Paris Hidden Gems: Charming Streets, Parks and More
Welcome to Paris hidden gems, the continuation of exploring the city of Paris!
Beyond the famous sights, Paris is full of small museums, quiet gardens, and charming streets.
Each small museum tells unique stories through rare collections and intimate exhibits.
Quiet gardens, tucked away from the busy city streets, offer peaceful retreats to enjoy nature and relax.
Wander down charming streets lined with old houses and local shops for a taste of Parisian life.
These lesser-known spots are perfect for those looking to discover the true heart of Paris.
Visiting Paris for the Olympics
For those visiting Paris during the Olympics, exploring these hidden gems can be a delightful break from the bustling event crowds.
Small museums will captivate with their unique art and history, offering a quieter, more personal experience than the larger museums.
Quiet gardens provide a serene place to unwind after a day of cheering and excitement.
Charming streets invite leisurely strolls, where you can soak up the local culture and find quaint cafes to taste authentic French cuisine.
These lesser-known spots in Paris ensure a well-rounded visit, blending the thrill of the Olympics with the enduring charm of the city.
Learn more about:
- Spirit of the Games & Local Attractions
- Explore Paris Attractions
- Paris Photography Hotpots and Spectacular Views
Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums in Paris
Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous museums.
These places hold treasures from the past and present. The Louvre is the largest museum in Paris, including the famous Mona Lisa. But it can get very busy in the summer.
In Paris, however, some museums are hidden treasures, away from the usual tourist spots.
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is one such place. It mixes art with hunting and nature themes.
Another hidden gem is the Musée Zadkine, dedicated to the sculptor Ossip Zadkine. His studio and home are now filled with his inspiring sculptures.
These museums are not as crowded, offering a peaceful way to enjoy art and history.
They are perfect for curious minds looking for something different.
Lesser Known Museums of the Left Bank
These museums offer a deeper, more nuanced exploration of Paris’s rich cultural and historical landscape.
Many of these museums are smaller and less crowded.
Some of these museums have specific visiting hours or require prior reservations. Check their websites before planning your visit.
- Musée Zadkine
- Location: 6th arrondissement (near Luxembourg Gardens)
- Unique Features: Dedicated to the Russian sculptor Ossip Zadkine. The museum is set in his former studio and features a tranquil garden filled with sculptures.
- Le Musée des Égouts de Paris
- Location: 7th arrondissement
- Unique Features: Paris’ sewer museum offers a literal underground tour of the city’s sewer system, providing a different perspective on the city’s history and engineering.
Lesser Known Museums of the Right Bank
- Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
- Location: Marais district ( 3rd and 4th arrondissements)
- Unique Features: A unique blend of art, nature, and hunting traditions. Exhibits include antique weaponry, taxidermy, and interactive installations.
- Musée Jacquemart-André
- Location: 8th arrondissement
- Unique Features: An elegant mansion that houses the private art collection of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. The museum displays masterpieces from Italian Renaissance painters, as well as French and Dutch artists.
- Musée Nissim de Camondo
- Location: 8th arrondissement (near Parc Monceau)
- Unique Features: A stunning mansion museum dedicated to showcasing 18th-century French furniture and art objects collected by the Camondo family, Jewish bankers and philanthropists.
- Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Location: 9th arrondissement (at the foot of Montmartre)
- Unique Features: Set in a 19th-century townhouse, this museum is dedicated to the Romantic era in art and literature. The museum also features a charming tea garden.
- Musée des Arts Forains (Pavillons de Bercy)
- Location: 12th arrondissement (Bercy)
- Unique Features: This private museum is focused on fairground art, offering a collection of funfair objects from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is typically open by reservation only, offering a truly immersive and interactive experience.
Each museum in this list provides a unique glimpse into the varied aspects of art, history, and Parisian culture, making them ideal for visitors looking to explore beyond the typical tourist experiences.
Paris Hidden Gems: Unique Shops and Markets
Paris is full of unique shops and markets.
The Covered Passages are glass-roofed walkways with interesting small shops. You can find rare books, vintage clothes, and local crafts there.
Another great place is the Marché des Enfants Rouges in Le Marais. It’s Paris’ oldest food market and offers dishes from around the world.
For book lovers, Shakespeare and Company is a must-see. It’s an English-language bookstore where famous writers used to gather.
These spots make shopping in Paris special. They let you experience the city’s charm and history.
Paris Markets
- Location: Le Marais ( 3rd and 4th arrondissements)
- Unique Features: Paris’s oldest covered market. It is known for its diverse food stalls offering dishes from around the world. A perfect spot for food enthusiasts to explore local and international cuisine.
- Location: Le Marais ( 3rd and 4th arrondissements)
- Unique Features: A combination of a gourmet market and a restaurant. offers high-quality, locally-sourced produce and products, along with freshly prepared meals.
3. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
- Location: 18th arrondissement (Saint-Ouen)
- Unique Features: One of the largest flea markets in the world, sprawling over 15 acres. Here you can find antiques, vintage clothing, and all sorts of treasures.
Shops and Department Store
1. Les Passages Couverts (Covered Passages)
- Location: 2nd arrondissement (Passage Jouffroy and Galerie Vivienne)
- Unique Features: These ornate 19th-century covered passages house quaint shops, tea rooms, and art galleries. They provide a glimpse into Parisian life during the Belle Époque.
- Location: 3rd and 4th arrondissements (Le Marais)
- Unique Features: A historic department store. Offers a mix of high-end and everyday items, from clothing to hardware. Features a rooftop with views of the city.
- Location: 6th arrondissement (Latin Quarter)
- Unique Features: A legendary English-language bookstore. Has a history of being a literary hub for expatriate writers in Paris. The shop also hosts regular readings and events.
4. Petit Palais’s Hidden Garden Cafe
- Location: 8th arrondissement
- Unique Feature: A charming and peaceful garden café inside the Petit Palais, offering a quiet escape from the busy Champs-Élysées area.
5. Rue de Charonne
- Location: 11th arrondissement
- Unique Features: A street known for its trendy boutiques and vintage shops. Offers everything from contemporary fashion to retro decor.
Each destination offers a unique slice of Paris, providing visitors with a chance to see a different side of the city that is rich in culture and history, away from the usual tourist paths.
Paris Hidden Gems: Secret Gardens and Parks
Paris hides many secret gardens and parks.
The Jardin des Rosiers-Joseph Migneret is a quiet spot in the busy Marais district. It offers a peaceful escape with its lush plants and shady spots.
Another hidden gem is the Parc de Bercy. Once a wine market, now it’s a beautiful park with themed gardens and a pond.
The Promenade Plantée is an elevated park built on an old railway. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk high above the streets.
These secret spots are great for relaxing and enjoying nature right in the heart of Paris.
These locations provide beautiful backdrops for photography, capturing the less-seen, serene side of Paris.
See where locals enjoy spending their leisure time, providing insight into the everyday life of Parisians.
Local Parks and Gardens (Left Bank)
- Location: 6th arrondissement (Latin Quarter)
- Unique Features: A small garden offering one of the best views of Notre-Dame. Claimed to house the oldest tree in Paris, planted in 1601.
- Location: 7th arrondissement
- Unique Features: This garden is a green space and an outdoor gallery. It displays Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Thinker.”
- Location: 14th arrondissement
- Unique Features: Designed as an English landscape garden. Complete with a lake, waterfalls, and statues. Perfect for a stroll or a quiet read.
Local Parks and Gardens (Right Bank)
- Location: 1st arrondissement (western tip of Île de la Cité)
- Unique Features: This small triangular park offers exceptional views of the Seine. It is a favourite spot for picnics and relaxing by the water.
2. Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph Migneret
- Location: Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissement)
- Unique Features: A hidden garden tucked away behind the historic Rue des Rosiers. Offers a quiet retreat perfect for a peaceful break.
- Location: Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements)
- Unique Features: This garden includes a chestnut tree sapling from the tree that Anne Frank wrote about in her diary.
- Location: 12th arrondissement
- Unique Features: Once a wine market, this park features gardens, a pond, and vineyards. Next to the modern Bercy Village.
5. Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte René-Dumont)
- Location: 12th arrondissement
- Unique Features: A 4.7 km elevated park built on a disused railway line. Offers a unique perspective of the city.
- Location: 15th arrondissement (above Montparnasse train station)
- Unique Features: This modern park is built over the train tracks. Include a children’s playground, sports courts, and gardens.
7. Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
- Location: 16th arrondissement
- Unique Features: An elegant botanical garden featuring a range of greenhouses with tropical and rare plants.
- Location: 19th arrondissement
- Unique Features: While known to locals, this park is less visited by tourists. It features a temple on a cliff, beautiful bridges, and serene pathways.
Paris Hidden Gems: Charming Streets
Paris is a city full of hidden alleys and lesser-known neighbourhoods that offer a glimpse into its rich history and charming local life.
Get off-the-beaten-path and explore new areas and streets and areas offering charm.
1. Cour du Commerce-Saint-André
- Location: 6th arrondissement
- Unique Features: A historic passageway where you can find the oldest cafe in Paris, Le Procope, and remnants of the old city walls. It’s a blend of culinary history and old-world charm.
2. Rue des Thermopyles
- Location: 14th arrondissement
- Unique Features: This cobblestone street is lined with ivy-covered walls and flowering plants. It creates a picturesque and almost rural atmosphere in the heart of the city. The narrow street bordered by greenery offers a quaint, village-like atmosphere, making it a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
3. Passage des Panoramas
- Location: 2nd arrondissement
- Unique Features: Paris’s oldest covered passage. This covered passage is filled with stamp collectors, coin dealers, and vintage postcard shops. It offers a nostalgic journey through time.
4. Rue Crémieux
- Location: 12th arrondissement
- Unique Features: Known for its row of pastel-colored houses and vibrant street art, this pedestrian street is a favorite for photographers and a cheerful spot away from the typical urban landscape. It has gained popularity through social media.
5. Passage de l’Ancre
- Location: 3rd arrondissement
- Unique Features: A hidden passage, this secret alley offers an escape to a quieter, magical Paris. With its old shops and verdant decor.
6. Square Montsouris
- Location: 14th arrondissement
- Unique Features: This lane is lined with art deco houses and studios that were once home to many famous artists, providing a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely stroll
Paris Hidden Gems: Historic Neighbourhoods
Le Marais
Location: 3rd and 4th arrondissements
Unique Features: One of Paris’s oldest and most visually preserved quarters. It’s home to medieval buildings, vibrant Jewish and LGBT communities, and trendy boutiques and cafes.
- Rue des Francs Bourgeois – Lined with elegant shops and historic mansions.
- Rue Vieille du Temple – Known for its vibrant nightlife and stylish boutiques, and beautiful old buildings.
- Rue des Archives – Runs through the heart of Le Marais and features impressive architecture and several small, charming squares.
- Rue Elzévir – A quieter street dotted with art galleries and quaint cafes, capturing a more relaxed side of Paris.
- Rue de Turenne – Stretching through Le Marais, this long street offers fashionable shops to historic hotels.
- Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church (Saint-Gervais) – A Roman Catholic church located behind the Hôtel de Ville. The church’s facade, completed in 1621, is the first example of French Baroque architecture in Paris. The church has a long history, dating back to the 4th century, making it one of the oldest in the city.
- Hôtel de Beauvais – This hotel features an impressive staircase and ornate interiors. It’s noted for its rococo architecture and the history of significant tenants including Mozart.
- Hôtel de Sens – This is one of the few remaining medieval private residences in Paris. Its mixture of Gothic and Renaissance elements makes it a visual delight.
Montmartre
Location: 18th arrondissement
Unique Features: Famous for its bohemian past, Montmartre is more than just Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre.
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir – Known as one of the prettiest streets in Paris, it’s lined with lovely houses and has a great view of the Sacré-Cœur.
- Rue des Saules – This street features the famous vineyard, Vigne de Montmartre, adding a unique rural charm right in the heart of Paris.
- Rue Cortot – Home to the Musée de Montmartre and surrounded by old, picturesque buildings that feel steeped in history.
- Place du Tertre – Although often crowded, early mornings offer a quieter experience to capture the essence of this famous square with artists and cafes.
- Villa Léandre – offers quiet, artistic charm. Villa Léandre is a picturesque street which feels more like a countryside lane, with its beautiful English-style houses and quiet surroundings. A stark contrast to the nearby tourist-filled areas.
- Rue Saint-Rustique – One of Montmartre’s oldest streets, it maintains a nostalgic charm with traditional restaurants and shops, away from the usual tourist paths.
- Cour Saint-Pierre – Nestled in Montmartre, this secluded courtyard is surrounded by artists’ studios and old stables converted into homes, offering a slice of old Parisian life.
La Butte-aux-Cailles
Location: 13th arrondissement
Unique Features: Known for its village-like atmosphere, cobbled streets, and lovely murals.
- Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles – The main street of the neighbourhood, lined with charming bistros and bars.
- Rue des Cinq Diamants – Known for its small artisan shops and cozy restaurants.
- Rue Daviel – Featuring the unique Petite Alsace, a group of half-timbered houses that provide a picturesque sight in the middle of Paris.
- Passage Barrault – A lesser-known street with beautiful old houses and greenery, offering a quiet, almost hidden escape.
- Square des Peupliers – A charming residential square surrounded by quaint houses and full of green spaces.
Other Smaller Neighbourhoods
1. Canal Saint-Martin
- Location: 10th arrondissement
- Unique Features: This neighbourhood is known for its scenic waterways and iron footbridges. It’s a popular spot among locals for picnics and casual strolls, particularly in the gentrified areas full of hip cafés and boutiques.
2. Cité Florale
- Location: 13th arrondissement (micro-neighbourhood)
- Unique Features: It features streets named after flowers. It has charming small houses with gardens that bloom beautifully in spring and summer. They are a stark contrast to the urban environment surrounding it.
3. La Campagne à Paris
- Location: 20th arrondissement
- Unique Features: Originally built for laborers, this small area features charming houses with gardens, offering a quiet, village-like feel atop the heights of Paris. Perched on a hill, this area gives a feel of being in the countryside rather than in one of Europe’s busiest cities.
4. Île Saint-Louis
- Location: 4th arrondissement
- Unique Features: A serene island in the middle of the Seine, known for its well-preserved 17th-century architecture, quaint shops, and the famous Berthillon ice cream.
5. Quartier de la Mouzaïa
- Location: 19th arrondissement
- Unique Features: Also known as “la petite Alsace,” this area features small lanes lined with colorful houses and flowering gardens, echoing a quiet, countryside feel in the bustling city.
These streets and neighbourhoods provide a quieter, more authentic Parisian experience.
Conclusion
Exploring Paris’s hidden gems like small museums, quiet gardens, and charming streets shows a different side of the city.
These spots are perfect for seeing Parisian life up close. Small museums offer unique art and history.
Quiet gardens provide peaceful spots to relax away from crowds.
Charming streets let you walk through history.
Each place tells its own story of Paris. So next time you visit, take a detour off the main paths.
You’ll discover the heart and soul of Paris in these hidden treasures.
