Rue de Lyon and you'll see it on the left. It's a nice walk and gives a different angle on Paris.

Also recommend the Musee Rodin - it has a lovely garden at the back and is a little oasis of calm in the city.

Get the train to Chantilly. Its a beautiful place. The horse museum there is spectacular. You can go horse riding round the chateau too, which really is quite something.

Thanks for the great recommendation! The Promenade Plantée sounds like a wonderful way to explore a unique side of Paris. I’ll definitely check it out and see how much of it I can walk. I appreciate the tip!

Thanks for this recommendation too! The Musée Rodin sounds fantastic, and a calm oasis in the city is exactly what I’m looking for. I’ll be sure to visit and enjoy the garden. I appreciate your tips!

Agree with Rodin Museum. Rue Mouffetard is lovely for a wander. Place des Vosges and nice shops in Le Marais. Canal St Martin. Back streets of Montmartre.

There's a street in Paris that has loads of restaurants serving only galettes (type of pancake). You can have a main course galette and then a dessert galette.

I just can't remember where the street is but I think it is near the Montparnasse Tower.

More ideas @Quirkyme

secretsofparis.com/sightseeing/neighborhoods/10th-arrondissement/

theearfultower.com/2022/05/16/guide-to-the-10th-arrondissement-of-paris-the-melting-pot/

www.solosophie.com/paris-10th-arrondissement/

Hope you have a lovely time. Not everyone loves paris but it's my favourite city.

Thanks for the recommendation! Chantilly sounds wonderful, and the horse museum and riding around the château sound like unique experiences. I’ll definitely look into visiting while I’m in Paris. I appreciate the tip!

If you like amazing and ethical taxidermy check out Deyrolles which is rue du Bac in the 7th arrondissement. :)

I like Fontainebleau - chateau link https://www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr/en/, also like Chantilly. Love Monet's garden at Giverney though we go by car.

Also liked going to Van Gogh's house and had a meal there. https://www.maisondevangogh.fr/en/chambre-van-gogh.php

I like Pere Lachaise cemetery

The Rodin Museum is officially on my list! I'll also add Rue Mouffetard, Place des Vosges, Le Marais, Canal St Martin, and the back streets of Montmartre. They all sound like great places to explore. I appreciate your tips!

A street full of galette restaurants sounds amazing. I'll definitely look around Montparnasse Tower for it. I appreciate the recommendation!

There's a book called "111 Places in Paris That You Shouldn't Miss". I bought it for my Goddaughter as she's just spent a year out in Paris. Lots of off the beaten track things in that. She really liked the book and used it to find more unusual things.

Looking for such tips when we went to Paris a decade ago for honeymoon, the top two were
fairground museum
museum of hunting and nature which mixes in contemporary art
And they were fabulous!

Musee de La chasse
so odd, so cool, so french

the marche aux puces - a bus ride from where you are

Thanks for sharing these links! I’ve scanned them quickly and they look like great resources for exploring the 10th arrondissement. I’m looking forward to diving into them to discover more hidden gems.

Thank you! I'm really looking forward to my trip. Paris is such a special city for many people, and I'm excited to explore beyond the usual spots. I appreciate your well wishes!

Deyrolles sounds fascinating. I’ll check it out while I’m in the 7th arrondissement. Thanks for the recommendation!