Perhaps you’ve had enough of queueing for Paris’ iconic sights and want to immerse yourself in its lesser-known treasures or maybe you have only just started your exploration of the city and want to begin with its best kept secrets.
Either way, here are a few of Paris’ hidden gems for you to enjoy:
- The Albert-Kahn Gardens of the World
- Jardin des Plantes botanical garden,
- Jardin Alpin
- The Musée Marmottan Monet
- The Musée Rodin
- The Grand Boulevards region
- The trendy Marais area
- The Conciergerie
Keep reading to see why these are some of Paris’ best kept secrets.
Secluded Tranquillity
For a breath of fresh air and an escape from the crowds, visit the Albert-Kahn Gardens of the World, a beautifully peaceful and unique place. This ten-acres of stunning greenery is truly off the beaten track, with a stunning Japanese garden, rocky Vosgienne forest and English rose garden.
Paris’ large and enchanting botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, is the place to breathe and temporarily leave behind the buzz of the city. Its four impressive greenhouses, alpine gardens, natural history museum and small zoo all add to the appeal of this spectacular space.
For a corner less-visited and some pure calm head to the Jardin Alpin, a haven of mountain vegetation, at the heart of the botanical garden but perfectly hidden in a shallow valley.
Artistic Adventures
The Musée Marmottan Monet, one of Paris’ best kept secrets, is rarely included amongst the ‘great’ Parisian art galleries but contains the world’s largest collection of masterpieces by Monet, including many of his famous water lily works. This wonderful collection is the largest impressionist collection in Paris including works by Renoir, Degas, Pissarro and Manet.
Almost everyone has heard of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay but the Musée Rodin often slips under the radar. This private mansion houses Rodin’s many masterpieces as well his impressive sculptures dotted amongst romantic manicured French gardens.
Cultural Treasures
In the Grand Boulevards region of Paris there are numerous covered passages, a magical and bewildering set of beautiful glass-adorned arcades, each with its unique character. Containing everything from cafes, brasseries, markets and antiques to art galleries and high-end boutiques such as Christian Louboutin’s workshop-boutique, these lesser known passages are perfect for the curious walker. On your wanderings, stop by the Palais Royal, the lesser-known palace opposite the Louvre with its highly controversial black and white candy-striped art installation.
The trendy Marais is a small but vibrant area of Paris which many overlook on their visit to the city. The winding, medieval lanes of this Jewish Quarter are buzzing with bars, restaurants, boutiques, high-end fashion, intriguing art galleries and museums. You can lose yourself in the maze of cobbled alleyways and beautiful medieval buildings. It is one of the oldest districts in Paris and the best place to truly experience the Paris of the past.
Whilst thousands visit the iconic Sainte-Chapelle, far fewer know about the Conciergerie, one of France’s finest gothic structures and a vivid reminder of the French Revolution.
La Conciergerie in Paris / Photo by Patrice.gaudicheau [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Accommodation in Paris: A Dreamy Poincaré Apartment
Nestled in the heart of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, the luxury apartment Poincaré is itself a hidden treasure. This stunning 5-bedroom apartment is part of One Authentic Properties’ exclusive portfolio and creates the perfect balance of sleek modern with classic grand-Parisian.
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Anna Makridi | October 13, 2018
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Nice post! Thanks for sharing!