5 Quiet Spots in Paris
1
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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Friends & Supporters
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 ……. =-.
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 =-.
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
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 =-.
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
January 7th, 2010
Beautiful! I could sit in any of those places for hours!
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!
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! =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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
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 =-.
January 18th, 2010
You are so welcome Mara. I will add that spot to my list. Sounds magical.
April 1st, 2010
Another of my favorite spots is the Jardin de Ranelagh in the 16th arrondissement. I used to live not far from it and go there to read on a park bench. Overlooking it is also one of my fav museums, the Musée Marmottan, formerly the residence of Paul Marmottan, an avid art collector who at his death in 1932 left the house to the Académie des Beaux Arts.
In addition to the illuminated manuscripts, paintings, and Napoleonic-era furniture, the basement is a treasure trove of Monet paintings, including partially finished water lilies, donated by Monet’s son Michel, which give a fascinating insight into Monet’s technique and vision.
Sounds lovely….thanks for sharing Laura!
.-= Laura´s last blog ..A very windy day and a disaster in the yard =-.
April 29th, 2010
We’re going to Paris this June, staying for a month–can’t wait.
I love the slightly hidden parks also. There is one close to where my inlaws live, located in the 12th arrondissement but don’t recall the name. It’s very relaxing with a small lake and they even have a playground and pony rides for the kids.
Love your website Robin!
Thanks for popping by Lisa- and for the lovely words about my sight! Enjoy your Paris trip
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..A Few of My Favorite Things about France =-.
May 10th, 2010
Hi, I like your blog. I spent some time in Paris and was fascinated by the presence of so many gardens around the city.
I have a question, I read whilst in Paris that there was a famous author who travelled around Paris recording noise levels
would you know the name of the author by any chance
I want to do something similar in the city where I live now and I want to credit the inspiration for this project.
Any help would be appreciated and keep up the good work.
Hi Pat. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard of that project or author. Interesting idea though. Sorry I couldn’t help more.
July 1st, 2010
mmm….mmmmm…. That’s French for YUM!
I love Paris’s sweet spots. Pere Lachaise is my favorite. I feel very comfortable and happy there. I just made a video featuring it!
April 20th, 2011
Robin,
You’ve hit upon one of my favorite subjects and you have captured well the sense of what makes Paris so special. I have only to offer two more “quiet spots” that I think have not been mentioned: the Place Furstenbourg, very near St. Germain des Près, and the jewel of the Marais, la Place des Vosges. The Place Furstenbourg is quite small but it gets a lot of foot traffic and there are sometimes street musicians who perform there. La Places des Vosges is a large 17th century square with a distinguished history and is enjoyed by lots of Parisians as well as some tourists, but not too many as it’s off the proverbial beaten path.
Thanks for the awseome suggestions Antoine. I know the Place des Vosges well, but will have to explore the Place Furstenbourg on my next visit!
August 18th, 2011
Ten years or so ago I was wandering around somewhere on a quiet street on the Left Bank and came across a park bench that was either stone or concrete and was made to look like an open book. Could any one please tell me where it is or send me a picture?
Merci!
Not sure I can help John, but it sounds lovely. Try doing an image search in Google with those keywords and I’ll bet something will pop up
May 2nd, 2012
Best kept secret park in Paris and one of my faces is Catherine Laboure in the 7th on rue Babylon. Right around the corner from Bon Marche. It used to be the grounds of a nunnery. Simply stunning and always toasty warm as surrounded by a huge wall on each side. Def worth a visit!
Thanks Sarah! Always happy to hear about a local secret
I’ll put it on my list for next time.
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