During the 6 years I’ve lived in Paris I’ve had the good fortune to discover some incredible secret passageways, tucked away courtyards, quiet corners and tiny boutiques. I’m always thrilled when someone shares a new address with me and I find a hidden gem that I’ve walked straight past countless times.
Although her most famous landmarks are easy to find, Paris is a city that takes time to explore if you want to know her innermost secrets. Here are some of my favourite places from over the years.
What’s your favourite ‘secret’ Paris experience?
- Emily
Arènes de Lutèce
Did you know that the Romans conquered the city of Parisii in 52 BC and called it Lutetia? Tucked away in the 5th arrondissment, through an unimposing gate, you can freely explore a priceless roman amphitheatre that was constructed in the 1st century AD and used to sit over 15 000 people for gladiator battles. During its long history its stones were pilfered to build defences on Ile de la Cite, it became a cemetery and was eventually completely filled in and lost, only to be rediscovered centuries later when planning began to build a tramway depot on the site. Author Victor Hugo created a preservation committee called la Société des Amis des Arènes, which saved the archaeological treasure and now it’s a public space, free to enter. Pretend you’re a gladiator on the former stage or enjoy a picnic on the grass while locals play pétanque and let their children run off steam in the playground.
4 rue des Arènes, 75005 Paris
The Alpine Garden
Accessed via a small tunnel in the glorious Jardin des Plantes is the Alpine garden, which features more than 2,000 mountain plant species. Designed and built in a green valley to protect certain species from drying winds, intense cold and the great heat it brings together collections of plants from high, medium and low altitude regions of France and the world. Aside from being a beautiful place to wander, it’s also rich in scientific history and is home to an important pistachio tree that’s over 300 years old.
57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris
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