Paris is a heady bouquet of culture and charisma. Very few places on planet can boast of such a stunning combination. Filled with classics and hidden gems, Paris invigorates the soul. For centuries she has intrigued travelers and seduced art lovers. Now its your turn!  In this rendezvous with offbeat Paris – you are about to witness her bohemian treasures!  

Psst…close the door after you..I am letting you in on a secret 😉 Regular readers of Three Tickets Please, know our obsession with everything authentic.

Not in the crowded attractions, not in the tourist jams, not in the traveller’s swarms. To really appreciate the hidden and unique personality of Paris you need to walk away from all of the above.

Discover Offbeat Paris : 7 Lesser known and stunning sights

Like other richly curated lists of hidden gems here, this is sure to surprise you 🙂

Unlike some blogs, I won’t lure you with the promise of ‘offbeat Paris’ – only to show you insanely famous icons like Eiffel, Louvre and Sacre Coeur !

A savvy traveller knows better.

When I say Paris a’la off the beaten path – I truly mean stuff, that is under the tourist radar. The following things are on a path less trodden and most visitors miss them in a rush to do the “must sees”.

#1 See a Mesmerizing garden : Jardin Du Luxembourg

One of our favorite ways to enjoy offbeat Paris, is strolling the expansive grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg. It overflows with vibrant energy and enthusiasm.

Lover kissing, kids sailing paper boats and grandparents just relaxing – this garden is adored by locals. The usual tourists are too busy checking out other famous landmarks, leaving this lovely piece of unseen Paris just for you.

 As you start walking deeper in to the garden, you discover enchantment and secret trails. The most beautiful part is the Medici Fountain, tucked well inside the garden, under a thick canopy of leaves. Sumptuously carved – the sculptures look so real, they take your breath away.

Fontaine de leda is another hidden gem. Beautiful bas-relief of the fountain shows Greek god Zeus disguised as a swan. Water flowing from the swan’s beak fills the pond at the base.

This fountain is right behind Medici Fountain.There is an opulent chateau and a French ‘Statue of Liberty’ in this garden too. Very few people know about it. I bet you didn’t either 😉

#2 Uncover a Saint’s mysterious legend : 

I promised you offbeat Paris and that’s exactly what you will be served, with a dash of enigma and a sprinkle of intrigue. Enveloped in folk traditions, the locals in Paris say that St. Denis was a beloved saint of France who was decapitated for his faith.

On the arches at entrance of Notre Dame Cathedral, look closely on the left portal. You will see a saint mysteriously holding his own head.

There is an incredible story that will pique your curiosity about unusual & non touristy Paris. Legend says that St. Denis was executed on the highest hill in Paris, Montmartre ( hence called mountain of the martyr).

After his decapitation, he immediately picked up his head and walked several kilometers and then finally died. Today an entire town is named after this patron saint of France. The statue is flanked by winged angels and is truly a hidden gem. 

Our mind immediately conjures images of romance when we think of Paris. But this city has many layers to its persona, unknown to the world. Almost everyone visits Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. And almost everyone misses this bizarre statue in plain sight.

 #3 Visit an antique store to taste Offbeat Paris

Paris has inspired artists and intellectuals for a long time. ‘Shakespeare and Company‘ is a stylish book store that has a peculiar vibe to it.

You don’t need to be a literati to enjoy the ambience here. You can just step inside for the intoxicating scent of old books and an eccentric Paris will surprise you. Strike up a conversation with friendly locals and peruse the shelves. 

A book lover, however will feel a cold chill of exhilaration run down the spine. Walking, and touching the same walls of  Latin Quarter where Monet, Dali, Hemingway, Picasso and the likes frequented, might just make you weak in the knees.

Its located right across the bridge from Notre Dame on Rue de la Bucherie on the left bank.

The hidden gems of Paris will unleash an avalanche of  cultural beauty.Well, I’ve warned you 🙂 Be prepared for it !

#4 Dine under a fig tree  – Aux Portes de l’Orient

In a beautiful courtyard under the leafy canopy of a fig tree, lies a unique cafe. The legacy of France is richly intertwined with the spirit of Morocco. Thanks to this historic connection with an exotic oasis, you can sample an offbeat Paris. A Paris whose heart beats to a different rhythm. 

Aux Portes de l’Orient is a hidden gem of a restaurant. 

It has both, a casual alfresco cafe and a formal dining room. Both offer mouthwatering menus. We devoured countless flaky pastries and washed them down with sweet mint teas. In the inner restaurant we ate scrumptious Moroccan fare.

The ambience is unique and inviting . In the Jardin, little sparrows tiptoed beside us in hopes of crumbs from the baklava. We obliged. The atmosphere is refreshing and this place is filled only with locals. Perks of being completely off the beaten path.

 

#5 Play with cherubs or flirt with nymphs:

Playful Cherubs dangle their feet over river and seductive nymphs entice you to temptation. Pont Alexandre III is a beautifully ornate bridge in Paris. Don’t miss it.

Its extravagant and extraordinary ! A combination you’ll find only in good ol’ Paree.

Its richly decorated with sculptures of cherubs and nymphs. Elegant lamp posts adorn it while hints of gold and bronze lend a royal touch to Pont Alexandre III .

While other tourists flock to love lock bridges, this romantic bridge across Seine remains uniquely offbeat ! So enjoy it before the word spreads.

#6 Unicorns, Lions and a Lady

Louvre takes center stage when it comes to Parisian Museums. But along with priceless treasures, it is also packed with throngs of tourists. If you like to venture away from the cliched spots, then I have just the thing for you.

Check out this lesser known but breathtaking hidden gem called Musee National du Moyen Age – The Museum of Middle Ages that has a masterpiece named The Lady and the Unicorn.

As Renaissance dawned on Europe in the late Middle ages, art and expression blossomed.

We absolutely adore Medieval art across the globe. This lovely museum is a wonderfully offbeat gem in Paris. Sculptures of Ivory, in-laid gold in enamel work dot this museum . But thats not what you have come for.

The focal point of this museum is Lady and the Unicorn – a series of gorgeous tapestries one for each of the five senses. The stellar weaves, depicts an elegant woman, interacting with mysterious beasts in an enchanted garden.

It is laced with religious symbolism, sensual undertone and double entendres. Make sure you get yourself a guide to explain the intricacies of this magnificent art piece. I cannot recommend this enough.

#7 In the shade of Purple chandelier – Cute Cafes of Paris :

Believe me, this hidden gem almost succeeds in shying behind a curtain of delicate purple flowers. But few can escape TTP’s discerning eyes.

A quaint cafe called ‘Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole‘ sits in tranquil bliss,  just a few blocks away from the touristy crowds of Notre Dame. With it’s winding wisteria and cascading violet flowers, this restaurant is the best place to feel the rustic charm of Paris.

Its cute, chic and cozily tucked away from everyone’s sight and yet in the heart of Paris. With a rustic facade, quirky decor and a lost in time quality, this cafe is perfect for a laid back afternoon. Something about this restaurant captures heart instantly.

You can have a quick bite or a long drawn lunch. You can choose to dine alfresco or in the plush dining room inside. There is a secret wine cellar for you to choose your wines too! A simple cappuccino, a glass of house  wine or some decadent Duck confit – pick your choice and enjoy your holiday Parisian style! 

Every glamorous city around the world has a beautiful unseen facet. Its fascinating to discover them. I and Sandeep are instinctively drawn to such hidden gems that exude charm and local character.

Have you ever been to a wildly popular destination only to find secret treasures tucked away in quiet alleys? If yes , then do tell in comments below. We promise to keep it a secret !

Au revoir! Until next time 🙂 See you in another part of the world !