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Paris is world-famous for its iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Montmartre. But beyond the tourist clichés, the French capital is full of unusual and little-known places that escape the crowds.

If you want to get off the beaten track and discover a more intimate Paris, this article is for you. We reveal 5 secret places, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Get ready to explore an unsuspected Paris!

The Hôtel Gaillard

A veritable little castle in Paris, this private mansion was built by banker Emile Gaillard at the end of the 19th century. Today it houses the Cité de l’Economie.

 1 place du Général Catroux
 Tuesday to Sunday 2pm to 6pm, Saturdays until 7pm
 €12, €9 for 18-25 year olds

Saint Patrick’s Chapel

The Institut Culturel Irlandais offers free access to Saint Patrick’s Chapel, an exceptionally beautiful chapel. Here’s a little game: try to find the shamrock hidden in the chapel’s decoration!

 LEARN MORE: The Irish Cultural Center, Ireland in the heart of Paris

 5 rue des Irlandais
 Weekday afternoons
 Free admission

Book a visit to Paris:

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The Cité Napoléon

A former workers’ housing estate built in the mid-19th century to address the shortage of housing for the working class, this atypical site is a must-see.

 TO FIND OUT MORE: The Cité Napoléon, history of a working-class housing estate in Paris

Paris insolite

 60 rue Marguerite de Rochechouart

The Chapelle Expiatoire

Built on the initiative of Louis XVIII, the Chapelle Expiatoire pays tribute to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in place of the former Madeleine cemetery, where their bodies were laid to rest after they were guillotined.

 LEARN MORE: The history of the Chapelle Expiatoire

Visiter le Paris secret

 29 rue Pasquier
 April to September: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 6.30pm
 October to March: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm
 €7, free for under-26s

Bagatelle Park

Located on the Bois de Boulogne side, the Parc de Bagatelle is a little paradise of greenery and flowers. You’ll also see the Château de Bagatelle, built in just 64 days following a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Comte d’Artois.

 TO FIND OUT MORE: History of the Château de Bagatelle

Lieu insolite à visiter à Paris

 42 route de Sèvres à Neuilly
 €2.6, €1.5 for under-26s

Which ones have you already visited?

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