Paris has always been a city of surprises, even for someone like me who has visited 11 times. While the famous gardens like Luxembourg and Tuileries are beautiful, they do draw the crowds. I’ve fallen in love with the pretty hidden gardens in Paris. They offer a more intimate escape—a chance to slow down and see a side of Paris that most travellers miss.
These tucked-away secret spaces in Paris are perfect for those seeking quiet moments away from the tourist busyness. But finding them isn’t always easy; many aren’t found in the usual guides. That’s why I’ve put together this article to help you uncover the lesser-known gardens I’ve stumbled upon—places where locals linger. These are my favourites.
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Why Seek Out Hidden Gardens in Paris?
Escape the Crowds: Enjoy serene spots away from busy tourist hubs
On my early trips to Paris, I often found myself in the same crowded spots, fighting for a quiet moment at places like the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. It wasn’t until later visits that I realized the city offers countless little squares and gardens tucked away from the main tourist paths. No rush, just a quiet bench to sit and soak in Paris at your own pace.
Connect with Local Life: Experience gardens treasured by Parisians
Visiting a hidden garden feels like stepping into a local’s world. You’ll find Parisians catching up with friends or enjoying a book. These spots aren’t designed for tourists, and that’s their charm—they reveal how locals relax and interact with their city, offering an authentic connection to Parisian life.
A Unique Perspective: Discover Paris’s diversity through its lesser-known gardens
Every hidden garden has a story that adds to Paris’s layered history. There are stories behind why these small secret places—often a nod to a writer, a poet or a hero or heroine. From the formal symmetry of lesser-known courtyards to the wild, unmanicured nature, these places reveal the city’s character in the most beautiful way possible. It’s a perspective that doesn’t come from just seeing the landmarks.
Exploring these gardens isn’t just about escaping the chaos; it’s about discovering a version of Paris that feels personal and yours to keep. Now isn’t that a beautiful thing?
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I share 67 secret places that the locals love and are unknown to most tourists visiting Paris.
My Favourite Hidden Gardens in Paris
Right Bank Paris Gardens
1. Jardin Lazare Rachline (3rd arr)
Tucked away in the Marais, this formal garden is a local favourite for its symmetry and shaded benches. It’s a great spot to unwind after exploring nearby boutiques.
2. Square Georges Cain (3rd arr)
This historical square has been an archaeological depository of stones from other older gardens like Jardin des Tuileries. Amongst the rose bushes, you’ll find stone fragments from demolished monuments. It’s also a dog-lover favourite too! Visit here no matter the time of day and there will always be dogs running around and playing.
3. Square Saint Gilles du Grand Veneur (3rd arr)
A hidden gem with pretty rose bushes, tucked away behind the busy Paris streets behind Hôtel du Grand Veneur. This is a romantic spot, perfect for a secret rendezvous.
4. Jardin Anne Frank (3rd arr)
Dedicated to Anne Frank, this garden blends lots of greenery with a meaningful memorial. A graft of the chestnut tree that Anne Frank admired from her window has been planted here. An eye-catching metal arbour with park benches makes this area of the garden feel a bit more intimate.
5. Square du Temple – Elie Wiesel (3rd arr)
Features a pretty rock garden and a small pond with a waterfall. Lined with lots of fruit-blooming trees it is especially pretty to visit in the springtime. There’s even a bandstand, where concerts are held in fairer weather in this neighbourhood park with a children’s play area.
6. Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph Migneret (4th arr)
Hidden behind a door on Rue des Rosiers, this garden is tucked between historic 17th-century mansions in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. It’s an ideal stop after grabbing a falafel nearby.
7. Square du Vert-Galant (4th arr)
Perched at the tip of Île de la Cité, this riverside garden offers sweeping Seine views. It’s a quiet spot for picnics or sunset strolls.
8. Clos des Blancs Manteaux (4th arr)
A community garden in the Marais, this charming spot is one of the best little-known places in Paris. This tiny medieval garden features 250+ plant species mostly herbs and medicinal plants. It’s also dedicated to the memory of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.
9. Jardin de la Vallée-Suisse (8th arr)
Tucked near the famous Paris street, Champs-Élysées, this small garden feels like a hidden corner of the countryside. Its winding paths and wooden bridges make it perfect for a quiet break from the city’s energy.
Left Bank Secret Paris Gardens
10. Jardins du Musée de Cluny (5th arr)
Behind the Cluny Museum, this medieval-inspired garden transports you to another era, with plants from the Middle Ages and quiet corners to relax.
11. Square René Viviani (5th arr)
Next to the oldest tree in Paris, this lovely garden offers views of Notre Dame and plenty of seating for a peaceful moment.
12. Square Paul Langevin (5th arr)
A peaceful spot in the Latin Quarter, with shaded trees and an ivy-covered monumental staircase with a charming old moss-covered fountain is the focal point.
13. Square Taras Chevchenko (6th arr)
This small pays homage to the Ukrainian poets Taras Chevtchenko and René Laennec. Under the shade of the large plane trees is this tiny, yet lovely hidden garden just off Saint Germain Boulevard.
14. Square Gabriel-Pierné (6th arr)
This is one of the prettiest Paris gardens especially in springtime due to the number of cherry blossom trees. Stone benches in the shape of an open book offer unique seating to admire the trellis wall of magnolia blooms, a fountain, and a bronze statue “Caroline.”
15. Square Laurent-Prache (6th arr)
You can find this tiny yet quaint square next to the 12th-century Saint Germain-des-Pres church in the trendy Saint-Germain neighbourhood. The garden looks lovely against the ancient backdrop of the abbey.
Final Thoughts
When you visit Paris for the first time or the 10th time plan on visiting at least one of these pretty hidden gardens. Try not to get caught up in the excitement of being in Paris by trying to see it all. You’re missing the point of visiting Paris.
The only way to truly enjoy Paris is to do as little as possible. That’s right, my best advice is to let go of any plans and let the city reveal itself to you – that’s when you’ll truly fall in love with Paris and its prettiest parks and gardens. Which of the secret places in Paris will you want to now seek out?
Next, I invite you to read about secret passages in Paris.
