Paris is packed with incredible neighborhoods and, let’s be honest, you won’t have time to see them all on one trip. That’s why I really don’t want you to waste precious hours in places that look good on paper, but really don’t deliver in real life. Some of Paris’s most famous spots have, unfortunately, become magnets for overpriced menus, generic souvenirs, and tourist crowds.
After living here for more than 20 years, here are five areas to avoid in Paris and where I think you should go instead for a much better experience of this fabulous city.
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Avoid: Les Champs-Élysées
In the past, the Champs-Élysées was the place to be in Paris, but these days it’s lost most of its glamour. It’s got so many international chain stores and overpriced restaurants that this world-famous avenue is at the top of my list of areas to avoid in Paris.
Sure, there are still a few luxury boutiques, but do you really want to queue for ages outside the Louis Vuitton flagship store when you could pop into one of its quieter locations elsewhere?
Swap for: the Marais
Instead, head to Le Marais. This central neighborhood is full of character and is a favorite place for Parisians to go strolling and shopping. It’s got plenty of independent boutiques and cool French brands, which you won’t find back at home. I’ve included my favorite boutiques on Day 3 of our Paris Itinerary, but the best of these are in the North Marais, on the small streets around rue de Bretagne.
When you need a little break, there are a whole bunch of fantastic cafés that are perfect for people-watching and taking in the real Paris compared to Les Champs.
Some great things to do in the Marais:
- Learn all about the fascinating history of the Marais on this small-group walking tour.
- Visit all the best culinary shops in the Marais on this ultimate food tour.
- Travel through the centuries of Paris’s history at the Carnavalet Museum (and it’s free!)
Related: The Best Hotels to Book in Paris’ Trendy Marais District
Image courtesy of Paris Je t’aime
Avoid: The Latin Quarter
Many visitors want to check out the Latin Quarter during their Paris trip, but most end up really disappointed. You see, the area is actually pretty big and most tourists end up in the part near Notre Dame, which is jammed with terrible restaurants and souvenir shops. This is not the real Latin Quarter and it’s NOT where you should be spending your time.
Swap for: Rue Mouffetard
For a more authentic vibe, wander south toward the Panthéon and down Rue Mouffetard. This is a SUPER charming street. At the top, Place de la Contrescarpe buzzes with cafés and students from the nearby Sorbonne University. As you stroll downhill, you’ll find a mix of cozy restaurants and amazing food shops.
You could pop into some of these to grab a few picnic goodies and head to the nearby Arènes de Lutèce or Jardin des Plantes, both included on Day 2 of our Paris Itinerary, and wonderful spots to feel like a Parisian.
Other great things to do around Rue Mouffetard:
- Discover the top locations of Emily in Paris, including where she lived near Rue Mouffetard, on this small-group tour.
- Gaze up at dinosaurs and a Noah’s Arch of animals at the Natural History Museum.
- Pay homage to the great figures of French history, including American-born performer and resistance fighter Josephine Baker, and see amazing views of the city at the Panthéon.
Avoid: Place du Tertre
With its artists, easels, and colorful cafés, Place du Tertre looks like straight out of a Parisian postcard. And yes, I can admit that it’s cute, but it’s also wildly overpriced and a bit too geared toward tourists. Plus the street that leads up to it, Rue Norvins, seems like the local street, but it only has shops selling mass produced souvenirs (and one alright cookie shop).
Swap for: Rue des Abbesses
I’ve lived in Montmartre for ages, and if you want a more genuine slice of the district, wander down to Rue des Abbesses. Just a few minutes away, it’s where locals actually hang out. On it and the neighboring streets, you’ll find better cafés, great little shops, and a much more relaxed, neighborhood feel, without the inflated prices.
I’ve included my top picks in the neighborhood, plus a great walking route of Montmartre, on Day 3 of our Paris Itinerary.
Other cool things to do near Rue des Abbesses:
- Stop in at Rose Durantin for clothing and accessories made by local designers.
- Try artisan chocolates, delicious pastries, cheese, and wine as you discover the best food hotspots in Montmartre on this fabulous food tour.
- Duck into the tiny Chocolat Ilèné for fantastic chocolates they make right there.
Avoid: Rue de Rivoli (near the Louvre)
Rue de Rivoli stretches across a big chunk of central Paris, but near the Louvre it turns into a sea of low-quality souvenirs and “tax-free” shops that feel questionable at best. Run from these as fast as you can.
Image courtesy of Stohrer via Facebook
Swap for: Rue Montorgueil
A short stroll away is Rue Montorgueil, one of my favourite streets in the whole city. The bustling market street is lively, delicious, and very Parisian. Bakeries, cheese shops, wine stores, vibrant cafés, it’s all here.
Don’t miss Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris. The desserts are just as stunning as the décor, and yes, you absolutely deserve one after all the walking you’re been doing.
Other great things to do near Rue Montorgueil:
- Browse fun independent shops as you stroll through the lovely Passage du Grand Cerf.
- See the Mona Lisa when the Louvre is at its quietest.
- Take in some cool contemporary art at the gorgeous Bourse de Commerce.
Avoid: Streets around the Eiffel Tower
If it’s your first trip to Paris, you’ll likely want to visit the Eiffel Tower. But once you’ve snapped your photos, don’t linger too long in the surrounding streets. The restaurants here tend to be overpriced and very underwhelming.
Swap for: Rue Cler
Instead, wander about 15 minutes and you’ll reach Rue Cler. This lovely market street is no longer a secret and you’ll probably see a few other tourists here, but only the ones who’ve done a bit of research, like yourself.
Pick up snacks or settle into a relaxed café, like Le Petit Cler or the Café du Marché, where you can enjoy a much more satisfying (and reasonably priced) meal.
Other cool things to do near Rue Cler:
- See the Eiffel Tower by vintage sidecar.
- Study the art and cultures of the world at the Quai Branly Museum.
- Discover the beautiful sculptures of Rodin and the stunning gardens of the Rodin Museum on a private tour.
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