Unique Activities In Paris That Go Beyond Typical Sightseeing

Paris shows you a new side to itself every time you visit, if you know where to look. It’s what keeps drawing me back. Away from the usual landmarks are things that might be a little more unexpected. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, I want to share some of the more unique activities in Paris I’ve found.

For those who want to experience something different, that is. Quirky spots, memorable moments, and the truly weird and wonderful side of Paris. Exactly what you need to make sure Paris lands firmly in your list of favorite cities, as it rightly should.

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A Different Side Of Paris

While the iconic sights should not be missed for a first timer, and have their moment for even the more seasoned Paris visitor (like moi), there’s something special about experiencing Paris in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Step beyond the usual checklist of Paris attractions and try something a little different to turn a great trip into a really memorable one. Connect with the culture and character of Paris and France in your own way.

I’m not suggesting you skip the classics like the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre if it’s your first time here. But how about adding a few unique activities in Paris like hands-on experiences, or the not-so-polished tourist sights? They’ll make your time in Paris better than you could imagine, even as one of the world’s most visited destinations.

My Favorite Unique Activities In Paris

If you’re interested in experiencing the French capital beyond the typical highlights, you’re in the right place. Here are some of my favorite unique activities in Paris that add a little je ne sais quoi to any visit.

VISIT THE CHEESE MUSEUM

Did you even go to France if you didn’t indulge in some stinky cheese? While it might be possible to avoid some of the best fromage in France, why would you want to?

But before you start digging in, I’d recommend learning a little more about the cheesemaking process at Paris’ very own Musée du Fromage. That’s cheese museum to you and me. The cheese museum is on the Île Saint-Louis, just a couple minutes walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral.

For €20 you get time to peruse the small museum, check out some historic cheese-making (and serving) artifacts, and most importantly taste some French cheese.

Your tour guide will tell you all they know about the cheese business and you’ll get to see some of their current cheese experiments. Then you can indulge in a tasting of around 4 fromages with assorted accompaniments. Oh, and there’s a great little cheese-y gift shop.

NAVIGATE THE PARIS CATACOMBS

You may wonder why the Catacombs made it to this list, as one of the most popular activities in Paris. Full disclosure, they are in no way a hidden gem, but you can’t say the Catacombs aren’t unique (and maybe not for everyone).

After all, there aren’t many places you can descend into the bowels of the city, and wander through pathways lined with the bones of centuries-dead former residents of Paris.

The Paris Catacombs date back to the 18th Century, when concerns about diseases in the cemeteries in the growing city made officials consider an alternate plan for Paris’ decedents. Over a 20-year period, the bones were meticulously moved to former underground quarries. They now house millions of people.

The Catacombs costs around 31€ and should be reserved within 7 days of travel, when tickets are released.

This is a very popular attraction and does sell out. Last entry is 7:30pm – I did an evening tour which worked out well to leave the daytime for outdoor activities.

HOLD YOUR NOSE AT THE PARIS SEWER MUSEUM

Merde! Literally. Bodies aren’t the only things you’ll find under the city of Paris. How about a visit to the Paris Sewers Museum to learn some of the more technical aspects of the city’s water treatment. And what the odds of surviving a swim in the Seine river are. Perhaps the only museum in Paris more stinky than the Cheese Museum.

See what happens when you flush a toilet in an apartment block, how waste gets separated and how the city keeps from flooding.

The history of sanitation (or lack thereof) is an interesting tale. All of which you can find out in the museum’s self-guided tour.

Entry is €9, and there are lots of information boards guiding you around. Make sure to mention if you’re not a French speaker and they’ll give you a print out book of all the numbered info boards so you don’t miss out. Keep an eye out for some unique underground artwork too.

TAKE A FRENCH PASTRY MAKING CLASS

A popular first stop when visiting Paris (and last stop) is a local pâtisserie to indulge in some fancy, photogenic pastries. Guilty! What if you could also make them once you return home, for a taste of France wherever you live?

One of my favorite activities so far in Paris has been taking an éclair making class in a quiet, hidden Saint-Germain kitchen. I lucked out with a private class, as surprisingly no-one else signed up. Which also meant I got to eat all the treats myself.

As well as éclairs you’ll make my favorite chouquettes. But Paris also has pastry making classes for other delectable delights such as macarons, croissants and an assortment of French tartes. Classes run for 100-150€, but it’s a super fun, unique Paris activity. I’d highly recommend.

SEEK OUT SOME PARIS FILMING LOCATIONS

You don’t have to be a fan of French cinema to appreciate some of the city’s famous filming locations. In fact, many American TV shows and movies have also made Paris their backdrop.

Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the spots from your favorite flicks for a fun, budget-friendly walking activity.

See Emily’s apartment and Gabriel’s restaurant from Emily In Paris, or the greengrocer or cafe from Amélie. Walk in Owen Wilson’s footsteps from Midnight in Paris or have your Audrey Hepburn “Bonjour Paris” moment from the 1957 film Funny Face. After all, who does Paris better than Audrey?!

LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN PERFUME

One of my favorite souvenirs from Paris has been a signature scent I created myself from Parfumerie Galimard. The 2-hour perfume class let’s you learn all about the base, heart and top notes that go into creating your own fragrance. Mix them all together and you’ve got the perfect gift (for yourself or someone else) to go home with.

There are a number of parfumeries to do a workshop, with prices from as little as €35. However, make sure to research the class as some have you all make the same scent, and others allow you more creative freedom.

My class was just under €100, and came with a 100ml bottle of perfume of my own – I even got to name it.

DID YOU KNOW? Once you make your perfume, you’ll receive a certificate AND a unique identifying number. Use this to purchase more of your perfume when you run out, or additional toiletries like lotions and soaps.

ATTEND A CLASSICAL CONCERT IN A 12th CENTURY CHURCH

The acoustics and atmosphere of a historical church are rarely matched when attending a classical concert. Luckily there are usually a few opportunities to partake in such an activity when visiting the City of Light, especially around the Saint-Germain and Île de la Cité areas as well as the Latin Quarter.

On a recent trip to Paris I visited the Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, for an evening concert of classical pieces. What a beautiful experience.

La Sainte-Chapelle and Saint Ephrem churches are also popular spots for a classical concert series. You can find tickets for under €20, although €25-35 is more common.

TOP TRAVEL TIP: Keep an ear out around in December for special Christmas-related musical events. The perfect accompaniment to the festive season.

SEE WHERE MARIE CURIE WORKED

Marie Curie studied and worked in Paris, and was known for her work on researching radioactivity and discovering two radioactive elements. Now, you can visit her former laboratory at the Musée Curie in the Latin Quarter, not far from the Panthéon.

Although Polish by birth, Marie Curie was a naturalized French citizen. Her life’s work not only earned her two Nobel Prizes (one in Physics, one in Chemistry) but she was the first woman to win the prestigious award.

Luckily Marie Curie’s lab is now radiation free, but it’s a great place to learn all about her work and life. See her office, her lab and some of the equipment she used.

The museum is small and has a capacity of 35 visitors at a time. Although the best news? This interesting museum is totally FREE to visit. Worth the wait if it’s full, and one of the most budget friendly unique activities in Paris.

Are These Unique Activities In Paris Worth Visiting?

There are so many things to do in Paris you’ll run out of time before you ever get bored. But should you do some of these more unique activities in Paris before you hit the major sites like the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre?

Well, the big sights are iconic for a reason. And they are probably worth the time and crowd battling for at least part of your trip. But some of my favorite Paris memories came from doing things that never showed up on a Top Ten Things To Do In Paris list.

My best advice if you’re heading to Paris is to leave a little room in your itinerary to get lost in the side streets, or try something different whether it be underground or rolling your sleeves up in a kitchen. And to try every French bakery along the way, because pourquois pas?! You’re in Paris, after all.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which other unique activities in Paris have you done? Any of these you’d like to do on your next trip?