Paris, the “City of Light,” shines brightly not just because of the Eiffel Tower’s dazzling light show, but also for its world-renowned restaurants, captivating art galleries and museums, chic boutiques, and iconic landmarks that could easily fill weeks of vacation time. But after ticking off the classic sights like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Sacré-Coeur, you might be wondering what comes next. Let’s explore nine lesser-known treasures that will add a unique sparkle to your Parisian adventure.
Beyond the Canvas: Art and Architecture in a Whirlwind
The Louis Vuitton Foundation, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, is an architectural masterpiece impossible to miss. Its striking, modern exterior, clad in giant glass panels, resembles an abstract sculpture. Since its opening in 2014, this art museum and cultural center has displayed a permanent collection of 268 pieces by 102 artists, alongside two rotating exhibitions of modern art, showcasing the evolution of artistic expression. The foundation’s minimalist interior houses exhibits on pop art, expressionist art, and music and sound, featuring works from both the 20th and 21st centuries. Don’t miss the auditorium, a space designed for live artistic performances, including dance and music. Art enthusiasts will be captivated by this immersive experience.
A Symphony of Beauty: The Opéra National de Paris
Even if opera isn’t your passion, a visit to the Opéra National de Paris, also known as Palais Garnier, will feel like stepping into a fairytale. Built between 1861 and 1875 under Emperor Napoleon III, this magnificent building in the ninth arrondissement was designed to host the Paris Opera. From the moment you step inside, the 98-foot-tall vault crafted from swirling marble and the impressive double staircases leave you awestruck. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium, adorned with marble, stucco, and velvet, boasts an eight-ton bronze and crystal chandelier that hangs majestically. Immerse yourself in this grand space by attending an opera, ballet, or symphonic concert. The venue presents over 380 shows annually to an audience of over 800,000, offering a truly Parisian experience.
Where History Meets Modernity: The Molitor
The Molitor isn’t just a historical monument; it’s a vibrant blend of past and present, offering a pool, spa, hotel, bar, rooftop space, art gallery, and restaurant all in one. This urban resort, a symbol of Parisian luxury, opened its doors in 1929, becoming a haven for locals seeking swimming, sunbathing, sports, and socializing. When it closed in 1989, artists embraced the abandoned building, transforming it into a hub for creativity and expression.
Throughout the 1990s, the building was covered in colorful graffiti and hosted lively parties, events, fashion shows, and concerts. The city brought the Molitor back to life, but its rich history remains. The city’s first street art graffiti has been preserved on the lobby walls and corridors, serving as a reminder of the building’s past. The restaurant and spa are open to the public, and the Molitor continues to host cultural and sporting events, making it a place where Parisian secrets unfold.
A City of Liberties: The Lady Liberty’s Parisian Twins
While the Statue of Liberty might be synonymous with New York City, Paris also boasts a collection of replicas of this iconic symbol. Gifted by France to the United States as a symbol of their alliance during the Revolutionary War, these replicas are scattered throughout Paris.
The most prominent and largest stands on a plinth on the Île aux Cygnes beside the Pont de Grenelle (Grenelle Bridge). A quarter the size of its North American counterpart, this replica was gifted to Paris in 1889 by its American expat community. The Musée d’Orsay also welcomes visitors with its own Lady Liberty, standing just under 10 feet tall. This statue, also by the acclaimed French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, once stood in the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens). There’s another bronze copy in the Jardin du Luxembourg, while the original plaster casts used to create the statue are still held by the Musée des Arts et Métiers, though the bronze Lady Liberty is currently on loan to the U.S. for a decade.
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge: A City’s Beloved Companions
Animal lovers, prepare to be moved by a visit to Le Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques (the Cemetery for Dogs and Other Pets), a tranquil suburban pet cemetery nestled beside the river in the Asnières-sur-Seine neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the graves of beloved canine and feline family members, as well as famous animal actors and heroes. Among them lies the grave of Rin Tin Tin, a German shepherd who starred in his own children’s television series. This heroic pup, rescued from a World War I battlefield, went on to star in 27 Hollywood films before his death in Los Angeles in 1932. Look out for the monument dedicated to Barry, a Saint Bernard. A poignant inscription recounts how this heroic dog saved 40 human lives before sacrificing his own while trying to rescue the 41st. While the inscription’s tale isn’t entirely true, the sentiment is heartwarming. This canine hero lived a long life, retiring in a Swiss monastery.
A Canvas of Whimsy: Street Art Alley
Known as “Street Art Alley,” this quirky Parisian street is a vibrant burst of color, standing out as one of the city’s most colorful corners. While graffiti is generally forbidden in Paris, this lane is a rare exception. Street artists have taken advantage of this freedom, creating a dynamic and multifaceted mural, a tapestry of vibrant artwork by some of the city’s best graffiti artists, incorporating mosaics and everyday objects like teapots and toys. The art is organic and spontaneous, resulting in a delightful and whimsical atmosphere guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Sweet Sensations: The Oldest Bakery in Paris
Pâtisserie Stohrer, established in 1730, holds the title of the oldest bakery in Paris. Nicolas Stohrer, pastry chef to King Louis XV, created this historic institution. Known for its exquisite vol-au-vents (hollow puff pastries), the bakery boasts a reputation for baking some of the finest treats in Paris. The iconic rum baba was born when King Louis XV’s father-in-law complained his brioche was too dry, prompting Stohrer to soak it in wine. He later switched to hard liquor, creating the now-famous rum baba.
Stohrer’s culinary innovations didn’t end there. He also created the crème chiboust (a renowned cream tart filled with Italian meringue), the puits d’amour (a hollow pastry filled with red currant or raspberry jam), and the traditional-style religieuse (two buns filled with cream and topped with chocolate ganache). It’s no surprise that discerning foodies with a sweet tooth have been flocking to this spot on Rue Montorgueil for centuries.
A Pagoda in Paris: A Blend of East and West
The Pagoda Paris began its life as an “hôtel particulier,” a grand private residence. In 1925, art and antique dealer Ching Tsai Loo purchased the property and transformed it into a gallery that would showcase his impressive collection with equal grandeur. The building’s striking red walls and tiered exterior, combined with the lavish Shanxi lacquer panels adorning the interior rooms, create a stunning example of Chinese architecture. After Loo’s passing in 1957, the building fell into neglect, but today, it stands fully restored. This breathtaking structure also serves as an event venue, frequently hosting cocktail receptions, private dinners, conferences, photo shoots, and fashion shows.
A Bold Statement: The Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou, with its futuristic design, became one of the most controversial buildings in Paris upon its opening in 1977. Architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano are responsible for this architectural landmark, which is often referred to as the Beaubourg after its location rather than by its official name. This cultural hub houses a public library and the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, showcasing works by legendary artists like Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and Kapoor. But it’s the building’s exterior systems that steal the show. Each function is color-coded: green for plumbing, blue for climate control, yellow for electrical, and red for safety or movement, including the diagonal escalator, affectionately nicknamed the “Caterpillar” by Parisians.
This architectural masterpiece is more than just a museum; it’s a statement about progress and innovation, a true testament to the city’s dynamic spirit. While the Centre Pompidou may be known for its bold and futuristic design, it’s the hidden gems, the unexpected treasures, that truly make Paris a city worth exploring.
