4 hidden spots in Paris for a peaceful summer
Hidden, unfrequented, verdant… there are places in Paris you’d never expect to find!
With the warm weather approaching, there’s nothing better than a stroll through one of these enchanted, secret spots.
Follow us as we show you our 4 favorite spots.
Square des peupliers, a hidden village
Tucked away on the hillside of the Butte-aux-Cailles district, the Square des Peupliers is a green nugget in the heart of Paris.
Here, cobblestones, plants and pavilions transport us directly to the countryside. This quiet, secret cul-de-sac remains untouched by tourists and hustle and bustle.
Its narrow streets, characterized by small, colorful houses of brick or cut stone, all boast a small flower garden.
They offer a charming, picturesque atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
To get there, it’s a 30-minute bike ride from the hotel, ideal for pedaling across Paris to the other side of the Seine!
Square des peupliers
Between numbers 68 and 72 rue du Moulin-des-Prés
75 013 Paris
The Medici fountain, a preserved treasure
At the far end of the Luxembourg Gardens, it’s a pleasure to discover the Médicis fountain.
Dating back to 1630, the former “grotte du Luxembourg”, now a fountain, still exists today. Surrounded by greenery, you’ll be able to forget everything that’s going on around you.
Henri IV’s widow, Marie de Médicis, was responsible for this architectural masterpiece. The queen wanted to recapture the atmosphere of the nymphaeums and fountains in the Italian gardens of her childhood.
The fountain depicts the two lovers of Greek mythology, Acis and Galatea, tenderly embraced and jealously watched from his rock by Polyphemus, the legendary Cyclops in love with Galatea.
Today, people come here to read in the shade, daydream or kiss away from prying eyes.
A 15-minute bike ride from the hotel takes you there. For those who prefer walking, allow 40 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by public transport.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Station Odéon, Mabillon, Saint Germain des Prés
The Petit Palais garden, a secret patio
In the heart of the Petit Palais, which is freely accessible to all all year round, lies a lush green garden and a café where sparrows come to beg for madeleine crumbs.
Like a little oasis, it’s the ideal setting for a bucolic break. The garden is organized around three mosaic-paved pools.
The intimate ambience and the beauty of the works on display create an unexpected atmosphere, right in the heart of the Champs-Élysées.
To get there, allow 15 minutes from metro station 1 or 25 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Le Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75 008 Paris
The Coulée Verte, a suspended walk
This secret Parisian spot takes you to the heights of the capital.
The Coulée Verte is the ideal link between the Bastille district and the Bois de Vincennes on foot, stretching for almost 5km and full of flowers and shade. Allow less than an hour to cover the entire length.
Running alongside a disused railway line, the Coulée Verte overlooks beautiful parks and gardens. It’s home to local residents’ doggies and street art.
Still little known to the Parisian public, the promenade dates back to the 1850s. It begins above the Viaduc des Arts. If you’re coming to Paris on a sunny day, it closes at 9:30 p.m. in summer!
To get there, take line 8 to the Opéra station, which takes you directly from the hotel in 25 minutes.
La Coulée Verte
Accès via les lignes de métro 1, 5 et 8 à l’arrêt Bastille.