Offbeat Paris: A Day of Unusual Adventures Beyond the Tourist Trail

On our Traveling Professor small group tours to Paris, we always make time for the glamorous attractions—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. But once you’ve checked those iconic landmarks off your list, why not dive into something different? Paris is full of quirky, historic, and unusual attractions that many travelers never see. Here’s a plan of attack for a truly unforgettable—and slightly offbeat—day in the City of Light.

1. Explore the Sewers of Paris (Les Égouts de Paris)

Hidden just beneath the streets, the Sewers of Paris offer a fascinating hour-long underground walking tour. Don’t let the name fool you—this is not a stinky experience but an engaging look at the engineering marvels that keep the city running. With over 1,300 miles of tunnels, you’ll only see a small portion, but it’s enough to understand how vital this system is.

• Why visit? Rain or shine, it’s the same adventure. Cool in summer, rushing with water in the rain—it’s an unusual way to see Paris from below.

• Location: Near the Eiffel Tower.

• Métro: Alma-Marceau

• Museum Pass: Yes

• Website: Paris Museum Pass

2. Step into Royal History at Basilique Saint-Denis

Hop on the métro at Invalides and take a short ride outside the city center to the Basilique Saint-Denis. This Gothic masterpiece is not just an architectural gem—it’s the final resting place of nearly every French king and queen since the year 511. From Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI to the haunting remains of the dauphin, the would-be Louis XVII, this is the place where French history truly comes alive.

• Why visit? For history lovers and fans of the macabre, this royal necropolis is unmatched. Don’t skip the audio guide—it adds so much depth to the visit.

• Métro: Basilique de Saint-Denis

• Museum Pass: Yes

• Website: Basilique Saint-Denis

3. Pay Respects at Père Lachaise Cemetery

No unusual Paris itinerary is complete without a trip to Père Lachaise Cemetery. Known worldwide, it’s the eternal home of legendary figures like Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Max Ernst. The cemetery is vast and hilly, with cobblestone paths winding through a sea of ornate tombs and monuments.

• Pro tip: Buy a map at the entrance near the métro station to make the most of your visit.

• Métro: Père Lachaise

• Admission: Free

• Website: Père Lachaise Cemetery

4. Descend into the Catacombs of Paris

End your unusual day with perhaps the most chilling stop of all—the Catacombs of Paris. When Parisian cemeteries overflowed in the 18th century, more than six million skeletons were relocated to this underground ossuary. Today, visitors can walk among walls lined with carefully arranged bones and skulls.

• Why visit? It’s eerie, unforgettable, and unlike anything else in Paris. Bring a flashlight, watch your step, and don’t be tempted to pocket a souvenir (they check at the exit!).

• Location: Near Denfert-Rochereau métro station

• Admission: Around €31 (not included in Museum Pass)

• Website: Catacombs of Paris

An Offbeat Paris Itinerary Worth Experiencing

Paris is much more than its postcard landmarks. From underground sewers to royal tombs, famous cemeteries, and bone-filled catacombs, this itinerary offers travelers a side of the city few get to see. On our Traveling Professor small group tours to Paris, we love combining the classic sights with these unusual adventures for a richer, more authentic experience.

If you’re ready to explore Paris beyond the ordinary, these stops will make your trip truly unforgettable.