5 cool & unusual places to see in Paris, including one of the world's largest flea markets & Serge Gainsbourg's house

From my very first trip to Paris with an ex-boyfriend, sleeping in his dad’s tiny smoke-stained 19^th arrondissement apartment, to the more recent, last-minute weekends visiting a friend, crashing out on his sofa-bed each night after discovering hidden wine bars along the Seine, each Parisian adventure has been a delight. I've even explored Paris on foot, and bedded down in the uber cool Hoxton Paris hotel but every time I go back to the enchanting city, I try to find something new or unusual to see and do, here are a few of my recommendations for returning visits to Paris.

1. Rue Cremieux

Featuring cute cobbles, a house in every shade you can imagine, plant pots galore and picture perfect doorways, Rue Cremieux had to be one of my all time favourite Paris streets. Unfortunately, since the world went Instagram crazy, influencers have been taking over this pretty pastel-hued road for impromptu photo-shoots and it’s driving residents wild. If you do fancy a stroll down Rue Cremieux, you’ll find it in the 12^th arrondissement, but be respectful, people actually live here. 

Rue Cremieux

2. Père Lachaise Cemetery                                                                                                    

As the resting place of great literary and musical heroes such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Marcel Proust, Père Lachaise has naturally become something of a pilgrimage site for fans of these inspirational creatives. After spending hours walking through the gardens, dotted with interesting and beautiful memorial stones I came to the conclusion that springtime, when the tulips are starting to flower and birds are forever singing is the ideal time to visit. Père Lachaise is in the 20th arrondissement, take the metro to Philippe-Auguste, Pere Lachaise or Gambetta stations and collect a free map from the administration building before you head in.  

3. Maison de Serge Gainsbourg, 5 bis, Rue de Verneuil

When it comes to iconic duos, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin spring to mind as one of the hippest, most bohemian couples of their time, so if you’re a fan of their work or just adore them as a couple, take a trip to the place where Serge spent the last few years of his life. You can't go inside Maison de Serge Gainsbourg but the walls outside feature poetic tributes and ever changing art that’s pretty impressive. Rumour has it Serge and Jane's daughter, Charlotte, wanted to open up the house for visitors, but plans for now have been put on hold, fingers crossed she reconsiders soon.

Maison de Serge Gainsbourg

4. 59 Rivoli

If you’ve been visiting The Louvre don’t miss 59 Rivoli, an old squat turned artist studios in the same neighbourhood. Get your camera at the ready because the main staircase is beautiful, covered in rainbow colours, graffiti and slogans. Entry is free but donations are appreciated.

The main staircase in 59 Rivoli

5. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen

As one the world's largest flea markets, it's amazing how many people miss a trip to Les Puces. It's not technically in Paris, you'll find the market in the suburb of Saint-Ouen, but it's easy to reach and takes no longer than 30 minutes by metro from the centre of the city. Set over 70,000 square meters, people in the know have been searching out curiosities here for years. From fancy vintage frocks and old French movie posters to antique kitchenware and kitsch designer jewellery, you can find whatever it is you're looking for. Make sure you have time for rummaging and don't forget to haggle. If you’re staying in the area, MOB Hotel gets my vote, they have an organic restaurant, live music and the place is reasonably priced.

Les Puces is open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays all year round. 
Double rooms at MOB Hotel, start from £94 per night