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.
Le Clos Montmartre and Museum of Montmartre
Somewhere in between the streets of Montmartre, few steps away from the Sacré Coeur basilica, lies a pretty little vineyard, the only one in Paris. 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. Other famous buildings, the restaurant La Maison Rose, the cabaret Le Lapin Agile and the pretty Museum of Montmartre, are just meters away and participate in this relaxing atmosphere of the place.
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.
The Passages Couverts of Paris (covered alleys)
Unique, extravagant, lavish and mesmerizing, that is how we could describe the Passages Couverts in Paris. Created in the 19° century to allow 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. People interested in architecture in general and in 19° century history will also find food for the eyes there, 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.
Some of the popular passages here in the city include the Galerie Vivienne, with excellent clothing stores including luxury brands like Jean-Paul Gaultier, wine stores and much more. The Passage du Grand Cerf is another charming passage built-in 1825 which has some famous artisan shops, and high-quality fashion and jewelry stores. You can also wander in the charming Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, Passage Choiseul or the Galerie Vero-Dodat…
It’s always a good idea to have a little escape and go explore the hidden parts of the city to get a better insight of its culture and history. These Parisian passages are a perfect example of that, and if you are interested in history, we even recommend to have a guided tour in these Passages Couverts.
Le Marché des Enfant Rouges
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.
Canal Saint-Martin
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.
La Coulée Verte
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 which are now abandoned and gives a perfect example of regenerated abandoned places. Nowadays, it’s a peaceful and charming walk on a few miles among trees and green nature. 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, but little know from the tourists, it’s really one of the hidden gems in Paris!
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