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5 unexpected stops you absolutely have to make in Paris, France

By Ian Goodwillie

PARIS, FRANCE - 2018/12/08: Eiffel Tower illuminated seen in the night with a Metro subway sign in Paris. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - 2018/12/08: Eiffel Tower illuminated seen in the night with a Metro subway sign in Paris. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Without question, Paris is the most iconic destination in France, if not the world. It is a legendary city that is filled with more than a few iconic landmarks, including the ever-popular tourist beacon known as the Eiffel Tower.

At the same time, Paris also has a bit of a weird side that most visitors don’t take advantage of. All of these stops aren’t necessarily for everyone. But for those people who do take the time to check these places out, they’re in for some interesting experiences.

Wander the Musée des Arts Forains

PARIS, FRANCE
PARIS, FRANCE – DECEMBER 31: City Hall of the city of Paris or The Hôtel de Ville on December 31, 2019 in Paris, France. The City Hall at the Town Hall Square has been the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357. It serves multiple functions, housing the local administration, the Mayor of Paris and also serves as a venue for large receptions. (Photo by Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images) /

For people who are fans of vintage carnivals, this might be the most important stop in Paris. The Musée des Arts Forains, or the Fairground Museum, has preserved a surprising number of vintage artifacts from funfairs and fairgrounds.

What’s interesting is that it is mostly comprised of objects from the collection of a private collection. There are three themed rooms with thousands of attractions and artifacts between them. Just keep in mind that you have to book your visit well in advance.

The Room of Endangered and Extinct Species

PARIS, FRANCE
PARIS, FRANCE – DECEMBER 30: Panoramic view of Paris skyline during the sunset on December 30, 2019 in Paris, France. Paris is the capital and most populous city of France. Since the 17th century, Paris has been one of Europe’s major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, science and the arts. (Photo by Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images) /

Humanity’s impact on the natural world is undeniable at this point. There is a veritable litany of wildlife that has either gone extinct or has been pushed to the brink by human activity. And the Room of Endangered and Extinct Species has preserved many of them.

Located in the National Museum of Natural History, this specific room has rare specimens of 257 species that are either gone or are disturbingly close to being gone. It’s an interesting and heartbreaking stop at the same time.

Shop at Deyrolle Taxidermy

If you’re not done with your taxidermy tour of Paris, it might be time to swing by Deyrolle. Founded in 1831, it became famous around the world for its contributions to the natural sciences. But fire nearly destroyed it in 2008.

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The cabinet of curiosities was repaired, revived, and reopened to the public. The shop was also reopened, allowing visitors to take home some exceedingly unique items. These might not be the souvenirs your mom wanted, but she’ll certainly remember them.

Experience the Musée de la Magie

Paris, France
PERE LACHAISE, PARIS, FRANCE – 2015/12/05: Typical cobblestone street surrounded by graves and trees at the Pere Lachaise cemetery, the largest graveyard in the city of Paris. (Photo by Fotoholica Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Some people are just fascinated by magic and the various aspects of it. And if you’re one of those people, then the Musée de la Magie should definitely be on your Parisian itinerary. While it’s overflowing with artifacts, its location is almost more intriguing.

This magic museum was actually set up in the 16th-century cellars beneath the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. That alone is a reason to swing by. But all of the magic paraphernalia and exhibits are certainly worth experiencing.

Tour the various cemeteries around Paris

This is less of a specific recommendation to go to one location and more of a plan to go on a bit of a tour. And in this case, the suggestion is that you head out to experience the various historical and beautiful cemeteries in Paris, France.

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There are almost too many to list and there are also established tours that will take you to many of the key ones. But if you’re a fan of Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, Molière, Balzac, Proust, Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde, stop by Cimetière du Père Lachaise.

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