12 Little Known Spots That Will Show You A Side Of Paris You’ve Never Seen Before
Okay, winter this year was just... terrible. It was the worst. And now that summer has finally come to Canada, you might think it's time to bunker down and enjoy our gorgeous country.
And while it's true that our country is beautiful- well, it's time to treat yourself! Time to reward yourself for emerging from this winter's frozen tundra. Time to visit one of the most fascinating places in the world: Paris!
Ah, Paris! The city of romance, amazing fashion and delicious croissants!
Paris is an extremely popular tourist destination, but let’s be real - we ALL know the main sites and spots to check out. Checking out the Eiffel Tower, heading over to the Louvre... sure, that's super fun. But Paris is a city filled with hidden gems and secret attractions just as numerous as its narrow alleys and cafes!
And there could be no better time to uncover all of Paris' secrets than right now, thanks to WestJet! This Canadian airline is about to start offering daily non-stop flights from Halifax to Paris for the first time ever; and since WestJet is Canada's most trusted airline*, you just know your flight will be just as fantastic as your trip!
Explore the much lesser known Palais Royal
Although it's obvious that visiting Paris means going to see all the spots that makes the City of Lights so famous... well, if you really want to discover all the hidden gems that makes the city so special, look no further than the Palais Royal!
A sprawling garden? A beautiful, palatial building? Gorgeous views? Check, check and check! Right next to the beautiful Louvre, you will find the Palais Royal! While not as popular as its neighbour, you truly cannot beat the striking courtyard and the beautiful Daniel Buren sculpture installation!
Take a trip back in time and visit the medieval market district Les Halles
Starting out as Paris' fresh food market, Les Halles was recently redeveloped with a new £150M canopy structure. Today it houses boutiques, the perfect hidden gem to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir, and swanky restaurants like from chefs like Alain Ducasse!
Have a picnic in Parc de Bercy
Grab a baguette, your favourite cheese, a tasty vino and head over to Parc de Bercy where you can relax and take in the sights.
It's a rather small, cute park just next to the Cours Saint Emillion that has a couple different areas. If you want to see a tourist free part of Paris, that’s your place to be!
See a movie at Cinema L'Arlequin
It does not get cuter than this! This hidden cinema, situated in Paris' 7th Arrondissement, has a whole lot of history - and today, only plays classics and a few foreign films.
L'Arlequin is well-loved by locals, and this is one spot you absolutely HAVE to check out during your adventure to Paris!
Visit the oldest bakery in Paris
You can’t go to Paris with making a stop (or several) at a delicious bakery... but you especially need to pass by Stohrer, the oldest bakery in the whole city!
You can find all the classics here and your mouth and stomach will thank you later; but make sure to try their Fraisier cakes. Or their croissants. Or, you know. Literally anything!
Attend an open air concert in Parc Floral
Throughout the summer, there are tons of concerts happening in Parc Floral. Enjoy the weather, the amazing energy of the city and the beautiful classical and jazz music. Best of all, most of the concerts are free!
Attend a free reading session at Shakespeare and Company
Okay, sure, Shakespeare And Company is a little bit more well-known than some of the other spots on this list. BUT what most people don't know is that this independent English bookstore in Paris actually hosts free reading sessions on Monday!
Which means if you're exploring the City of Lights, you totally need to get here and, get a seat inside, and share a glass of wine with the authors!
Have a drink at La REcyclerie
La REcyclerie, in the north of Paris, is a bar, restaurant, shop and eco project that uses parts of the old railway ring around Paris for their projects. It’s a pretty cool and inspiring place and not something you’ll be able to find in any other city!
Buy some cheese at Fromagerie Quatrehommes
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Okay, seriously - what is more Parisian than CHEESE?! (Yes please.)
Visiting this spot is a tasty and unique experience. Plus, not to mention, the fromage here is probably the best quality in the world! Trust, this is one local experience you will not want to miss this during your trip.
Have a drink at Rue Mouffetard
Looking for a cute, cultural street with tons of bars and restaurants? Look no further than Rue Mouffetard!
This quaint rue is well-loved and well-known by locals, but you won't see a tourist in sight! Avenue Champs-Elysées, take a seat, there's a new street in town.
Check out Little Sri Lanka
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La Chapelle, otherwise known as “Little Jaffna” is situated at the cusp of the 10th arrondissement.
This neighbourhood is bursting with activity, culture and colour - and also happens to be home to some of the most authentic South Asian restaurants in Paris, like Restaurant Shalini and Krishna Bhavan.
Even if you've been to Paris before, there's no way you've seen all the amazing nooks and crannies that this beautiful city has to offer!
There's always a something new to uncover - which means that there's no better time to start exploring Paris' hidden gems than right now. Especially since, as of May 31, WestJet's going to start offering direct flights from Halifax to Paris!
And trust, there's no other airline you'd want to fly direct with. WestJet's not only uniquely Canadian, but also happens to be one of the most affordable and customer-oriented airlines out there. (They even won the TripAdvisor award for Best Airline in Canada in 2017 and 2018!).
Seriously guys, grab your friends and your best beret, and prepare to discover a whole new side of Paris... all thanks to WestJet!
To book your own direct adventure to Paris with WestJet, click here! And follow them on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with any new promotions and offerings!
*2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)


