A local’s guide to real hidden gems of Paris, off-the-beaten-path places from historical sites to Art Nouveau, budget shops, beautiful bookshops and more!
After months of wandering through the stunning neighborhoods of Paris, I’ve put together an endless list of hidden gems these last few months that I’ve been dying to share with you – these are some of the places I’ve come across.
I really didn’t expect to find most of the beautiful spots I’m talking about today, and I’m just so impatient for you to see them for yourselves.
We’re talking gardens, churches, and those total stumble-upon, off-the-beaten-path buildings with architectural styles I’m particularly obsessed with, ranging from Art Nouveau to Art Deco.
Real Hidden Gems of Paris: 15 Spots No One Talks About
After years spent in the city, and years spent away as well, I’m completely blown away by everything Paris has to offer, and honestly, that’s the understatement of the century.
We’ve got Belle Époque treasures, Art Deco churches, and gorgeous, local hidden gems of gardens – just a whole collection of unbelievable spots whether you’re looking for some peace, some beauty, or both.
Hidden Gems of Paris: Yitzhak Rabin Garden, Bercy, Paris 12 and Its Ruins
The first hidden gem we’re checking out today is the Yitzhak Rabin Garden in the 12th arrondissement.
It’s tucked away in the heart of Bercy, and it’s actually where you’ll find some of the best-preserved ruins in Paris – the remains of the Petit Château de Bercy, built around 1640.
The Yitzhak Rabin Garden itself is incredibly beautiful.
Even though I’ve caught the train or a Flixbus from the Bercy station a million times, I only discovered this massive secret garden this year.
It’s full of flowers and even has these cool geometric layouts in certain spots.
You seriously can’t miss the beautiful ruins of the château. Even though they’re small, they really hit you – this little manor just preserved right there in the landscape of the Parc de Bercy.
Read: Former Abbey of Port Royal: A Secret Cloister in Paris 14
Hidden Gems of Paris: 21 Children of the World, Bercy, Paris 12
Then, right nearby, there are no fewer than 21 sculptures on the terrace above the Bercy bus station.
They were installed in 2001 by Rachid Khimoune and are called “The 21 Children of the World.”
I love finding unusual sculptures in Paris, and these definitely fit the bill because their textured skin was created using elastomer molds taken directly from urban infrastructure.
These 21 children of the world come from all over, New York City, Japan, Egypt, Venice, and they don’t just feature elements of their city’s streets, but also symbols like Venetian masks, or even capes and patterns that show exactly where they’re from.
Read: Unique Shops in Paris: 8 Indie Spots You Absolutely Must See
Hidden Gems of Paris: Saint Michel des Batignolles Church
In the 17th arrondissement, where I lived for a very short time, the Saint-Michel des Batignolles church is one of the most beautiful hidden gems I’ve ever found.
It’s a Romano-Byzantine revival built between 1913 and 1934, and when I first walked in, I actually thought I’d stepped into an Art Deco church.
You’ve got paintings, statues, geometric stained glass, and this incredible mix of stone and orange brick that’s both stunning and austere.
The Art Deco mosaics inside are just unbelievable, and since it’s only a stone’s throw from Avenue de Clichy, it’s easily one of the best spots to see in the 17th.
Read: Notre Dame du Travail: A Unique Industrial Church in Paris
Hidden Gems of Paris: Maison Landemaine Bakery, Boulevard Beaumarchais
Recently, while I was out walking, I finally made it to Maison Landemaine at 28 Boulevard Beaumarchais in the 11th arrondissement.
It has one of the most beautiful vintage bakery storefronts you’ll ever see. You’re greeted by this Belle Époque style both inside and out.
The hand-painted glass panels and the floral ceiling dating back to 1890 really feel like a jump back in time, and of course, the croissants and pain au chocolat are delicious.
Read: 16 Things to Buy in Paris from Foodie Souvenirs to Gifts
Hidden Gems of Paris: Square de la Roquette
The Square de la Roquette, also in the 11th and not far from Bastille like the bakery, is one of the loveliest gardens in Paris.
Right out front on Rue de la Croix-Faubin, you can still find the marks where the guillotine once stood.
The square itself is the former site of the Grande Roquette prison, which was demolished in 1900.
Now, it’s home to a little fountain, endless varieties of trees and flowers, and this incredibly deep sense of peace.
Read: The Best Bakeries in Paris, Pastry Shops and Cake Spots
Hidden Gems of Paris: La Ressourcerie, Apprentis d’Auteuil, Paris 16
It was purely by chance that I stumbled across the Apprentis d’Auteuil ressourcerie, right on the apprentices’ campus, which was founded in 1866 by Abbé Roussel.
Located on Rue Jean de la Fontaine in the 16th arrondissement – where you’ll also find Castel Béranger, one of the most stunning Art Nouveau buildings in the city, by the way – the ressourcerie is one of the best spots for budget shopping in Paris.
I popped into the clothing and home shop for a bit, but spent way more time in the secondhand bookstore, where I found an endless supply of beautiful classic literature.
There are no fewer than three secondhand shops grouped together there, along with a pop-up shop where you find something different every day – when I went, it was a pop-up fresh fruit and vegetable market, if I’m not mistaken.
And of course, the tiny, secret cloister is a huge bonus reason to go!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris for Breakie & Coffee
Hidden Gems of Paris: Ceramics at Heres Hairdresser, Paris 16
The Hérès hair salon isn’t just any shop – not only does the manager know exactly what he’s doing (his men’s cuts follow the face in such a sleek, stylish way), but he’s also incredibly kind.
If it wasn’t for him, I never would’ve realized that while the storefront – an old Belle Époque creamery – is already stunning, the interior is just as breathtaking, and it’s actually a listed historical monument.
It’s tucked away in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, featuring ceramic panels of grazing scenes, flowers, cows, and roosters.
Combined with the mirrors and styling tools, it’s this wild mix of vintage and ultra-modern. It features those polychrome Sarreguemines earthenware panels by Benoist et Fils, showing these amazing pastoral scenes.
Read: Belle Epoque in Paris: 7 Restaurants and Cafes to Visit
Hidden Gems of Paris: Brentano’s, American Bookstore, Paris 2
There are few gorgeous bookstores in Paris more enticing than Brentano’s in the 2nd arrondissement on Avenue de l’Opéra, right near Cédric Grolet and the Japanese quarter on Rue Sainte-Anne.
Founded in 1895, Brentano’s is the oldest American bookstore in Paris.
You can find tons of newspapers, but also decorations, trinkets, and posters galore – it was a hub for the Lost Generation writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, who walked those same aisles long before us.
Read: Visiting Printemps Haussmann, The Parisian Department Store
Hidden Gems of Paris: Jardin des Abbesses, Paris 18
I discovered the Jardin des Abbesses for the first time by total accident, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.
It’s tucked away near the Abbesses station in Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement.
If you’re coming to see the “I Love You” wall in Square Jehan Rictus, you just have to go to the very end of the square and take the discrete stairs on the left to land in this super cute garden.
It has a medieval monastic style that replicates the 12th-century botanical landscape of the Montmartre Abbey founded in 1133.
It’s a “Jardin des Simples,” which focuses on plants with specific practical uses, from aromatic to medicinal, tinctorial, and vulnerary for treating battlefield wounds.
On the other side, you’ll find the garden entrance via Passage des Abbesses – a blue entrance with some totally unexpected street art.
Read: Lux Bar, Paris’s Historic Cafe With A Belle Epoque Mosaic
Hidden Gems of Paris: Art Nouveau Building Les Tournesols, 22 rue Trousseau
Lately, while walking near Bastille, I somehow managed to get lost in the 11th arrondissement and ended up on Rue Trousseau, standing right in front of one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Paris at number 22.
It’s this unique spot nicknamed “Les Tournesols” (The Sunflowers).
There’s nature everywhere – sunflowers, of course, but tons of other organic motifs too.
And if you’re lucky enough to have someone open the vestibule for you like they did for me, you’ll find yourself looking at one of the most beautiful, classic Art Nouveau entrances in the city.
Read: Book Off Châtelet: A Hidden Gem for Used Books in Paris
Hidden Gems of Paris: Quirky Cadet Metro Station
There are over twenty unique metro stations in Paris, and Cadet in the 9th arrondissement is one of them – one of those cultural stations you just don’t expect.
I mean, a station is just a station, right? Well, no.
Cadet is a metro station made of vitrified tiles that honors the Marquis de Lafayette and the Franco-American alliance during the American War of Independence.
It’s the only station with this American aesthetic, and if you’re into these kinds of unusual spots, definitely don’t forget to check out the Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette station as well, with its frescoes and portraits.
Both platforms have different aesthetics and are absolute must-sees!
Read: Taschen, Paris’s Best Bookstore For Design, Travel and Arts
Hidden Gems of Paris: Parc André Citroen, Paris 15
It was only years after first hearing about it that I finally made it to Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement, and I found a landscape that perfectly blends nature, post-modernism, greenhouses, and stunning fountains.
It’s located right near Porte de Versailles and the exhibition center, on the site of the old Citroën car factory that was torn down in the 80s.
The vibe? Just relaxing, hanging out with the locals, and the Ballon de Paris Generali with its unbelievable views over the city.
Read: 9 Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris With Old World Charm
Hidden Gems of Paris: Charvin Arts, Paris 5
Recently, I headed back to the 5th arrondissement – where I seem to be spending a lot of time lately – to check out the historic Charvin art shop on Quai des Grands Augustins.
You can’t miss the historic facade of the Lapérouse restaurant right nearby, or the buildings with cariatides close by, just absolutely gorgeous.
Charvin started out in the South of France before becoming a Parisian icon for watercolors, painting and drawing.
It’s one of the most prestigious and serious pigment manufacturers in the art world, founded in 1830, where famous artists like Cézanne used to go to get their colors.
Read: Cité Florale, A Secret Village in Paris 13th Arrondissement
Hidden Gems near Paris: Levallois-Perret Trompe L’Oeil Street Art Facades
Levallois-Perret, which is right next to Paris, is such a sophisticated, clean town that’s super easy to get to by metro (Anatole France station is a good bet).
Nicknamed the “city of trompe l’oeil,” Levallois is a quiet spot with no fewer than 47 of these illusionist facades, ranging from the Tour de France and a hot air balloon to the “Café des Acteurs”- which is the most striking one for me – and “Levallois en Fleurs,” which is just so picturesque.
It’s a literal open-air museum, and even if you’re strictly looking for hidden gems in Paris, it feels so good to walk through the Art Deco streets of Levallois-Perret that I’d highly recommend checking it out in the spring or summer.
Read: Lavirotte Building, Paris: Art Nouveau near the Eiffel Tower
Hidden Gems near Paris: Ruins of the Colonial Exhibition, Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale, Vincennes
This last spot isn’t technically right in Paris – similar to the Levallois-Perret murals – but it’s on the edge of the city in the Bois de Vincennes, at the Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale René Dumont.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll find tons of ruins here from the 1907 Colonial Exhibition.
The Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale was founded in 1899 and served as a test garden for studying tropical plants like coffee and cocoa.
It’s also considered a “site of shame” nowadays because the garden, which is made up of over a dozen pavilions (much like the World’s Fairs in Paris, which still have ruins and pavilions scattered all over Paris, France, and abroad!), was actually used as a human zoo back then.
You can still see the Tunisia pavilion, which has been turned into a restaurant, the Indochina pavilion, and the Chinese Gate, along with a lot of memorials and sculptures.
There are also plenty of beautiful ruins, like the Morocco and Guyana pavilions, and some that have been completely destroyed, like the Congo pavilion.
Read: Free Things to Do in Paris: 15 Places to Visit on a Budget
Real Hidden Gems of Paris: 15 Spots No One Talks About
Paris is so much more than just the postcard views we all know.
Exploring these hidden gems over the last few months has honestly reminded me why I fell in love with this city in the first place.
Whether it’s stumbling upon 17th-century ruins in the middle of a park or finding a piece of Art Nouveau history hidden on a quiet side street, there is always something new to uncover if you’re willing to just get lost for a bit.
I really hope this list inspires you to step off the beaten path next time you’re here!