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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