PARIS BEST HIDDEN GARDENS AND SECRET GREEN OASES
Categories : Parisian life, published on : 4/1/25
As spring unfolds in Paris, the days grow longer, the sun bathes the Haussmannian facades, and the first blossoms fill the air with their delightful fragrance. With the arrival of warmer weather, the longing for nature resurfaces, but where can you find a peaceful retreat in a city that never sleeps? Luckily, Paris is home to a collection of hidden gardens, offering a serene escape from the bustling boulevards. Ready for a secret stroll to discover Paris's most beautiful and tranquil green spaces?
HISTORIC AND LITERARY GARDENS
Following the footsteps of the past
LA MAISON DE BALZAC, AN INTIMATE GARDEN WITH A VIEW OF PARIS
Nestled behind a discreet door in the 16th arrondissement lies the garden of Honoré de Balzac, one of France's greatest writers. This charming terraced garden, attached to the house where Balzac wrote much of La Comédie Humaine, offers visitors a peaceful escape. Settle in the shade of century-old trees for an open-air reading session. For the dreamers, the garden also offers an unexpected view of the Eiffel Tower, a reminder that, even in a tranquil refuge, the iconic landmarks of Paris are never far away.
Our top tip? After your stroll, savor a moment of calm at the Rose Bakery tea room with an espresso or a homemade pastry. It’s the perfect spot to extend the tranquility of the place, enjoying a timeless moment—just as Balzac loved to collect them.
LES JARDINS DES ARCHIVES NATIONALES, A JOURNEY INTO THE PAST
Located within the Hôtel de Soubise in Le Marais, these gardens are an unexpected treasure, worthy of a period painting. If you love expansive French-style lawns, head to the garden of the Hôtel de Rohan. For a more intimate experience, the gardens of the Hôtel d’Assy and Hôtel de Breteuil will captivate you with their flowering shrubs and charming stream. The garden of the Hôtel de Fontenay will enchant you with its flowerbeds, while that of the Hôtel de Jaucourt immerses you in a peaceful meadow, perfect for a quiet pause.
Their secret? Access to these gardens is completely free!
LES JARDINS DU MUSÉE DE MONTMARTRE, A SECRET VIEW OF THE HILL
In Montmartre, far from the tourist crowds in Place du Tertre, the garden of the Musée de Montmartre offers a quiet, serene escape. Once frequented by Renoir, Suzanne Valadon, and many other artists, it offers a unique view of the vineyards of Clos Montmartre.
Amidst flowering rosebushes and shaded walkways, you can still feel the bohemian spirit of the neighborhood. A well-kept secret, it’s the perfect escape from the chaos while enjoying one of the best views of Paris.
ROMANTIC AND INTIMATE GARDENS
Havens of serenity
SQUARE SAINT-GILLES GRAND VENEUR, THE ROMANTIC GARDEN OF LE MARAIS
Tucked away in the heart of Le Marais, Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur is a hidden gem. The discreet entrance leads to a delightful surprise: a rose-lined path that opens to a peaceful and serene garden. The quiet, floral-filled sanctuary is ideal for a break from the hustle of Paris. The romantic ambiance, wrought-iron benches, and intoxicating scents make it the perfect spot for a relaxing moment.
Our tip? Stop by Pierre Hermé for a sweet treat, discreetly pass through the archway, and let the charm take over... But shh, keep the secret !
LE JARDIN DES ROSIERS, A HIDDEN PASSAGE TO TRANQUILITY
Tucked away behind a discreet door in Le Marais, the Jardin des Rosiers is a secret garden waiting to be discovered. Cross a cobblestone courtyard and enter this intimate oasis filled with old roses and fragrant shrubs. It is the perfect spot to pause and enjoy the rare luxury of silence, right in the heart of one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
EXOTIC AND ESCAPE-INSPIRING GARDENS
An invitation to travel
LE JARDIN DE LA MOSQUÉE DE PARIS, AN EASTERN OASIS IN THE HEART OF PARIS
Behind the mosaic walls of the Grande Mosquée de Paris, an exotic garden with Andalusian accents awaits walkers in search of escape. Palm trees, ceramic fountains, and lily-ponds create an atmosphere that is both immersive and soothing.
Our tip? Complete your experience with a mint tea and oriental pastries in the adjacent tea room, an ideal way to extend your moment of calm.
LE JARDIN ALPIN, A HIDDEN BOTANICAL TREASURE
While many visitors flock to the Jardin des Plantes to admire its flower-lined paths and greenhouses, few are aware of its hidden alpine garden. Situated below the main garden, this space recreates a true mountain landscape, featuring over 2,000 alpine species from around the world. Edelweiss, gentians, and saxifrages bloom here quietly, offering curious visitors a botanical escape without leaving Paris.
The secret? Don’t miss this unique, hidden treasure within one of Paris’s oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens.
© Jardin des plantes
RUSTIC AND BUCOLIC GARDENS
A countryside escape
LE JARDIN CATHERINE LABOURÉ AND LE JARDIN DU POTAGER, TWO SECRET COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPES IN THE CITY
Just steps from Rue de Babylone, the Jardin Catherine Labouré evokes a bygone monastic garden. Surrounded by stone walls, it features a path lined with fruit trees and vines, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Nearby, the Jardin du Potager, once cultivated by nuns, retains its rustic charm with herb and vegetable plots. It’s an unexpected rural escape right in the middle of Paris
Our tip? After a stroll through these two enchanting gardens, head to the Hôtel Montalembert bar for a cocktail in a cozy atmosphere. The ideal way to extend this private interlude...
Paris is full of unexpected green oases for those who know where to look. On your next stroll, take a detour down a quiet alley, open a hidden gate, and discover one of these secret gardens, where time seems to stand still. Whether you're seeking peace, history, or a touch of romance, these hidden gems offer the perfect escape in the City of Light.