Sweets & Streets: Free Things to Do Near the Gourmet Chocolate Museum

Chocolate cravings satisfied? Let us show you a side of Paris that’s free and fabulous.

Published: April 7, 2026
Exhibit at the Gourmet Chocolate Museum

The Gourmet Chocolate Museum (Choco-Story Paris) is a treat for the senses, but you don’t need to splash out to enjoy the best of this lively corner of Paris. Step outside the doors and you’ll find a neighborhood alive with character, brimming with surprises that won’t cost a cent. We’re about to take you on a walk packed with quirky history, local culture and photogenic Parisian charm. Ready to fill your Paris adventure with delightfully free discoveries? Keep your camera charged and your curiosity high—Paris’s sweetest district is about to serve up more than just chocolate. 

Our favorite free things to do near the Gourmet Chocolate Museum include: 

  • Passage Jouffroy 
  • Square Montholon 
  • Rue Cadet Market 
  • Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Lorette 
  • Galerie Lafayette’s Rooftop Terrace 
  • Le Musée de la Vie Romantique (Free Permanent Collection) 
  • Stroll through Faubourg Montmartre 
  • Window Shopping at Passage Verdeau 
  • Street Art on Rue d’Abbeville 
  • The Paris Printemps Bee Hives (Top Floor of Printemps) 

Passage Jouffroy 

If old world Parisian charm is your thing, carve out time for Passage Jouffroy, just around the corner from the museum. Built in 1847, this glass-roofed arcade is free to enter and feels like a time capsule, lined with chequered floors, intricate shopfronts, and vintage boutiques. The atmosphere is deliciously cozy and cinematic—no wonder it’s a favorite for French filmmakers. 

As you stroll through, you can window shop for everything from rare books to whimsical toys, or just admire the ornate ironwork, decorative clocks, and classic Parisian signage. Passage Jouffroy also links up with other passages, so let yourself drift into a gentle maze of light, glass, and beautifully preserved history. Snap a photo by the antique bookstore Librairie du Passage, or just sit and people-watch beneath the canopy of soft natural light. This slice of 19th century Paris is pure magic—without any price tag attached. 

Square Montholon 

Among the grand boulevards and lively streets sits a peaceful retreat: Square Montholon. Just a quick walk from the museum doors, this leafy square is an oasis of calm. Locals head here for a lunchtime break, so expect to spot Parisian families, chess players, and the occasional picnic sprawled beneath chestnut trees. 

Statues peek out from lush beds of hydrangeas, and there’s a classic carousel in the corner, spinning to a gentle soundtrack. Pull up a bench, watch city life unfold, and pat yourself on the back for finding a place where time slows down, even in the heart of bustling Paris. Bring a pastry from a nearby bakery and enjoy the quintessentially Parisian mix of peaceful gardens and subtle grandeur. 

Rue Cadet Market 

If you want a local vibe, head straight to Rue Cadet. This vibrant pedestrian street is just a five-minute stroll from the Chocolate Museum and offers a feast for the eyes. Every day, grocers and specialty shops spill into the street with colorful seafood, baskets of fruit, cheeses arranged like precious gems, and flowers bursting with color. 

Drift along the market in the early morning to catch locals doing their daily shop, or swing by later for the afternoon rush. Even if you don’t buy a thing, the energy is infectious—plus, you can learn a lot about French food culture just by observing the careful way each vendor arranges their display. Eye up pyramid stacks of tomatoes, sniff the air for fresh bread, and soak in a genuine slice of Parisian life. 

Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Lorette

Notre Dame de Lorette

Step off the bustling avenue and into tranquility at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, a neoclassical church with columns so bold you’d think you’d stepped back to Ancient Rome. Its doors are open to visitors free of charge, and the peaceful ambiance makes it the perfect place for a quiet pause. 

Inside, admire vibrant frescoes, soaring ceilings, and beautiful stained glass—some of the best hidden-art in this part of Paris. Take a moment to savour the hush and reflect; whether you’re spiritual or just love history, this church wraps you in calm and lets your thoughts settle, all beneath a glorious painted dome. Don’t forget to peek at the historic organ and the intricate woodwork near the entrance. 

Galeries Lafayette’s Rooftop Terrace 

We love a jaw-dropping view, but even better when there’s no admission fee. The rooftop of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is open to the public (just head up via the department store escalators), and you’ll be rewarded with an unbeatable panorama of the Paris skyline—including the Eiffel Tower peeking above copper rooftops. 

It’s not just the scenery—you’re standing on one of Paris’s coolest hangout spots, loved by locals and visitors alike. Snap some pictures, breathe in the city air, and take a seat for a few moments of urban poetry. For peak vibes and dreamy light, arrive just before sunset as golden hour rolls over the city. Trust us, the photos practically take themselves. 

Le Musée de la Vie Romantique (Free Permanent Collection) 

This picturesque museum feels like a secret tucked beneath Montmartre, yet it’s an easy walk from the Chocolate Museum. The permanent collection (always free to visit) is set in a pastel mansion with an enchanting garden, and offers a glimpse into Romantic-era Paris—think Chopin, George Sand, and 19th-century writers and artists. 

You’ll find original manuscripts, elegant portraits, and period furniture—every room feels intimate and welcoming. In spring and summer, treat yourself to a stroll through the fragrant rose garden or linger by the vintage greenhouse. The cultural energy feels calm and inviting, and if you’re on an art-lovers’ circuit, this pocket-sized museum is the sweetest bonus. 

Stroll through Faubourg Montmartre 

Every street around the Chocolate Museum has stories to tell, but strolling Rue du Faubourg Montmartre is a favorite for a reason. There’s a real old-school Paris feeling as you pass from lively brasseries to atmospheric bookshops and historic facades. Keep an eye out for local characters—market traders, flower sellers—and soak in the bustling neighborhood soundscape. 

It’s an easy, relaxed walk—perfect for window-shopping, people-watching, or looking for a cozy spot to snack on a pain au chocolat to-go. This meandering exploration connects you with the Paris of then and now. 

Window Shopping at Passage Verdeau 

This arcaded gallery is often overlooked by travelers but adored by anyone who discovers it. Just steps from Passage Jouffroy (and the museum), Passage Verdeau oozes bohemian energy with a vintage twist. Specialty antique shops, postcard stands, and rare-book dealers provide endless daydreaming possibilities. 

Wander through, admire the wrought iron and glass, and let your curiosity guide you—collectors and photographers, this is your playground. The soft lighting, gentle chatter, and retro signs create an irresistibly nostalgic vibe. It’s all open for browsing, and every detail is yours to enjoy for free. 

Street Art on Rue d’Abbeville

Street Art

Paris has a world-class street art scene, and Rue d’Abbeville is a perfect example. This vibrant stretch is regularly updated with fresh murals, stenciled poetry, and a riot of color that pops up on doorways and walls. From whimsical creatures to sharp political commentary, every mural invites you to pause, reflect, and snap a picture (or five). 

Artists use the area as a living canvas, so each visit brings new surprises. Take your time, shoot some photos, and maybe even chat with fellow mural-spotters along the way. Exploring this ever-changing outdoor gallery is a playful, energizing break from the classic museum circuit. 

The Paris Printemps Bee Hives (Top Floor of Printemps) 

We love Parisian surprises, and the rooftop of Printemps department store is the ultimate city secret. Step inside, ride the escalator to the very top, and you’ll arrive at a panoramic terrace—complete with a cluster of working beehives that call the heart of Paris home. These six hives produce jars of honey every season, right above the hustle and bustle of Boulevard Haussmann. 

Through the glass panels, catch a glimpse of the city’s tiniest agricultural workers busy at their craft. Informational displays (in English and French) shed light on Printemps’ eco-friendly ambitions and the vital role urban bees play in pollinating Parisian flowers and rooftop gardens. The real buzz, though, is the jaw-dropping 360-degree vista stretching from Montmartre’s domes to the Eiffel Tower’s spire. The terrace is all free to access, making this a feel-good, unique, and utterly Parisian experience that’s perfect for savoring sweet city moments—without spending a single euro. 

 

There you have it—proof that the area around the Gourmet Chocolate Museum is packed with cost-free charm, creativity, and Parisian character at every turn. Whether you’re strolling glass-roofed passages, snapping skyline selfies, or soaking up green spaces, this sweet slice of Paris offers more than enough free fun to fill your day with memories (and maybe a few photos worthy of your feed). Paris, as it turns out, is just as generous as it is delicious. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Les Caves de Louvre vs. Gourmet Chocolate Museum or Things to Do as a Family in Paris 

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