Hidden Gems In Paris
Paris is one of the most touristic destinations in the world, and you might have the feeling of being drowned in the mass of tourists when you visit certain places, especially during summer and the peak season. But Paris holds so many diverse aspects that you can easily find other places to discover in a more relaxing way… Below is a selection of some hidden gems in Paris which will allow you to discover Paris in your own way and at your own pace.
1. Le Clos Montmartre and Museum of Montmartre
Photo Credit: ParisByM
Somewhere in between the streets of Montmartre, few steps away from the Sacré Coeur basilica lies a pretty little vineyard. In an area full of artists and painters, this vineyard is no less than a painting inspiration itself.
Located on the hill and surrounded by cobbled streets, the place will give you a feeling of being in a vintage town out of the city.
If you are looking to escape from a busy daily life, or if you’d rather avoid doing touristic things in Paris and want to have your “me time”, don’t hesitate to push the doors to the Museum of Montmartre and to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the garden overlooking the vineyard. One of our favorite hidden gems in Paris, the museum will allow you to discover much more in just one hour than most of the tourists who go to Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur basilica.
2. The Passages Couverts of Paris (covered alleys)
Photo Credit: Flickr
Unique, extravagant, lavish and mesmerizing, that is how we could describe the Passages Couverts in Paris. Created in the 19° century to all
Now people to go shopping whatever the weather, the covered alleys keep you warm and cozy in winter, and fresh in summer. Not only can you find there a great variety of shops and boutique stores, but you can also go there to chill and grab a coffee with a friend on the terraces of the many restaurants and cafés.
The Passages Couverts are an ideal attraction for everyone. This is the ideal place for tourists who want to take a break from busy museums and still have the desire of enjoying something beautiful and calm. It is an ideal place for people interested in architecture in general as well as people who want to go shopping at local and traditional French stores (but not only!). It’s one of the hidden gems in Paris which is undoubtful to be discovered.
3. Le Marché des Enfant Rouges
Photo Credit: Flickr
Opened in 1615, this is the oldest food market in Paris. Parisians and tourists alike can find great options to have an amazing lunch, grabbing things from various shops. This semi-open sky market serves you with the mix of taste and culture which is undeniably a typical French lifestyle experience. You can taste the locally produced charcuterie and cheese, or experience international Moroccan, Lebanese or Italian dishes… you can find them all here! Not being the biggest food market in Paris, it’s not as famous among tourists as some other street markets, which really makes it one of the hidden gems in Paris.
4. Canal Saint-Martin
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Discover a really unusual corner of Paris! We highly recommend you to visit Canal Saint-Martin which holds a gist of the history of Parisian life. This canal was originally used to bring drinking water to the inhabitants of the capital.
Highlight of the neighborhood, it attracts visitors, walkers, and lovers for a touristic cruise or for a picnic on the canal banks. With a little bit of luck, you can admire the passing of a boat in one of the 9 locks or 2 movable bridges along the canal, a small attraction that participate in the beauty of the canal waters and the walking passage alongside.
During sunny weekends in summer, you will find a lot of Parisians sitting on the banks, relaxing and enjoying a quiet moment far from the busy city life.
5. La Coulée Verte
Photo Credit: Flickr
This is an ideal walk to leave the hustle of the city in the middle of nature. La Coulée Verte was once a set of railway tracks that are now abandoned and gives a perfect example of regenerated abandoned places. The landscape is protected from the urbanized city life and you can discover a biological and green side of the city.
A good half of the Coulée Verte will allow you to overlook the city. After the footbridges, the walk back down to the street level, you will also pass under small tunnels. In short, you will understand, the walk is far from being monotonous is just amazing!
Although Paris has many touristic attractions to visit, the ideas above will take you quite and unusual places. For whom would like to escape from crowded touristic places, these places will be perfect for you! Discover Paris as a local!
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