Secret Gardens of Paris: Peaceful Spots Hidden in Plain Sight

You've spent the morning shopping the bustling Champs-Elysées or exploring the vibrant streets of Montmartre. You could do with a tranquil moment to reflect on the beauty of Paris, surrounded by nature and open skies. 

The Luxembourg Gardens, with their classic formal-garden symmetry, is perfect for this purpose, and the masterfully landscaped Jardin des Tuileries is breathtaking. But for peace and tranquility away from the crowds, take a detour to the hidden gardens of Paris. 

Le Marais has charm to spare. As you discover its cobblestoned streets bursting with sidewalk bars and trendy boutiques, you may chance upon the Square Émile-Chautemps, located behind a forged iron gate. Shaded by magnolias and plane trees and interspersed with flowerbeds, this hidden garden's centrepiece is a romantic cast-iron fountain. Sit down on one of the pretty benches and enjoy a moment of repose in one of Paris’ most lively neighbourhoods before strolling back to your refined Le Marais hotel. 

• Address: 263 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
• Open: Monday to Friday 8 am–8:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am–8:30 pm
• Metro: Strasbourg-Saint-Denis

Also in the fashionable Marais, the Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret is concealed from street view between noble mansions and hotels. Accessible through a narrow passage off Rue des Rosiers 10, it's divided into several areas of manicured lawns and garden beds. There are also historic relics, such as the 35-metre-high brick chimney that once fuelled a metal forging factory. The garden is named after Joseph Migneret, the director of a nearby school who helped provide false documentation to Jews fleeing the occupation of Paris.

• Address: 10 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
• Open: Monday to Friday 8 am–5:15 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am–5:15 pm
• Metro: Saint-Paul

Situated at the western edge of the Île de la Cité, the Square du Vert-Galant is an elongated triangular park with an unusual history. Accessed via a discreet staircase near the Pont Neuf, (the oldest existing bridge crossing the Seine River) it's flanked by the river on three sides, offering spectacular views of its downstream flow. Named for King Henri IV (who was nicknamed "Vert-Galant"), the land did in fact once belong to the royal palace. Mature walnut, chestnut and apple trees border the edges of this Paris hidden garden, with stretches of lawn in between for riverside lazing about.  

• Address: 15 Pl. du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris,
• Open: Daily 24 hours
• Metro: Louvre - Rivoli

While not exactly secret, this pedestrian paradise must be mentioned for the way it has transformed the riverside. From the Pont de l'Alma to the Musee d’Orsay, the Parc Rives de Seine promenade offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Near the Pont de l'Alma, five moored barges have been converted into tree and flower beds. While on the weekends the area is packed with walkers and cyclists, weekdays you may be able to nab one of the free deckchairs and soak up the relaxed vibe.

• Address: 118 Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris
• Open: Daily 24 hours
• Metro: Hôtel de Ville

The magnificent Jardin des Plantes, the city's botanical garden, is composed of several areas, including a rose garden, maze and zoo. It offers endless delights for garden and nature lovers. But often overlooked is the secluded Jardin des Plantes Ressources (or Garden of Useful Plants), which is dedicated to herbal plants and ancient remedies. Here, paths meander through meticulously labelled plots of plants used for perfume (lavender and jasmine), medicinal botanicals (St. John’s wort and purple coneflower) as well as culinary plants such as saffron and horseradish. For a deeper dive into the garden’s history, visit the nearby Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, which offers insights into the use of plants in healing and well-being.

• Address: 75005 Paris
• Open: Daily 8 am–5:30 pm
• Metro: Gare d'Austerlitz

In the 17th arrondissement lies the Square des Batignolles, the largest green space in the neighbourhood. Although it was designed by a Frenchman, it has a pastoral English appearance with winding paths, a duck pond and a whimsical grotto. Families and couples frequent the garden for its unhurried charm and remarkable variety of trees, which include a giant sequoia and Japanese persimmon. 

• Address: 144 bis Rue Cardinet, 75017 Paris
• Open: Monday to Friday 8 am–5:45 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am–5:45 pm
• Metro: Pont-Cardinet

Tucked away in the shadow of Montmartre’s bustling Place des Abbesses, the Jardin des Abbesses offers a quiet sanctuary. This community garden, lovingly maintained by neighbourhood volunteers, brims with wildflowers, herbs and fruit trees. It’s a delightful spot to savour a croissant and take-away coffee, or simply sit back and watch the comings and goings of this iconic Parisian neighbourhood. 

• Address: 10 Pl. des Abbesses, 75018 Paris
• Open: Monday to Friday 8 am–5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am–5:30 pm
• Metro: Abbesses

Did you know Paris was once dotted with vineyards? The Clos Montmartre on the northern side of the Montmartre hill is a living reminder of this bygone era. This small vineyard was established in 1933 and has somehow managed to survive despite winemaking being banned in the city. Although not open to the public except for private tours and selected special occasions, you can get a clear view from the rue des Saules of the last remaining vineyard in Paris. 

• Address: 14 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris
• Metro: Lamarck - Caulaincourt

So next time you find yourself in the City of Light, venture off the beaten path to discover more of the hidden gardens of Paris. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a one so enchanting, you’ll want to keep it a secret all to yourself. Enjoy a deep dive into a city's secrets? Check out our insider guide to the Paris that's just beneath your feet.