169 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Paris - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Paris

Catacombes de Paris

The Catacombs hold secrets much stranger than the bones stacked within them.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

France's most famous cemetery, with some of its most curious tombs.

Petite Ceinture

Abandoned railway line circling the city of Paris.

59 Rivoli

Notorious artist squat renovated into legal studios.

Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France)

This massive library holds what was once largest book collection in the world.

Shakespeare and Company

This iconic Parisian bookstore doubles as the "Tumbleweed Hotel" for traveling writers.

House of Nicolas Flamel

The oldest stone house in Paris was built by its most famous alchemist.

Montmartre Cemetery

A horde of stray cats rule in this secluded Parisian cemetery under a bridge.

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Paris

Chevilly-Larue, France

Rungis International Market

Walk through spectacular aisles of hanging meat and wagon wheel–sized cheese at the world's largest wholesale food market.

Roger La Grenouille

This frog-themed restaurant was frequented by Picasso, Saint-Exupéry, and more.

Au Roi de la Bière

Once a 19th-century brasserie, this McDonald's exterior celebrates Alsatian design and the "King of Beer."

Grave of Antoine-Augustin Parmentier

The tomb of history's greatest potato promoter is surrounded by tubers.

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Stories About Paris

Podcast: Grittiness and Romanticism in New York and Paris

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

September 13, 2022

A sign at Bravo Caffè shows how to say "thank you" in Taiwanese Sign Language.

Deaf-Owned Restaurants Offer Cuisine and Community

Around the world, cafés and eateries are sharing Deaf culture.

by ANNA MINDESS

August 17, 2022

A competitor in the Oeuf Mayo World Championship in 2018.

Inside the Egg Mayo Protection Association

The surprisingly competitive world of France's humblest bistro staple.

by Madeleine Rothery

Podcast: Père Lachaise Cemetery

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

A 1920's meeting of <em>Les Belles Perdrix.</em>

The All-Female Culinary Clubs of 20th-Century France

Even Julia Child was a member.

by Alex Katsomitros

According to the Musée de l'Homme in Paris and many historians and forensic experts, this is the skull of French philosopher René Descartes. Swedish researchers disagree.

Was René Descartes a Victim of Skull Blasting?

Centuries after the philosopher’s death, lingering controversy over his remains highlights a macabre practice of profiting from the dead.

by Gemma Tarlach

October 25, 2021

Filmmaking in the Porte des Lilas station.

The Ghost Subway Station in Paris Where Films Come to Life

In Porte des Lilas, it’s lights, camera, Métro!

by Hannah Steinkopf-Frank

The cake has such an elegant presentation, you almost don't want to cut into it.

Making the Miraculous Cake of the Patron Saint of Bakers

Test your pastry-making prowess with gâteau St. Honoré.

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