8 Hidden Gem Destinations in Paris

April 20, 2025 | 10:16 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Paris has its own charm that makes many people want to keep coming back to visit the country. Known as the city of love, Paris offers many things to explore, from cultural and historical attractions to its culinary delights. However, for those visiting Paris for the first time, they certainly need some guidance to have an unforgettable experience.

Lane Niest from Travel + Leisure shares several recommendations for tourist attractions and restaurants to experience Paris like a local. Having lived in France for more than a decade, she has a deep understanding of the 20 districts in the city, including Belleville, the birthplace of the legendary French singer dith Piaf and one of the Chinatown areas.

Although many places are now popular on TikTok, Niest has compiled a complete list of culinary delights and attractions to try, based on the opinions of top travel advisors, three Michelin-starred chefs, and famous writers.

1. Plume

Plume, a secluded neighborhood restaurant without tourists, is located behind Le Bon March and the Balenciaga office. According to Pamela Shein Murphy, the head travel designer at Wandrist Travel who lives in the 6th district, Plume is a rare find in Paris. "Everything is clean and controlled like Scandinavia, providing a tranquil backdrop for Chef Youssef Gastli's expressive dishes," she said.

2. Shinya Pain Montmartre

As Paris is the land of baguettes, the city indeed has several bakeries worth visiting with long lines stretching along the blocks. However, Lindsey Tramuta, the author of several books about Paris, recommends the sourdough bakery, Shinya Pain Montmartre. This small bakery, opened in 2020, is located on one of the many winding narrow streets leading to Sacr-Cur from the Abbesses metro. Its bread is made with ancient grains and natural sourdough yeast, usually sold out during limited bakery hours, Thursday through Sunday, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

3. Jardin du Palais Royal

Remember the scene where Emily and Mindy first met in Emily in Paris? Its name is Jardin du Palais Royal, a tranquil garden to sit and read a book without pedestrians.

Sophie Carbonari, the founder of the eponymous Paris-based skincare line, felt a distinctive light in the early spring, when the cold air didn't entirely diminish the first warm rays of sunshine. "I shivered. There's a quiet sensuality in this place, the beauty of this sacred place, every cell in my body feels special to be here," she said.

4. Parc de Belleville

If you want to enjoy expansive city views and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, and the Centre Pompidou, go up to the top of Parc de Belleville hill. Right across the street from Buttes Chaumont, this is another lesser-known spot in the neighborhood. It's also one of the best viewing points to watch the fireworks show on July 14, Bastille Day.

5. March Aligre

It wouldn't be complete without visiting the local market. March Aligre is located in the heart of Paris, near Bastille. According to Chef Arnaud Donckele, who heads the restaurant Cheval Blanc Paris, including the three-star Plnitude, this market reminds us of how Paris is truly the capital of flavors.

6. Officine Universelle Buly

If you want to own a perfume like a local, you must visit Officine Universelle Buly based in Paris. In addition to perfume, you can get a hand-carved comb that can be personalized with your name. Like Niest, who has a tortoiseshell-patterned comb, always kept in her cosmetic bag when traveling.

7. Les Maquereaux Rive Droite

Although many street-side cafs lining the Seine are tourist attractions, some places on the quays are quite the opposite. Neist recommends Les Maquereaux Rive Droite, a barge, or flat-bottomed boat, facing le Saint-Louis. Open only on weekends from May to October, French people usually order oysters and fresh shrimp from the beachfront kiosks before sitting at one of the scattered picnic tables along the dock.

8. March des Enfants Rouges

The winding medieval streets of Marais are filled with some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. One favorite is Le Mary Celeste. In the city's oldest covered market, tourists can choose cuisines from couscous at the Moroccan stall to fresh grilled steak and five-inch thick croque monsieur sandwiches at the Butcher of Paris counter.

Editor's choice: Taste Paris Like a Local: 5 Tips for Affordable, Authentic Food Finds

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