FRANCE
10 HIDDEN GEMS IN PARIS
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
10 Hidden Gems in Paris
While Paris is famous for its iconic landmarks, the city's true magic lies in its lesser-known corners. These 10 hidden gems offer authentic, crowd-free experiences—from serene parks and colorful streets to artistic havens and historic passages—perfect for discovering the real Paris in 2026.
Top 10 Hidden Gems in Paris
1. Promenade Plantée – Elevated Green Walkway
The Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, is a 4.7-kilometer elevated linear park built atop an abandoned 19th-century railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement. Opened in 1993, it predates and inspired New York's famous High Line. This peaceful green corridor winds through tunnels, over viaducts, and past modern buildings, offering a unique perspective on the city far from the usual tourist paths. You'll pass lush gardens filled with roses, bamboo groves, lavender beds, and trellised walkways, with benches inviting you to pause and enjoy the tranquility. Below the viaduct, the Viaduc des Arts houses artisan workshops and galleries specializing in crafts like violin-making and restoration. The promenade stretches from near Opéra Bastille all the way to the Bois de Vincennes, making it ideal for a leisurely morning walk or afternoon stroll away from the bustle of central Paris.
Top Highlights:
- Bamboo groves and rose trellises
- Art installations along the path
- Views over Parisian rooftops
- Shops and cafés in Viaduc des Arts below
2. Covered Passages – Historic Shopping Arcades
Paris's covered passages are elegant 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcades that once numbered over 150 but now around 20 remain beautifully preserved, mostly in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. These hidden gems transport you back to the Belle Époque with their ornate ironwork, mosaic floors, and natural light filtering through skylights. Galerie Vivienne (1823) stands out with its neoclassical decor, luxurious boutiques, and charming tearooms; Passage Jouffroy features quirky shops like a wax museum entrance and vintage toy stores; while Passage des Panoramas (1800), the oldest, is lined with philatelic shops, restaurants, and historic theaters. Perfect for rainy days or a nostalgic wander, these passages offer vintage books, antiques, rare wines, and quiet cafés where locals linger over coffee. They provide a romantic, uncrowded alternative to modern shopping streets.
Top Highlights:
- Galerie Vivienne's mosaic floors and neoclassical decor
- Passage Jouffroy's wax museum and toy shops
- Historic bookstores and tearooms
- Passage des Panoramas' philatelic stores
3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Dramatic Hillside Park
Opened in 1867 during Napoleon III's transformation of Paris, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is one of the city's most dramatic and romantic public parks. Built on former quarries and gypsum mines, it features steep cliffs, a central artificial lake with an island, cascading waterfalls, hidden grottos, and winding paths that feel worlds away from urban life. At the summit stands the Temple de la Sibylle, a miniature Roman temple offering panoramic views over Paris and Montmartre's Sacré-Cœur. Unlike manicured gardens like Luxembourg, this park has a wild, English-style landscape with suspension bridges, caves, and diverse trees. Locals flock here for picnics, jogging, or relaxing at the Rosa Bonheur guinguette bar. It's especially magical at sunset or in autumn when foliage turns golden.
Top Highlights:
- Suspension bridge and Temple de la Sibylle
- Hidden grotto with waterfall
- Steep paths and caves
- Rosa Bonheur café for drinks
4. La Petite Ceinture – Abandoned Railway Paths
La Petite Ceinture ("Little Belt") was a 19th-century circular railway that once encircled Paris, transporting goods and passengers until its decline in the 1930s. Today, several abandoned sections have been reclaimed by nature and opened to the public as unique urban wild walks. These overgrown paths in the 15th, 18th, and 20th arrondissements feature wildflowers, butterflies, street art murals, and community gardens amid old tracks and stations. Highlights include La Recyclerie in the 18th—a sustainable cultural space with a café in a former station—and Hasard Ludique, hosting concerts and events. It's a fascinating blend of industrial heritage, biodiversity, and contemporary art, offering an offbeat glimpse into Paris's layered history far from typical tourist routes.
Top Highlights:
- Wild flora and fauna reclaiming tracks
- Street art and community gardens
- La Recyclerie eco-café in 18th
- Hasard Ludique cultural space
5. Rue Crémieux – Colorful Cobblestone Street
Rue Crémieux in the 12th arrondissement is a charming pedestrian-only cobblestone street lined with 35 pastel-colored two-story houses painted in shades of pink, blue, green, yellow, and lavender. Built in the 19th century for workers, it has become one of Paris's most photogenic hidden spots thanks to its vibrant facades adorned with flower boxes, climbing plants, and occasional cat-themed decorations. The street's quiet residential atmosphere contrasts with nearby bustling areas like Gare de Lyon, and residents often add personal touches like painted doors or window shutters. Nearby, the Marché d'Aligre offers one of Paris's best food markets. While popular on social media, visiting respectfully early or late avoids disturbing locals in this authentic neighborhood gem.
Top Highlights:
- Vibrant facades in pinks, blues, and greens
- Cat-themed decorations
- Pot plants and window boxes
- Nearby Marché d'Aligre for markets
6. 59 Rivoli – Artist Collective Studio
Located at 59 Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement, this six-story Haussmann building was once an illegal squat occupied by artists in 1999, becoming one of Paris's most famous alternative art spaces. After legalization in 2006, it now houses around 30 resident artists with open studios welcoming visitors. The graffiti-covered facade hints at the creative chaos inside: walls painted with murals, eclectic installations, and ateliers where you can watch painters, sculptors, and musicians at work. Exhibitions change regularly, and affordable original artworks are for sale. Evening concerts in the basement add to the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere in the heart of central Paris yet overlooked by most tourists.
Top Highlights:
- Street art exterior
- Open ateliers to watch artists work
- Affordable original art for sale
- Concerts in the basement
7. Palais Royal Gardens – Peaceful Courtyard Oasis
The Jardin du Palais Royal, tucked behind the Palais Royal in the 1st arrondissement just north of the Louvre, offers a serene formal French garden enclosed by elegant 18th-century arcades. Daniel Buren's controversial black-and-white striped columns in the Cour d'Honneur create a playful modern art installation perfect for photos, while the inner gardens feature tree-lined allées, fountains, rose beds, and benches where locals read or relax. Historic literary connections abound—Colette lived here, and it's linked to writers like Cocteau. Luxury boutiques under the arcades sell perfumes, medals, and vintage items. Despite its central location, it remains remarkably peaceful and uncrowded compared to nearby attractions.
Top Highlights:
- Black-and-white striped columns
- Formal French gardens
- Arcaded shops with luxury boutiques
- Historic literary connections
8. Marché des Enfants Rouges – Oldest Covered Market
Established in 1615, the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais (3rd arrondissement) is Paris's oldest covered food market, named after a nearby orphanage where children wore red uniforms. This intimate triangular market blends fresh produce stalls with international street food counters offering Moroccan tagines, Japanese bento, Italian antipasti, Lebanese mezze, and crepes—all prepared fresh. Communal tables encourage mingling with locals who come for daily shopping or casual lunches. Surrounded by historic buildings, it retains an authentic neighborhood feel despite growing popularity. Weekends bring lively brunch crowds and organic vendors, making it a delicious hidden alternative to touristy food halls.
Top Highlights:
- Moroccan, Japanese, and Italian counters
- Organic produce and cheese stands
- Communal tables for eating
- Weekend brunch vibes
9. Musée de la Vie Romantique – Romantic Era Museum
Nestled in a quiet street at the foot of Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement, the Musée de la Vie Romantique occupies the former home of Dutch painter Ary Scheffer, a salon host for 19th-century Romantic figures. This charming green-shuttered house-museum features period rooms with furniture, paintings, and memorabilia from George Sand (letters, jewelry, portraits) and Frédéric Chopin (his piano cast). The permanent collection is free, showcasing Romantic art and artifacts in an intimate setting. A highlight is the leafy courtyard garden with rose arbors and a greenhouse tearoom open in warmer months, offering a peaceful retreat evoking the era's artistic spirit.
Top Highlights:
- George Sand and Chopin artifacts
- Period furniture and paintings
- Rose-filled courtyard café
- Temporary exhibitions
10. Butte-aux-Cailles – Village-Like Neighborhood
The Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th arrondissement feels like a provincial village transplanted into Paris, with its hilly cobbled streets, low-rise houses, and independent spirit. Once a working-class area with a history of resistance (including the 1871 Commune), it now boasts vibrant street art rivaling Belleville, art deco architecture like the Piscine Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool (1924), and cozy bistros serving natural wines. Murals by famous artists cover walls, while quiet lanes hide artisan workshops and leafy squares. Evenings bring locals to lively bars along Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere far from tourist crowds.
Top Highlights:
- Vibrant murals and graffiti
- Art Nouveau swimming pool
- Independent cafés and bistros
- Cobbled streets and low-rise houses
Disclaimer: Information reflects popular hidden spots and trends as of January 2026. Always check opening hours and respect local residents.