You could spend a lifetime in Paris and still find something new. Once you've seen the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, it's worth stepping off the beaten path. From vintage fairground rides and a floating pool to a vineyard in Montmartre and bars where Hemingway drank, here are the most unusual things to do in Paris for a trip that feels truly your own.
1. Ride a Century-Old Carousel at the Musée des Arts Forains
Hidden in the old wine warehouses of Bercy, the Musée des Arts Forains is a magical collection of fairground rides and games from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The best part? You can still ride some of them, including antique carousels. Visits are by guided tour, so book ahead.
2. Watch a Fashion Show at a Department Store
Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and you can feel like an insider at a department store fashion show. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann regularly hosts free shows of the season's collections, beneath its spectacular glass dome. Places are limited, so reserve in advance.
3. Learn to Make Macarons
Macarons are notoriously tricky to make. Learn the secrets from professional pastry chefs at a hands-on class at La Cuisine Paris, and leave with a box of your own creations and the skills to impress at home.
4. Have Lunch in a Train Station Palace
Inside the Gare de Lyon, Le Train Bleu is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris. Built for the 1900 World's Fair, its dining rooms are covered in gilded ceilings and painted murals of the destinations once served by the station. Book a table for lunch or just have a drink in the bar before your train.
5. Explore the Artists' Studios at 59 Rivoli
In 1999, a group of artists took over an empty building on Rue de Rivoli. Today, 59 Rivoli is a legal artist collective owned by the city. Climb the spiral staircase through floors of studios, watch artists at work, and see the city's alternative art scene up close. Entry is free.
6. Find a Newspaper From the Day You Were Born
Near the Louvre, La Galcante is a treasure trove of old newspapers, magazines, posters, and prints. Ask for a newspaper from your birth date for a unique souvenir.
7. See a Gig on a Boat
Moored on the Seine near the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand, Petit Bain is a floating venue with live music, club nights, and a rooftop terrace. Many other river barges nearby also host bars and concerts.
8. Swim in the Seine
For a century, swimming in the Seine was banned. After a major clean-up for the 2024 Olympics, the city opened supervised swimming spots in the river in summer 2025, including near Bercy and the Île Saint-Louis. Opening depends on water quality, so check before you go. Alternatively, swim at the Piscine Joséphine Baker, a pool floating on the river, with a sundeck and city views.
9. Drink Where Hemingway Drank
Harry's New York Bar on Rue Daunou has been serving cocktails since 1911. Its wooden bar was famously shipped from Manhattan, and it was a favorite of Lost Generation writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It claims to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary.
10. Visit a Vineyard in Montmartre
Just behind the Sacré-Coeur, the Clos Montmartre is one of the last working vineyards in Paris. It is not usually open to wander, but you can see it from the street, and the Musée de Montmartre next door has lovely gardens. In early October, the Fête des Vendanges harvest festival fills the neighborhood with parades, music, and wine.
11. Dance on the Banks of the Seine
On summer evenings, couples gather in the small amphitheaters of the Jardin Tino-Rossi, along the Quai Saint-Bernard, to dance tango, salsa, and swing by the river. Anyone can join in, or just watch the dancers as the sun sets.
12. Walk the Petite Ceinture
This abandoned railway line once circled Paris. Several sections have been opened as green walking trails, where nature has taken over the old tracks. The sections in the 12th, 15th, and 20th arrondissements are a peaceful escape from the city.
13. Discover a Cabinet of Curiosities
Deyrolle, on Rue du Bac, has been selling taxidermy, insects, and natural history curiosities since the 19th century. Its upstairs rooms are filled with lions, bears, butterflies, and beetles, like a museum where everything is for sale. Nearby, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in the Marais mixes old masters, taxidermy, and contemporary art in a quirky mansion.
Tips for Exploring Unusual Paris
- Book ahead for guided visits and classes, such as the Musée des Arts Forains and macaron workshops.
- Check seasonal opening. Seine swimming and riverside dancing happen only in summer.
- Explore by neighborhood. Combine Montmartre's vineyard with a bakery visit, or Bercy's fairground museum with a walk along the river.
- Stay connected. Finding hidden spots is much easier with maps. An egoViet France eSIM gets you online as soon as you land. See our France eSIM guide and the best European travel apps.
For more ideas, see the best things to do in Paris and our list of free things to do in Paris.
FAQs: Unusual Things to Do in Paris
Can you swim in the Seine?
Yes, in summer. Since 2025, Paris has opened supervised swimming spots in the Seine, subject to water quality. There is also a floating pool, the Piscine Joséphine Baker.
Is there a vineyard in Paris?
Yes. The Clos Montmartre vineyard is near the Sacré-Coeur. Its harvest is celebrated every October with the Fête des Vendanges.
What are some hidden gems in Paris?
The Musée des Arts Forains, 59 Rivoli, the Petite Ceinture, Deyrolle, and the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature are all off the usual tourist trail.
Where can I see a free fashion show in Paris?
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann regularly hosts free fashion shows, but places are limited and need to be reserved in advance.