11 Unique Things to Do in Paris (With Prices for 2026)

The most unique things to do in Paris go far beyond the classics — crowded museums and endless queues. The Paris tourism office, Paris Je T'Aime, lists hundreds of experiences — but many visitors don't know where to look. We've picked the 11 most memorable activities, with real prices, durations, and the practical tips our clients ask us for most.

1. Drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini on the Champs-Élysées

Nothing beats the feeling of taking the wheel of a convertible Ferrari California T or Lamborghini Huracán Spyder from the Champs-Élysées, with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. That's exactly what Evasio: an authentic supercar driving experience through Paris, with a professional English-speaking co-pilot by your side. No special license required, no deposit. Your co-pilot manages the GPS, guides you at every junction, and captures your best shots with your phone. The route takes you past the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Pont Alexandre III.

• Price: from €180 (30 min) — Ferrari or Lamborghini
• Booking: evasio.eu/experiences — free cancellation up to 24h

2. Explore the Paris Catacombs

Twenty metres beneath Paris, six million skeletons rest in tunnels carved in the 18th century. The Catacombs are one of the most fascinating — and unusual — attractions in the city. Standard entry (€29) gives access to the main corridors. For a private guided tour with access to normally closed sections, budget €99. Booking ahead is essential — slots sell out weeks in advance in summer.

3. Hot Air Balloon at Parc André Citroën

The Ballon de Paris Generali is the world's largest captive balloon — a giant hot air balloon tethered 150 metres above the 15th arrondissement. The 360° view over Paris is spectacular: the Eiffel Tower, La Défense, Montmartre. The ascent lasts around 10 minutes. Standard price is €14 for adults, €32 for private flights. No booking needed for standard flights — just turn up on the day.

4. The Paris Sewer Museum

One of the most unusual museums in Europe: a guided tour through the actual underground tunnels that have supplied and drained Paris since the 19th century. Victor Hugo drew inspiration here for Les Misérables. At just €10 per person, it's one of the most original — and least crowded — visits in Paris. No booking required.

5. Private Seine River Cruise at Sunset

Forget crowded river boats. A private Seine cruise at sunset — on a boat chartered just for you — is an entirely different experience. You glide past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and a glittering Eiffel Tower, with your own music, your own drinks, and your own pace. Budget between €200 and €400 for a boat of 6 to 10 people. Booking essential, ideally one to two weeks in advance.

6. Perfume-Making Workshop in Le Marais

Paris is the world capital of perfume. In the historic Marais district, several workshops let you create your own fragrance under the guidance of a master perfumer. You leave with your personalised bottle — a unique souvenir you won't find in any shop. Workshops typically last 2 hours and cost between €100 and €150 per person. Booking a few days ahead is recommended.

7. Cooking Class with a Parisian Chef

Learning to make the perfect croissant, bœuf bourguignon, or chocolate soufflé directly with a chef in their Parisian kitchen — it's a unique way to understand French gastronomy from the inside. Classes often take place in apartments in the 6th or 7th arrondissement, and typically include a shared meal at the end. Budget between €80 and €150 per person depending on the chef and the format. Booking essential.

8. Night Visit at the Louvre (Wednesdays and Fridays)

The Louvre at night is a completely different experience from a daytime visit. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM. Crowds thin out considerably after 6 PM, the galleries take on a different light, and you can find yourself alone in front of the Venus de Milo or the Napoleon III apartments. The standard entry ticket (included in the full-price €22) covers these evening sessions — no extra charge. Book online to skip the queue at the pyramid.

9. Street Art Tour in Belleville

The Belleville neighbourhood in the 20th arrondissement is Paris's largest open-air gallery. The walls are covered in internationally recognised street art — artists like Kashink and Escif have painted murals that travel the world on Instagram. You can wander alone (free) with a downloadable map, or join a themed guided tour (€20–€30) that explains the story behind each piece.

10. Vintage Car Tour of Montmartre

Montmartre is better experienced from a 2CV or a vintage Citroën DS convertible than from an Uber. Several companies offer vintage car tours with a driver through the cobbled lanes climbing towards the Sacré-Cœur. Your driver narrates the neighbourhood's stories — Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, the Moulin Rouge. Budget between €80 and €120 for two people (around 1 hour). Booking recommended.

11. Speakeasy Bar Crawl in Le Marais

Le Marais hides a scene of underground bars that few tourists know about: speakeasies concealed behind hidden doors, in 17th-century vaulted cellars, or behind fake bookshelves. Organised tours take you to 3 to 5 of these secret bars in a single evening, with a local guide who knows the entrance codes and the story of each venue. Budget between €50 and €100 per person, drinks often included. Booking essential.

Price Comparison: 11 Unique Activities in Paris

To help you plan your budget, here is a full summary of all the activities with real prices, durations, and whether advance booking is needed:

Which Activity Should You Choose?

If you're looking for a single activity that combines adrenaline, exploring Paris, and a genuinely unforgettable memory, the answer is clear: driving a supercar through Paris with Evasio. It's the only activity on this list that lets you see Paris's iconic landmarks while actually doing something extraordinary — not just looking at them. The Sewer Museum and the Catacombs are fascinating, but you won't be recounting that Ferrari V8 thrill for the next ten years. The vintage Montmartre tour is charming, but it doesn't make your heart pound the same way.

For gifts or to treat someone special, also check our supercar experience as a gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most unique thing to do in Paris?

Driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini on the Champs-Élysées with Evasio is the most unique and memorable experience in Paris. It's something you simply cannot do in other major capitals, combining the beauty of Parisian landmarks with a rare adrenaline rush. From €180, it's also one of the most accessible premium experiences in the city.

Are these activities suitable for first-time visitors to Paris?

Absolutely. Most of these activities are perfectly suited to first-time visitors — and several allow you to see Paris's iconic landmarks in a far more original way than the standard visit. The Evasio experience is especially recommended for first-timers: in 30 minutes to 1 hour, you see more of iconic Paris than you would in a full day on foot, while doing something truly exceptional.

Do I need to book in advance for these activities?

It depends on the activity. The Catacombs, perfume workshops, cooking classes, the speakeasy bar crawl, and the Evasio experience all require advance booking — sometimes several weeks ahead in peak season (June–August). The Sewer Museum, the hot air balloon at Parc Citroën, and the Belleville street art walk can be done without prior booking. For the Louvre night visit, online booking is strongly recommended to avoid queues. As a general rule: the more premium or exclusive the experience, the further ahead you need to plan.