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5 Quiet Spots in Paris

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I love the city of Paris. It’s one of my favorite places on earth. But there is only so much hustle and bustle of a big city anyone can take. Even a city like Paris. And though Paris’ parks are truly beautiful and well-maintained, they are also very popular and can still fill up with locals.

So, when you have had your fill of the crowds and museums, head for one of these quiet spots and decompress.

1. Place Dauphine

One of the cutest squares in Paris is actually shaped like a triangle. Though it is smack-dab in the center of Paris, it’s a quiet oasis among the noise and chaos. Take a breather here. Sit on a park bench and read a book or watch locals play pétanque or walk their pooches. Just steps from the Pont Neuf, the square boasts a hotel, a wine bar and a few great restaurants.

2. Back streets of Montmartre

Everyone visits Sacré Coeur and the Place du Terte. But if you want to escape the crowds and sketch artists, just walk behind the white domes and head for the back streets of Montmartre. Here the crowds thin, the people seem to melt away and you’ll find yourself in a quaint Parisian neighborhood. Stroll the hilly streets in solitude while appreciating the local architecture.

3. Hotel Sully

Tucked between the Hotel Sully and the Place des Vosges in the Marais district is a small courtyard with a passageway. And in this perfectly manicured courtyard is a lovely stone bench surrounded by a wall of deep,verdant green. It’s a sweet spot to rest, take a breath of fresh air and feel rejuvenated before moving on to explore the Marais.

4. Square du Vert – Galant

Though technically a park, this tiny slice of real estate occupies the very tip of the I’le de la Cité. You can either sit on one of the park benches that line the teardrop-shaped walkway or venture out onto the quay. You can dangle your feet off either side and take in the equally stunning view of the Right or Left banks. Head straight for the West-facing tip at dusk to watch the sun reflect off the Seine as it sets behind the Pont des Arts.

5. Père Lachaise

You can’t get more calm than a cemetery now, can you? Père Lachaise is well off-the-beaten-path, in the far removed 20th arrondissement. It’s a perfect spot to wander around aimlessly, up and down the gravel paths, searching for tombs of well-known writers, poets and musicians that made it their resting place. It’s not only peaceful, but also a very picturesque setting, so don’t forget your camera!

Do you have a favorite quiet spot in Paris?

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anne
January 7th, 2010
Hi Robin … Parc Monceau is a lovely place to sit. The Parc is in the 8th arrondissement, not as large as Jardin de Luxembourg, but nevertheless a lovely place go.

I have photo of another place I found whilst out walking, will have to hunt it out, and let you know!
anne´s last blog ..Thanks to Melange …….

somepinkflowers
January 7th, 2010
thanks for sharing.
did not know about the hotel sully
which looks yummily green.
must look that one up.
yes yes yes
do love to go here–> Père Lachaise.

love how jim morrison can spend time eternal
with oscar wilde
and balzac.
somepinkflowers´s last blog ..praise to the skies

Robin @ My Melange
January 7th, 2010
@ Anne I agree, it is another lovely quiet spot in Paris. Thanks for sharing it!

@ Bonnie It was so weird finding Morrison’s grave, with a round the clock security guard lurking over it. Strange site in a cemetery

jforest
January 7th, 2010
I love #2, Back streets of Montmartre. My second time in Paris (and first to Sacre Coeur) a few of us from the hostel decided to go to Sacre Coeur. We somehow ended up walking up the hill from behind it, we probably got a bit confused by the Metro But I remember the small little park behind Sacre Coeur, with the park benches, and slightly below us the older men playing pétanque in a small walled in garden.

Anytime I find out someone is going to Paris, I instantly tell them to go behind Sacre Coeur and to just sit and relax. Next time, I’m going to have to walk down those hills again, and explore that neighborhood!

In #4, the Square du Vert, I love going to the very tip, and hanging my feet over the edge. There was a giant tree there the first time I went, but it has since been removed, sadly, it was fun to watch the boats come up and down the Seine while i ate my lunch.

I’ll add my 2 cents to this as well, during lunch, just see where the locals go. They always seem to end up in a nice relaxing mini-park or square that is tucked away removed from all the noise. I don’t know where they are at this point, but I’ve eaten lunch in some tiny, but beautiful small parks tis way!

This post has me wanting to go to Paris again! Thanks!
jforest´s last blog ..Top 5 photography tips I’ve learned so far

Robin @ My Melange
January 7th, 2010
So glad to hear that you discovered the back streets of Montmarte…and loved them too. Glad I could bring back some good memories for you. I love doing that

Paula - bell'alimento
January 7th, 2010
Beautiful! I could sit in any of those places for hours!

Judy
January 7th, 2010
The last time we were in Paris (sounds like I go there often – only twice) we stayed at a tiny hotel on the left bank. Our windows looked out on remnants of an ancient Roman arena where the locals played pick up games of soccer. It was a tiny room but the beds were comfortable and the breakfast wonderful. We never go for the luxury type hotels because we only sleep there – out wandering the rest of the time. We took the Metro out to the edge of the city proper along a canal where we started walking back. The sunlight on the water, the birds and blooming trees of Spring – it was WONDERFUL! I have photos but none scanned (sorry). We spent the entire afternoon just strolling along the canal, taking photos, exploring this non-tourist area. No, we didn’t quite make it back to our hotel on foot – we had gone out much farther than we realized! As the sun was setting, we hopped on the Metro for the ride back to the Left Bank. A beautiful memory of Paris!

Laura from Ciao Amalfi
January 8th, 2010
Ciao Robin! Great tips… just added to my notebook for Paris next week! I’ll have to report back on my favorite peaceful spot in Paris in January. Thanks for sharing!
Laura from Ciao Amalfi´s last blog ..Happy Blogiversary Ciao Amalfi!

Erica Johansson
January 10th, 2010
I love the back streets of Montmartre. During my first visit to Paris I walked the steps up to Sacre Coeur one morning and explored the area without any location or goal in mind. A lovely day!

Whenever I visit next I will visit that small courtyard by Hotel Sully and Père Lachaise.
Erica Johansson´s last blog ..Why I Love Winter

Caitlin @ Roaming Tales
January 10th, 2010
I love Montmartre and Pere Lachaise. Rodin’s garden is another great spot for catching some quiet time.
Caitlin @ Roaming Tales´s last blog ..Sustainable food: Where you shop and the 3/50 Project

Robin @ My Melange
January 11th, 2010
@Erica Sometimes the best dicoveries are made when you just spend time wandering.

@Caitlin Rodin is probably my favorite museum in Paris! Love the little cafe there too

Mara
January 17th, 2010
I have so many cute pictures of my kids in the Square du Vert Galant! Thanks for bringing back nice memories.

I really like the Mosquee de Paris in the 5th, right by the Jardin des Plantes. My husband and I wandered in there one night and it was like stepping into a fairy tale, all lit up and with fountains running in the courtyard.
Mara´s last blog ..My favorite road sign of all time