There’s a global fascination with using the French term for memories, “souvenirs.” In the City of Light, the usual suspects like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, and Arc de Triomphe are must-see, but what about diving into some unusual things to do in Paris?
If you feel like stepping off the beaten track, you’ll find that the French capital offers plenty of extraordinary, non-touristy attractions to experience.
Whether you’re big into the arts, shopping, dining, or simply strolling and exploring quirky corners of the city, read on to find out about our favorite unusual things to do in Paris. We guarantee they’ll become part of your core souvenirs of the city.
Our 7 favorite unusual things to do in Paris
Hôtel Drouot
The legendary Hôtel Drouot is not a hotel. It’s France’s largest auction house, a fascinating site to explore. Take your shopping experience to the next level by attending to a live auction!
You can drop by the exhibition salon to check out the objects that will be sold the next day. You can also sit in one of the auction rooms to catch some of the action, bid, and even get yourself a treat. From fine art to vintage designer clothes, to stamp collections, to wine, you can really get everything and anything in this magical place.
Like in the movies, be careful about your gestures. In the auction room, you can get the auctioneer’s attention with a hand gesture. If you’ve ever been to a live auction before, you know the thrill! If you haven’t, this is your perfect chance at the largest auction house in France.
Enjoy watching bidders fight over a gold candelabra—or participate and go home with a treasure. Either way, attending Hôtel Drouot for the first time is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
Ballon de Paris
See Paris in a whole new way when you climb aboard a tethered helium balloon. It’s even better, higher and more exciting than any big wheel you may have climbed on before. The departure point is located in the Parc André Citroën, a modern park built on the site of a former automobile plant, you probably know the brand.
The Ballon de Paris (also known as Ballon Generali) takes adventurous passengers 150 meters above the ground for a unique ride over the city. On the list of unusual things to do in Paris, this ride is quite a thrill and, of course, we recommend those with fear of heights to think twice before choosing this one.
On a good day, weather permitting, you’ll enjoy memorable and unusual views of the French capital, from the park’s modern designs to the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Make sure to check their website for a live update on the weather conditions. If conditions are not favorable, balloon flights may be canceled or postponed.
Sur un Arbre Perché
Now’s the turn of a quirky restaurant for the romantic and young at heart. Eating in Sur un Arbre Perché is just like having a meal in an enchanting tree house. Sit on swings, or in one of the elevated booths, and savor the chef’s creative French cuisine.
But that’s not all, aside from its unique decor, the place also has a special room in the back where you can enjoy a massage before, during, or after your meal.
Even for this city’s unlimited options, a restaurant with a masseuse had to be in our list of unusual things to do in Paris. Eating out has never been more relaxing!
Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse
Notre-Dame de Paris and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica may have their appeal, but no church in Paris is more mysterious than the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, built in 1815.
On three occasions, in 1830, the Virgin is said to have appeared to one of the young sisters, asking her to print medals. Those medals allegedly saved many lives during a later cholera epidemic.
Ever since, the church has been an important pilgrimage site. Every year, it welcomes over two million visitors from all around the world.
Whether you believe in miracles or not, the church’s unique atmosphere is undeniable, so don’t leave without visiting and buying yourself a medal.
Deyrolle
Calling all natural history buffs, Deyrolle is the place for you. Both a cabinet of curiosities and “the world’s most enchanting shop”, frequented by writers and artists such as Salvador Dali, Deyrolle has retained much of its old-style atmosphere since it opened in 1831.
Displayed in charming wooden cases, you’ll find hundreds of exotic animals, insects, and other stuffed specimens.
From polar bears to zebras, there’s nothing in Deyrolle that you won’t be able to admire… or buy! If you’re thinking about the idea of a cabinet of curiosities, Deyrolle is exactly it. For the fans of taxidermy, it’s a must visit; for the rest of us, it’s definitely up there as one of the most unusual things to do in Paris.
Bel Canto
At first glance, Bel Canto might just look like a regular Parisian restaurant… until the waiters suddenly burst into song.
Located along the Seine, this unique venue offers a truly original concept, mixing opera and haute cuisine.
Between delicious French courses, students and new professionals of the music academy spice up your meal with famous lyrical melodies. An extraordinary dining experience for opera lovers.
As opera dinner shows become more popular worldwide, you may find this less unusual, but we believe that it’ll make you feel like you’re in a musical.
Le Louxor—and its secret rooftop bar
Housed in a stunning Art Déco building, Le Louxor is a charming, historic cinema from the 1920s, with a quirky neo-Egpytian theme.
Turned nightclub in the 1980s, the building soon fell into disrepair for several decades. The old, beloved cinema was finally restored to its former glory and reopened to the public in 2013.
What do they have on the program now? Classics and independent movies screened in their original language, making for an incredible experience in a setting full of character.
The best part? Before the session, cinemagoers can access their secret rooftop bar and sip a drink with views of the Sacré-Cœur.
Even more unusual things to do in Paris
Now that you know our favorite unusual things to do in Paris, let’s shine a spotlight on some honorable mentions, too:
La Petite Ceinture
La Petite Ceinture, translated as “The Little Belt,” refers to a former railway line in Paris, repurposed in parts into elevated parks and walking paths. It offers a unique blend of urban exploration and green space, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s industrial past.
La Ferme de Paris
La Ferme de Paris, or “The Farm of Paris,” is an educational farm in Bois de Vincennes, Paris, founded in 1979. It introduces urban dwellers to farming, showcasing various animals while promoting sustainable and organic agricultural practices.
La Cité Florale
La Cité Florale, meaning “Floral City,” is a lovely residential area in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. Built in the early 20th century, it boasts picturesque houses, charming cobblestone streets, and a unique design influenced by English garden cities.
Update Notice: This post was updated on January 12, 2024.