A local’s guide to the most beautiful and secret historical sites in Paris, from convent ruins to a former abbey and a medieval mansion in the heart of Paris!
There are some historical sites in Paris that I absolutely love – some I’ve known since the very first time I moved here, and others that I’ve only just discovered recently.
I mentioned a few of my favorite Art Nouveau spots in Paris not too long ago, alongside beautiful Belle Epoque restaurants and cafes, and today I wanted to keep diving into the city’s history with some truly magnificent places.
Today, I’m sharing some hidden gems that you might not know about, especially if you’ve never spent much time wandering through the city’s beautiful streets before.
So, from hidden cloisters to abandoned palaces left to their own devices, we’re going to look at the spots you shouldn’t miss in Paris, whether you’re a fan of history, architecture, or art.
Historical Sites in Paris: 7 Deeply Moving Places To Visit
I’ve been spending so much time lately just walking through Paris, and that’s how I’ve stumbled upon some really unique shops, stunning ruins, and beautiful churches I’d never actually stepped inside before.
I lived in Paris for five years before moving to London, Rome, Barcelona, and Istanbul – then I came back for a few months two years ago, and now I’ve officially been back for two months.
It’s a city where I’m still discovering gorgeous floral spots, beautiful bookstores that aren’t on anyone’s radar, and some truly incredible historical secrets.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at several of these places – spots that are undoubtedly instagrammable, but even more importantly, deeply soaked in history.
Secret Historical Sites in Paris: Couvent des Cordelières Ruins
Let’s start with the ruins of the Couvent des Cordelières, located right near the Gobelins district in the 13th arrondissement.
It is incredible to see these ruins, which you can actually catch a glimpse of from the street.
These are the haunting remains of a massive medieval nunnery, founded in 1289 by Marguerite de Provence, the widow of King Saint Louis.
Most of the site was unfortunately destroyed during the French Revolution.
You can access the ruins through the Broca Hospital – if you just ask at the entrance, you can go in to see the Gothic arches of the old refectory sitting in the quiet hospital garden.
Read: Passage de l’Ancre Paris, a Leafy Hidden Gem near Le Marais
Beautiful Historical Sites in Paris: Former Abbey of Port Royal
The former Abbey of Port-Royal is also tucked away inside a hospital – specifically Hôpital Cochin in the 14th arrondissement – and it served as the historic home of the Jansenist movement.
Back in the 1600s, it was an intellectual powerhouse associated with the philosopher Blaise Pascal.
However, the movement was eventually dismantled by Louis XIV, who viewed their independence as a direct threat to his absolute power.
Today, you can visit the 17th-century cloister and the chapel.
Very few Parisians or tourists even know that the former Abbey of Port-Royal exists, which makes it an incredibly peaceful spot to read, write, or simply recharge.
Read: Galerie Colbert, Paris’s Most Unknown Covered Passage
Secret Historical Sites in Paris: Notre Dame du Travail Church
Just like the former Abbey of Port-Royal, the church of Notre-Dame-du-Travail is also tucked away in the fabulous 14th arrondissement, though it’s much more recent, dating back to 1900.
It was built near Montparnasse specifically for the neighborhood’s laborers during the 1900 World’s Fair.
The architect used exposed iron for the interior to echo the industrial lives of the parishioners, ensuring that the workers felt right at home in their place of worship.
Read: Cour du Commerce Saint Andre, a Leafy Passage in Paris
Secret Historical Sites in Paris: St Thomas d’Aquin Church
Located in the 7th arrondissement – where you’ll also find the famous Lavirotte Building with its stunning Art Nouveau aesthetic – the Church of Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin is a 17th-century hidden gem.
Situated quite close to the Musée d’Orsay, it was originally the chapel of a Dominican monastery before becoming a parish church after the Revolution.
Today, it serves as the backdrop for many high-society Parisian weddings because of its sheer elegance.
Read: Passage Verdeau, A Historical Arcade near Grands Boulevards
Beautiful Historical Sites in Paris: Palais du Commerce
I stumbled upon the Palais du Commerce entirely by chance – it’s one of the most secret and least-known historical sites in Paris, even for those who live here.
The Palais du Commerce was designed to be a “temple of consumption,” a symbol of the commercial expansion in the 10th and 2nd arrondissements, much like other covered passages such as the Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, or Passage Jouffroy.
The best part about the Palais du Commerce, which is now mostly empty aside from the legendary club La Java and some offices, is its 19th-century Art Deco windows and staircases.
They’ve been left in their original state, tucked away in the heart of the Belleville neighborhood.
Read: 16 Things to Buy in Paris from Foodie Souvenirs to Gifts
Secret Historical Sites in Paris: Bibliothèque Forney (Hôtel de Sens)
The Bibliothèque Forney isn’t one of the oldest institutions in Paris in its own right, but it is housed within the Hôtel de Sens, which dates back to the 15th century.
It’s located very close to the Saint-Paul metro station, the Village Saint-Paul, and the Seine quays with their famous bouquinistes.
This medieval mansion was originally built for the Archbishops of Sens and remains a stunning example of the era’s architecture.
While the library itself isn’t a traditional tourist site, you can still admire the magnificent staircases and frescoes inside, and they frequently host free exhibitions that are open to everyone.
Read: Marin Montagut Rue Madame, The Cutest Gift Shop in Paris
Beautiful Historical Sites in Paris: Brasserie Mollard, Rue Saint-Lazare
Located close to Saint-Lazare station – with its famous clock and suitcase sculptures right out front – Brasserie Mollard isn’t just a beautiful restaurant; it’s a protected historical monument dating back to 1895.
Designed by Édouard Niermans, the same architect behind the Moulin Rouge and the Hôtel Negresco in Nice, Brasserie Mollard features incredibly beautiful Art Nouveau mosaics with intricate tiles depicting travel and leisure.
It’s clear that uncovering these mosaics did a lot of good!
They were rediscovered and restored in the 1970s after being hidden under wallpaper for decades because they were once judged as kitsch and outdated.
Read: Paris’s Literary Passage Molière, A Secret Colorful Passage
Historical Sites in Paris: 7 Deeply Moving Places To Visit
Among these historical sites in Paris, I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I prefer – we have everything from the Medieval era to Art Deco and Art Nouveau, and quite frankly, it’s everything I love.
Whether you are near Saint-Paul, Port-Royal, or Montparnasse, you’ll find plenty of spots that are absolute must-visits if you love the secrets of Paris.
If you’re looking to discover even more of the city, I also recommend exploring its covered passages, its secret villages, and its beautiful neighborhoods.
I’m particularly fond of Montmartre and Le Marais, as well as the Grands Boulevards and certain magnificent streets like Rue Montorgueil, with its myriad of unique boutiques and vintage facades!