Besides the obvious main museums, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris has a number of interesting and sometimes odd venues that don’t get as much coverage. The following list contains museum (and one store) that tend to get left by the wayside in most guide books:
- Espace Montmartre-Salvador Dali,
9-11 rue Poulbot,
18eme,
1 42 64 40 10,
http://www.daliparis.com/
By the name you can guess what this museum is about. For all Dali fans, it’s a must. A number of less well known Dali pieces are on display, against the black walls and accompanied with the interesting sound track. - Musée Pierre Marly des Lunettes et Lorgnettes de Jadis,
380 rue St-Honoré,
1eme
As you might guess by the name, this museum holds a collection of glasses and other eyewear, housed in an optician’s store. There is also a collection of famous eyewear, including glasses worn by Audrey Hepburn and the Dalai Lama. - Musée Edith Piaf,
5, rue Crespin du Gast,
75011, 01 43 55 52 72
Edith Piaf was one of France’s most cherished singers, so it is surprising that the museum dedicated to her life is so small. The museum is by appointment only and consists of two rooms in an apartment, maintained by Bernard Marchois. Marchois is the author of two Piaf biographies and was an old friend of the singer. Piaf was buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery, which is open to the public. - Musée Marmottan,
2 rue Louis Boilly,
16eme,
10 42 24 07 02,
www.marmottan.com
Originally a collection of Napoleonic paintings, the collection has evolved, due to generous donations, into an impressive Impressionist museum. - La Maison du Miel,
24 rue Vignon,
9eme,
http://www.maisondumiel.com
This is actually a store, not a museum, but is on this list for the intriguing experience. The store stocks 35 different types of honey. All honey can be tasted before purchasing and there are a number of different honey and wax products. The owners are used to people coming more of intrigue than necessity. - Musée des Egouts de Paris,
93 quai d’Orsay,
7eme,
01 47 05 10 29
The Catacombs is not the only underground museum in Paris. Touring the city’s sewers, or at least a part of them, may seem strange, but the sewers have an incredible history and are also a great reminder of the environmental impact of our waste. - Musée de Vin,
rue des Eaux,
5 square Charles Dickens,
16eme,
01 45 25 63 26,
http://www.museeduvinparis.com/
Considering we’re in France, you would think the wine museum would get more of a mention in more guide books. The museum teaches you about wine tasting methods and the history of wine making. There is also a restaurant and there are regular wine tasting classes you can schedule into your visit. - Musée d’Histoire de la Medecine,
Université René Descartes,
12, rue de l’Ecole de Médecine,
01 40 46 16 93,
http://www.bium.univ-paris5.fr/musee/
The museum is on the second floor of the Université René Descartes, which is a beautiful location. The collection has a large range of surgical equipment from different periods and is thought to be the oldest collection in Europe. - Musées de la Parfumerie Fragonard,
9 rue Scribe, 9eme,
39 bd des Capucines , 2eme
http://www.fragonard.com
The museum is spread across two sites, but it’s worth the inconvenience. The museum holds a collection of amazing perfumery equipment and introduces you to the strange secrets of the industry. It also explains wonderfully the significance that perfume has in our everyday life.