You live here for years, or you often come during holidays. You know each baker and you learn all gossips. The, you also have your habits during the Saturday or Sunday morning market. And you also know which grocery is opened and until which hour.
You often go into the street, and you quickly say hello to your neighbors. Your district, it’s your home, and your personal home. Your district, you simply like it. But, do you really know it ? That’s why I searched original and unusual places depending on each district. Some must-see to discover ! And, you can then discover the other ones ; you would look like a stroller as was Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 18th century…
A LOST AND ORIGINAL PLACE IN EACH DISTRICT
Some places may seem truly known to you… However, they are sometimes so large that we have seen only one third, or even a quarter. That’s why I let you discover the list which shows that each district of Paris has a lost place. In addition to this, beautiful days should return ! It will be the occasion of Sunday walks…
1 | The lost place of the 1st : The Tuileries Garden
First of all, go and lose yourself in the Gardens of the Tuileries. Even in the center of the city, the calm exists. You can find a quiet bench to read or discuss with your friend(s). You would never know this garden completely…
2 | The lost place of the 2nd : Montorgueil Street
You know Montorgueil street for its large pedestrian area which ensures a visit of all kinds of shops, restaurants, markets… In the infernal traffic of the capital, it is a small living corner of the 2nd district of Paris, a must-see ! You could easily imagine yourself in the province, on a giant market.
3 | The lost place of the 3rd : The Anchor Way
During a walk in the 3rd district of Paris, stop in this small alley. It is full of vegetation and hidden from tourists. The Anchor Way is a small alley of about 50 meters, filled almost with offices nowadays. It is a place to see, which will prove your knowledge of your borough.
4 | The lost place of the 4th : Saint-Paul Gardens Street
Then, Saint-Paul le Marais, the Hôtel de Ville … Everyone knows these places of the Marais. But who really stopped to observe the vestiges of the walls of Philip Augustus? No one ? Bingo ! Inside the 4th district of Paris, you must lose yourself in this street, which is right next to the Village Saint-Paul. And look up ! You will be able to see plenty of historical monuments, more or less still in good condition. And even if you are in the area, go for a walk in the François Miron street. You would discover another facet of the French History… And Parisian one too !
5 | The lost place of the 5th : The great Mosque of Paris
In front of the Jardin des Plantes, towards Censier-Daubenton or Place Monge, you can see a large white building with a green roof. Get there, the minaret will welcome you in the heart of the gardens of the Great Mosque of Paris. The gardens can be visited for everyone, and if you desire, go and taste Oriental pastries in the tea room next to them. Nothing is better for an Oriental visiting !
6 | The lost place of the 6th : Great Explorers Garden
Have you ever been to the Luxembourg Garden ? Just behind, next to Raspail boulevard, you can find a small place of greenery called the Great Explorers Garden. And for good reason ! Also called Marco Polo and Cavalier-de-la-Salle Garden, it is more intimate and calmer than the Luxembourg Garden. Stop to watch the Fountain Carpeaux, which is one of the open-air monuments of Paris.
7 | The lost place of the 7th : Quai Branly museum’s gardens
Then, you can visit during the summer Jacques Chirac museum’s gardens. They propose different events, such as electronic naps, in a savannah setting. It changes us from traditional French or English gardens ! (More information on the museum’s website www.quaibranly.fr)
8 | The lost place of the 8th : the Berryer city
Also called Royal Village, this exclusive pedestrian area welcomes you between different prestigious brands, which making the renown of French luxury. It is an original way to discover absolutely, with its charming houses of the eighteenth century. Originally, the square housed the famous barracks of the King’s Musketeers…
9 | The lost place of the 9th : the Nouvelle Athènes
Why is this so ancient name in the middle of the ninth district of Paris ? Simply to enhance the beauty of the luxury hotels there ! Indeed, in the nineteenth century, the rise of intellectuals and new rich on the right bank (like writers, actors, musicians…) saw this borough gradually develop… With the construction of the residences of these artists! Stop absolutely at the Place Saint-Georges to discourse the Hotel de la Paiva, the prostitute became a Marquise.
10 | The lost place of the 10th : The Brady Way (Little India)
Next, between the Saint-Denis door and the Saint-Martin door, you will travel to India ! And especially in the Brady Way. You will be able to discover a thousand flavors, smell of curry and, in the other side of the passage, full of Indian suits. Nothing is better to change of space !
11 | The lost place of the 11th : Popincourt Village
Between Oberkampf street and Republic place, there is a small village exclusively dedicated to second-hand flea markets… Now, it is a perfect place to hang furniture or decorations of the 50’s style, but also creators. This is exciting for curious like me !
12 | The lost place of the 12th : Yards and ways near Faubourg Saint-Antoine street (Shadocks yard, Chantier way…)
Yes it is ! The 12th district of Paris has many surprises for you! It is full of small streets and ways, perfect to lose yourself in a capital unknown to all… Take the street of Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and watch the courtyards to the right and left. Often occupied by offices, you can always take a look at it while remaining discreet… Others like the Chantier passage reflect a Paris disappeared and of yesteryear…
13 | The lost place of the 13th : La Butte aux Cailles – BNF – Chinese quarter
That’s a fact. The 13th district of Paris is quite diversified about the landscape ! Former district housing the cement plants of Paris, a good part has been redone again. It is the district of the BnF where glass and sun are playing tricks. Then, if you sink into the place a little more authentic, go to see the district of La Butte Aux Cailles and its magnificent street art. Finally, why not end up eating Chinese food ? Choisy avenue, or Ivry one, welcome to Chinatown ! You can certainly find a caterer that you like…
14 | The lost place of the 14th : Montsouris Park
The 14th district of Paris is quiet, and bordered on the south by the magnificent Montsouris Park. With traditional English gardens, small hidden pavilions and large lawns to relax or go running, it is a pure place of greenery in the south of Paris. Relaxation guaranteed !
15 | The lost place of the 15th : André Citroën Park
Welcome to a green and futuristic world ! The André Citroën park stands out for its impressive architecture and an impressive lawned esplanade. But, some places are hidden… Walking in this garden, you will walk as on an American campus. However, you will find solitary small recesses with labyrinths among others. Finally, you can always visit the greenhouses, which will show you plenty of exotic plants.
16 | The lost place of the 16th : Berton Street
Throw back two centuries here ! Berton Street is going to take you back in time, when small country villages bordered Paris in the nineteenth century. It looks like as if nothing had changed. For the most curious of you, walk a few to find the House of Balzac, when he hid himself for away his home to escape its debts… Because he has never been found, the place is therefore well insulated and calm !
17 | The lost place of the 17th : Fortuny Street
It has the perfect name, “Fortuny” ! By linking the Ternes Place to the Monceau Park, it represents glamour, fashion and architectural luxury of the nineteenth century. There, people who were very well off or made a fortune like Pereire bankers were lining here. Famous icons have lived there ; for example Marcel Pagnol, Sarah Bernhardt, or Edmond Rostand who wrote here Cyrano de Bergerac…
18 | The lost place of the 18th: Lepic Street
The famous Lepic street in Montmartre ! Very famous, it is always pleasant to navigate, compared to its history and its remarkable buildings… You would find for example: the café where was shot “The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain”. But also the home of Paul Vannier and Vincent Van-Gogh, a place of former cabarets and old mills, and even an old observatory ! In this street, be careful…
19 | The lost place of the 19th : Bergeyre Hill
This is the highest hill in Paris ! And yes, we all believe that it is Montmartre… But only the presence of the Sacred-Heart makes it taller. From a natural point of view, the Bergeyre hill is the highest, and above all you can find a little village. It is hidden of Parisians and tourists. And the small bonus is the presence of vineyards and bird’s eye-view of Montmartre from the top of the hill ! A lost place of heaven…
20 | The lost place of the 20th : Belleville Quarter
Finally, the park and neighborhood of Belleville are perfect to finish this visit of the lost place of each district of Paris. Indeed, because its social mix, the neighborhood offers everyone delicious smells and flavors, and a gastronomic mix. Finally, you will lose yourself in the Belleville Park ; Built in 1988, it offers one of the most beautiful views of Paris, where there is still a vine that could give the Ginguet, the famous Parisian cabaret wine… A walk rich in dioxygen thanks to the 400 trees that make it up !
In conclusion, you now have the opportunity to discover even the most lost place of your borough, but also those of others… No more apology, you can know the history of your haven !
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Claudia Lully – @lesvolutesdeclaudia
Graphism – Clara Bonfanti
Source Photo: Flickr
Version française –> Un coin perdu et insolite dans chaque arrondissement
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