A queue, mostly consisting of British and American tourists all practising their best pronunciation of 'croissant' while waiting in line to enter a crowded boulangerie, is a common sight in the busiest parts of Paris. Residents, however, merely chuckle to themselves as they speedwalk past, heading instead to the inevitably quiet, comparatively unglitzy neighbourhood next door for a patisserie without fuss.
It is one of the most common criticisms dished out to Paris: that it is busy, crowded, full of tourists and expensive. But those in the know are well aware that the city most Parisians live in is a far cry from the one visited by international tourists, where a baguette costs €5 (£4.30) and a picnic naturally involves the presence of street vendors and a lack of space. If this were the reality of Paris, no locals would stay.
In truth, there are plenty of parts of the city that are entirely free from this overtourism. Were visitors to stop in these spots instead, they would be in for a pleasant surprise. It comes after the recently announced news that travel to the French capital is set to get even easier, as a new direct train will link Charles de Gaulle Airport with central station Gare de l'Est. The train, which is set to launch on 28 March 2027, will run from 5am to midnight every day of the week, according to euronews. Called the CDG Express, it will bring visitors to the city's 10th arrondissement in just 20 minutes, making it even simpler to dive straight into exploring.
9th Arrondissement
Elegant Haussmann-style buildings are present in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Paris is divided into 20 different areas, or arrondissements. While many tourist hotspots are situated in the centre, particularly the 1st to the 8th arrondissements, venturing further afield will bring all the same class, architecture and style, but without the crowds. The 9th is home to the iconic Palais Garnier and large department stores such as Galeries Lafayette, but if you keep heading east towards the 10th but still within the borders of the 9th, you'll get to quiet residential neighbourhoods such as Poissonniere. Here, the bakeries, restaurants and cafes on Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere are some of the best in the city, and free from international tourists.
Les Buttes-Chaumont
Paris can be short on green space, that is, until you head to the Buttes-Chaumont. A public park in the 19th arrondissement, it has an almost Jurassic feel to it. In a bohemian, humble part of the city, the park has waterfalls and bridges to explore. One visitor even wrote on Tripadvisor: 'This big green space tucked into the 19th is brilliant. Beautiful landscapes, waterways, hills, views and walks. Locals vibe, thousands of Parisians picnicking, napping, reading, enjoying an espresso. With room for thousands more.' Steer clear on a Saturday morning, when locals jog around the lake with pushchairs in tow, but the rest of the time, you're golden.
Monceau
Described by one visitor as 'the chicest park in Paris', Parc Monceau is one of the city's smaller, lesser-known green spots situated in the 17th arrondissement. Romantic and charming, it's located in an upmarket neighbourhood, Monceau, meaning there is no shortage of good quality bakeries and restaurants nearby. One tourist wrote: 'Little known to tourists. Park located near Av. Champs Elysees but frequented basically by the residents of the city. Clean and well wooded, it is a great option to escape the bustle of the city.' Another chimed in: 'This is one of the great parks of the city. Just full of lovely features, sculpture, water, landscaping. And located in one of the poshest parts of town with lovely townhouses all around.'
Batignolles
Paris' 17th arrondissement has much more of a village feel than other parts of the city, and is largely free of tourists. As well as Monceau, Batignolles is well worth a visit. It's known among locals as a great place to browse independent shops. Plus, there are many bars and restaurants to try out in the area, as well as the outdoor Saturday market, which will provide a far less touristic place to shop than the likes of Montmartre.
Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin is a beautiful waterway lined with romantic cafes and boats, and it's far more popular among locals than tourists. Stretching 4.6km along a scenic route connecting the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Seine, those wanting to see Paris by water or looking for the ideal running route should head here instead of the River Seine's crowded bridges. Earlier this year, one visitor wrote: 'I never get tired of coming to this neighbourhood because it is so charming with the canal and the locks. Along the sides you will find some very good cafes and people love to congregate here in good weather, sit on the banks of the canal and eat and drink.'
Boulogne-Billancourt
Technically, Boulogne-Billancourt is not part of the city of Paris, rather, it is a suburb on the west side. But it's so easy to get to, just 20 minutes from the centre, that it's certainly worth a visit, mostly due to its huge parkland, the Bois de Boulogne. 'One of the green lungs of Paris, this huge park is found on the west side of the city, in the middle of very upscale neighbourhoods,' one visitor wrote, adding: 'For centuries, the fashionable have loved to promenade here in good weather.' It is kitted out with a racetrack, rose garden, children's playground, lakes and an upscale restaurant. At the very top of the park, you will also find Fondation Louis Vuitton, a contemporary art museum.
Jardin des Plantes
Paris has no shortage of museums and galleries to peruse. But for fans of flora, this is by far the best. Paris' oldest botanical garden, it's often overlooked for glitzier spots and more famous gardens such as the Tuileries. 'The place is quiet, green and very nice, ideal for walking or relaxing in the heart of Paris. The alleys are well maintained and the different spaces (themed gardens, greenhouses, menagerie) make the visit varied and interesting,' one visitor said. Another wrote: 'I think this is one of the most delightful spots in Paris if you want to see flowers. In late March I was lucky to catch the blooming cherry trees and the profusion of tulips, daffodils, hydrangeas etc that had been planted.'
