Unusual Things To Do In Paris That Are Not In Your Guidebook

When the sun is hot and the city is simmering there is nothing that beats a visit to the water, particularly the Bassin de la Villette, the largest artificial lake in Paris. However, in a city of over two million people, you will quickly find that a picnic in the Buttes Chaumont is a popular idea.

Why not opt for one of the more unusual things to do in Paris; pack a lunch of cheese and wine and break away from the crowded banks to enjoy a decadent day on a private sailboat – piloted by you, no license required – across the lake and adjoining waterways. Explore the 40 km up the Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq on electric boats in style.

With rental boats that fit between five to eleven people, this is the perfect summer activity for groups of family or friends and the ideal way to make memories that don’t involve large incumbent crowds of tourists! It doesn’t get more Paris off the beaten path than a private boat on the water!

You can rent an electric boat from Marin D’Eau Douce base, which is located at Bassin de la Villette (in front of 37 quai de Seine, between the MK2 cinemas and the Passerelle de Flandre). 

Pétanque, the French variety of boules originating in Provence, is not only an example of non-touristy things to do in Paris but probably also one of the more quirky things to do in Paris in general. Usually associated with older people, here it has been adopted by the hipsters and is a favored activity, particularly when it involves a group of friends and a few beers.

I wouldn’t recommend buying the game, lest you add considerably to your luggage weight (a eventually best kept for chic boutique buys) but you can easily rent the game from Bar Ourcq. Situated in a quiet part of the Canal Ourcq the bar, with quirky decor, easy-going staff, and a surprisingly good selection of free snacks at the bar, makes for a great place to spend an offbeat Paris day.

Order a round of drinks before you head out to play pétanque, filling up on a great selection of incredibly well-priced nibbles and drinks in between. When the sun sets you can watch the lights over the water, or head indoors where a DJ is usually playing music in the bar.

Not quite as prolific as cafeś but certainly as engrained in Parisian life are the many farmers' markets around the city. No matter where you choose to call home, there will likely be a market within close walking distance. At the Marché d’Aligre you can expect fragrant heaps of berries, melon, wild mushrooms, and bunches of flowers, with excellent cheese, wine and fish shops nearby and the smell of fine bakeries ever drifting on the breeze.

For organic fare, the original organic market Marché des Batignolles is a must, where the usual fresh market produce can be purchased directly from the makers, among rarer finds like essential oils, fresh raw milk, and vegan croissants. If you are staying in the popular suburb of Bastille, the Marché Bastille is the one for you.

Largest in the city and taking place twice a week you will find all you need in the way of fresh market fare, with the bonus of being nearby several popular attractions. In my opinion, these markets are some of the best-kept secret Paris attractions, hiding in plain sight and if they tickle your fancy you can be sure this selection of other secret foodie finds will too!.

Paris is so beautiful when it comes to the architecture, picturesque water features, and pristine gardens, that sometimes all you really need to soak in the city’s charming ambiance is to be still and present. Maybe the best way to do this is with a quiet picnic, luxuriating on manicured lawns and lazily indulging in fresh croissants.

There are so many beautiful – and free – spaces in which to do this, but my personal favorites would have to be near the Invalides for a daytime picnic, or by night on the “Ile Saint Louis” near the Seine where you can watch the sunset behind Notre Dame. This is one of the many fun things to do in Paris at night and possibly one of the more peaceful options.

Another favorite spot for a picnic is on Canal St. Martin at night. This alternative Paris neighborhood (full of Parisian hidden gems) is upbeat and quirky, and lounging about on the lawn where you are likely to encounter a snapshot of authentic city life. 

Ile Saint Louis lies upstream from the Ile de la Cité and Notre-Dame cathedral. Is linked by two bridges to the Left Bank (Pont de la Tournelle and Pont de Sully) and three to the Right Bank (Pont Louis-Philippe, Pont Marie and Pont de Sully). One bridge (Pont Saint Louis) connects the island to the Ile de la Cité.