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12/23/2025 | 1 MINUTE READ

My Favorite Hidden Gems of Paris

Higher Ed Blogger - Rebecca O.

Rebecca O.

Georgia College & State University | Paris

 

After having lived here for three months, this is a small collection of the spots in the city that I think are worth visiting and not as well-known! Make sure to add these to your list right underneath the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

A close-up of a delicious brunch spread featuring a waffle with fried chicken, a fried egg, and avocado, alongside bao buns and a green latte.

 

The most adorable and tasteful brunch spot my friends and I ate at was the Bon Bouquet Café! It had a beautiful array of colorful dishes ranging from waffles to salads and everything in between. It is a must-try spot next time you and your friends visit and want a tasty, beautiful meal.

A close-up overhead shot of a white cup of latte with heart-shaped latte art and a slice of banana bread on a marble table.

 

For anyone looking for a cozy, warm, and quiet café where you can enjoy a nice read while sipping on your cappuccino, Maison Fleuret Paris is the place to go. With bookshelves lining the walls, it is every book lover’s dream! The cozy atmosphere makes it a very enjoyable spot to rest and recharge before doing more sightseeing.

A close-up overhead shot of a white cup of latte with heart-shaped latte art and a slice of banana bread on a marble table.
Avocado toast and iced coffee on a cafe table with a blurred street background

 

The Maurice Café is well known in Paris for its unique plastic cups resembling a can, but its drinks are just as amazing! I loved the chai tea latte, but matcha and coffee are also specialties in this small coffee shop. It is such a unique and fun stop to make if you’re looking for a delicious drink on your way to your next location!

Two jellyfish, one with a translucent brown bell and the other with glowing blue and purple tentacles, swim in a dark underwater environment.

 

For anyone looking to see some crazy and interesting wildlife, the Paris aquarium is a small and fun place to visit with friends and family! It’s the perfect excursion for animal lovers of all ages. Featured at the aquarium are sharks, jellyfish, an array of fish species, and so much more!

Two jellyfish, one with a translucent brown bell and the other with glowing blue and purple tentacles, swim in a dark underwater environment.
Exterior of the National Archives in Paris

A free hidden gem excursion in Paris is the National Archives Museum. Its gold decor scattered over the walls and amazing pieces of work inside make it an interesting spot to stop and dive deep into the history of France.

"The Eagle Hunter" by Louis Gossin Sculpture

The Petit Palais is my personal favorite free museum because its sculptures were truly one-of-a-kind creations that had me stopping in my tracks every five steps. Every detail and thought that went into each piece inside the museum made it a lovely experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting and not looking to break the bank. 

"The Eagle Hunter" by Louis Gossin Sculpture
Gourmet Pasta with Truffles and Burrata

If you can only go to one restaurant in Paris for lunch or dinner, it has to be Pink Mama. Not only is the restaurant itself beautiful and classically rustic, but its food will also have your mouth watering at the sight. The last two times I went, I had their famous truffle pasta, which did not disappoint! Each plate is made with such elegance and beauty, and it’s a plus that every dish, whether it’s the chicken skewer or the truffle pizza, is made to perfection.

Two people rowing a boat on a calm canal surrounded by lush green trees under an overcast sky.

While I studied abroad, I had the luck of living near Lac Daumesnil, which is this gorgeous New York Central Park-style park that has walking trails and even a lake where you can rent a rowboat to sail through. It is quiet, peaceful, and the perfect park in Paris to just enjoy the scenery and company of others. It is the true definition of a hidden gem in Paris and a must-see if you visit and need to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Two people rowing a boat on a calm canal surrounded by lush green trees under an overcast sky.
Woman smiling outdoors with fall foliage and brick building behind her

Rebecca O.

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