Looking for hidden Paris places to explore to make you feel like you belong here? If there’s a single city in Europe whose secret nooks deserve a visit, that’s Paris. The city of lights. The city of love. A place where history, fashion and culture unite and a destination that is undoubtedly high up on a number of everybody’s travel bucket list! But now that you are well settled in the capital, that your studies are going well, it might be time to drop the “tourist” label, you don’t think so? 

You do belong here, and these secret spots in Paris will help you feel that way. You’re more than just the average tourist. You’re about to explore all the je-ne-sais-quoi this city has to offer – as the locals do. And don’t don’t let a silly thing like language stop you. 

In this post Be My Nounou have compiled a list of ten secret and lesser-known spots you must see in Paris during your stay. Print out the following itinerary – you’re about to become a Parisian!

1. Study and work in a medieval mansion at Bibliothèque Forney

Situated at the Hotel Des Sens, a medieval family mansion, the Bibliothèque Forney is a unique library specialising in the arts and humanities open for anyone to visit.

📍 1 Rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris

Métro: Pont Marie (Line 7) // Saint Paul (Line 1)

2. Take a breathtaking of the Eiffel Tower at Square Rapp

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Paris photography spot? Located close to the Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, the Square Rapp gives a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower and a postcard decor. Perfect to take an original shoot of the tower to impress your instagram followers!

📍 Square Rapp, 75008

Métro : École Militaire (Line 8)

3. Search for the Sinking house of Montmartre

Near the top of the Sacré-Coeur stairs, if you tilt your camera the right way, you can make it look as if the house is sinking into the grassy bank. No, this house isn’t really sinking! Instead, it’s actually a really clever optical illusion. And you can see it from the steps leading up to the Sacré-Coeur. 

📍18th arrondissement

Métro: Anvers (Line 2) // Abesses (Line 12)

4. Admire the oldest public clock in Paris

The oldest public clock is one of the greatest hidden gems of Île de la Cité. Even if dates back to the 14th-century, though a recent renovation in 2012 has left it looking sparkling new!

📍Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris

Métro: Cité (Line 4)

5. Take photos at Rue Crémieux

Stroll down in the typically french area near Bastille, where you will discover Rue Cremieux, one of the most pretty Parisian street. The colorfull buildings, quirky architecture with oldschool shutters make fun photos spots. 

📍Rue Crémieux, 75002

Métro: Quai de la Rapée (Line 5)

6. Visit a former squat turned artist atelier

Head to 59 Rue de Rivoli to see up and coming artists for free, as well as one of the most unusual uses for a Haussmann building you’re ever likely to see! 

📍59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001

7. Picnic at the Parc Des Buttes de Chaumont

Indulge in a day of lounging in the sun, Parisian-style with the locals. In the northeastern part of the city, Parc des Butte Chaumont is a favorite picnic spot for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Bring your snacks and immerse yourself in the musical flow of French being spoken all around you!

📍1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris

Métro: Buttes-Chaumont (Line 7)

8. Wander at le Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil

Located in the Bois de Boulogne, enjoy for free the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil canopy. A haven of calm and serenity that stands out with the noisy streets of Paris. The perfect place to read a book surrounded by lush tropical plants.

📍3 Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016 Paris

Métro: Porte d’Auteuil (Line 10)

9. Go searching for unique and rare books in the Abbey Bookshop

Tucked away on a little side street in the Latin Quarter, and not far from the Paris Pantheon you’ll find The Abbey Bookshop. Wander in and peruse the shelves, all the while sipping on a hot and welcoming coffee as you search for the perfect vintage novel! 

📍29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris

Métro: Cluny-La Sorbonne (Line 10)

10. See inside the oldest hospital in Paris

Called Hotel Dieu, the oldest hospital in Paris can be found steps away from Notre Dame. You can actually enter the courtyard hospital for free. Once inside, there’s plenty of Italianate gardens, twisting staircases, and long galleries to admire.

📍1 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris

Métro: Cité (Line 4)