Parisian Pleasures: Exploring Hidden Gems in the City of Light
Published on
November 5, 2024
From its iconic Haussmann architecture to its cavernous jazz clubs and world-class gastronomic scene, there is much to be discovered in Paris – ‘la ville de l'amour’. Step off the beaten track and discover how to live like a local in the City of Light. Delve into our guide and unearth a treasure trove of Parisian Pleasures, from lesser-explored parks and gardens to quiet cultural delights, tranquil neighbourhood gems and secret spots where residents like to eat, drink and commune.
From its iconic Haussmann architecture to its cavernous jazz clubs and world-class gastronomic scene, there is much to be discovered in Paris – ‘la ville de l'amour’. Step off the beaten track and discover how to live like a local in the City of Light. Delve into our guide and unearth a treasure trove of Parisian Pleasures, from lesser-explored parks and gardens to quiet cultural delights, tranquil neighbourhood gems and secret spots where residents like to eat, drink and commune.
Secret Parisian parks and gardens
Small but perfectly formed, this secret garden in Paris’ 6th boasts landscaped lawns, ornamental vines, vegetable plots and beautiful flower beds – yet it is often overlooked by tourists seeking the grandeur of the Jardin du Luxembourg or des Plantes. Bring your baguette avec jambon-beurre and spend an hour of quiet solitude in the heart of the city.
Jardin des Grands-Explorateurs
Stretching southward, an often-skipped appendage of the enduringly popular Jardin du Luxembourg, the Jardin des Grands-Explorateurs showcases a peaceful swathe of lawn framed with topiaried trees, which culminates in a pretty fountain. Escape the crowds of its larger sibling and enjoy a shady afternoon stroll in this tranquil hidden Parisian park.
Just over the river, close to Saint-Paul, this secret Parisian garden in the grounds of the magnificent 17th-century Hôtel de Sully is a sublime spot to step away from the city crowds – and back in time. Secure a coveted bench and indulge in a quiet moment with a coffee and a good book before heading back into the throng.
Paris’ cultural hidden gems
Set on the northern banks of the Seine in the city’s 8th – and one of the more hidden museums in Paris – this ornate musée houses an eclectic collection of artworks dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Discover its treasures, then take a stroll in the internal courtyard and surrounding gardens.
Maison du Faucheur and Maison du Mouton
Such secret spots in Paris that even Google Maps can’t locate their addresses, these ancient, half-timbered houses – dating back to the 14th century – offer a tantalising glimpse into the city’s past. Ask a local for their whereabouts, and discover them for yourself.
One of Paris’ lesser-known galleries, 59 Rivoli – located on the rue of the same name, to the west of Châtelet metro – is home to a community of 30 contemporary artists and stage for an idiosyncratic mix of exhibitions and concerts. A former squat, the space is now a Parisian hidden gem of modern art.
Escape the centre of the city for an afternoon, to the quieter neighbourhood of the 12th Arrondissement, and discover this 4.7 kilometre, elevated stretch of parkland connecting the Opéra Bastille and the Bois de Vincennes. A disused railway viaduct, this undiscovered Parisian park is now a lush walkway and serene departure from the bustle of city life.
Paris’ quieter neighbourhoods
Saint-Germain-des-Prés – 6th Arrondissement
Though surprisingly central, this effervescent Parisian enclave remains one of the city’s off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods. Home to the latest August apartment in the capital, the 6th is a hub of the French ‘art de vivre’, bustling with kerbside cafés, hidden Parisian boutiques and, arguably, the richest cultural scene in the city. Step onto one of the tranquil side streets, however, and discover an oasis of calm.
Butte-aux-Cailles – 13th Arrondissement
This quiet Parisian neighbourhood in the south of the city is perched on a hilltop and brimming with bohemian spirit. Narrow, cobblestone streets and quaint, old-world houses meet vibrant street art murals – giving this hidden neighbourhood a distinctly edgy mood with a strong community essence.
Le Marais – 3rd & 4th Arrondissement
Another location for the August Pied à Terre Collection, Le Marais boasts a superbly central position with more of those undiscovered side streets that make it one of Paris’ hidden gems. Historical and chic in equal measure, visit to explore the Place des Vosges and Musée Picasso, then escape to the seclusion of your rooftop abode.
La Mouzaïa - 19th Arrondissement
Way up in the northern reaches of the city, Quartier de la Mouzaïa is a lesser-known Paris enclave defined by charming cottages and gardens, which lend it a uniquely rural feel. This quiet residential Parisian neighbourhood is leafy and flower-lined, making it a perfect place to absorb a more tranquil atmosphere.
Paris’ hidden cafés, eateries & bars
Set in Paris’ ebullient 6th – home to our latest Pied à Terre apartment in the French capital – this sophisticated, Michelin starred restaurant, helmed by chef Alain Passard, reimagines haute cuisine with a plant-based twist. A concept still relatively unheard of in this city of carnivores, be sure to sample the tourte végétale, fondue d'oignons nouveaux au Porto rubis – vegetable tart with onion fondue and ruby Port sauce – followed by strawberries in an infusion of herbs and summer flowers. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
For French haute cuisine, head to Plénitude, overlooking the Seine and just across the water from our Parisian apartment. Rated one of the world’s ‘50 best restaurants’ – but easy to miss if you don’t know where to look – chef Arnaud Donckele achieves the pinnacle of fine dining through an alchemic bouquet of seasonal flavours.
Tucked away down an unassuming side street, just a few blocks from the 6th’s famed Jardin du Luxembourg, this ambient little wine bar holds regular tastings in its atmospheric underground cellars. Spend balmy evenings watching Parisian life pass by from the scattering of small tables set on the sidewalk.
Hop over the Seine to the lively neighbourhood of Le Marais and discover this cosy café proffering cups of coffee ground from craft beans in a snug, inviting setting – a real gem of Parisian coffee culture.
Shop like a local in these lesser-known Paris boutiques
Sculpturality and simplicity merge in this Parisian jeweller’s sublime collections. Doubling as a contemporary art space, Charlotte Chesnais’ boutique on the tree-lined Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th could be easily missed amid the Guccis and other designer threads housed here. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in an immersive shopping experience at this very unique Paris boutique.
Les Passages Couverts de Paris
Lovers of antiquities will marvel at the architecture – and the delights housed therein – of Paris' hidden gem of a shopping district. Comprising a handful of covered arcades brimming with unique boutiques, antique shops and secret spots to dine, Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau are a historical highlight not to be overlooked.
Searching for hidden treasures in La Ville de L'amour? Whether you seek the most underrated places to visit in Paris, the city’s secret spots for a moment of tranquillity or where to find the untapped Parisian food scene, discover it all from a perfect, peaceful apartment with an August Pied à Terre Collection.
Discover the lesser-known gems of Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Cannes and London with beautifully renovated two-bedroom abodes. Or, for those in search of more space and seclusion, why not immerse yourself in the rural pleasures of the French Riviera, Mallorca, Tuscany, the French Alps or the Cotswolds?
With a Collection to suit every lifestyle, you have never been closer to unlocking your European dream. Request a brochure, or schedule a call and speak to an August Advisor to start your Continental homeowner journey.
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