The Secret Gardens of Paris

Paris is known for its stunning parks and gardens, such as the famous Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Gardens. However, the city also boasts several lesser-known secret gardens that are worth exploring. Here are a few of the best secret gardens in Paris:

Jardin des Plantes: The Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful botanical garden located in the heart of the city. It features a variety of plant collections, including medicinal plants, tropical plants, and a rose garden. The garden is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Natural History.
- Today, the Jardin des Plantes is home to over 10,000 plant species, including several rare and exotic plants. It is divided into several sections, including a rose garden, an alpine garden, a rock garden, a iris garden, a peony garden, a tree collection, and several greenhouses.
- The garden is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Natural History, which is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts and specimens, including dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and taxidermy animals.
- Another highlight of the Jardin des Plantes is the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, which is a fascinating museum dedicated to the study of evolution. The museum features a vast collection of specimens and exhibits that explore the diversity of life on Earth and the history of evolution.
- Overall, the Jardin des Plantes is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in botany, natural history, and science. It offers a peaceful and beautiful escape from the busy streets of Paris and is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Square du Vert-Galant: This small park is located on the western tip of the Île de la Cité, one of the two natural islands in the Seine River that form the historical center of Paris. It offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding architecture. The park is named after Henry IV, who was known as the “Green Gallant” due to his many romantic conquests.
- The park is relatively small, covering only 2,500 square meters, but it offers stunning views of the Seine River and the surrounding architecture. The park is shaped like a ship’s prow and is located on the site of a former royal palace. It is accessible via a small bridge that leads to the tip of the island.
- The park is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing stroll. It features several benches and shaded areas where visitors can sit and enjoy the views. There is also a small monument in the park dedicated to Henry IV.
- Square du Vert-Galant is also a popular spot for fishermen, who can often be seen casting their lines into the river. It is said to be one of the best places in Paris to catch eels.
- Overall, Square du Vert-Galant is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris and is well worth a visit for its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.
Parc de Belleville: This park is located in the 20th arrondissement, on the highest hill in Paris. It offers panoramic views of the city and features a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden and a Mediterranean garden. The park also has several playgrounds and a waterfall.
- The park is relatively new, having been inaugurated in 1988. It was designed by landscaper Paul Brichet and architect François Debulois and features several terraces, fountains, and gardens. The park is known for its Mediterranean garden, which features olive trees, lavender, and other plants commonly found in southern France.
- One of the highlights of Parc de Belleville is its waterfall, which is the largest in Paris. The waterfall is located at the top of the park and cascades down several levels, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can climb up to the top of the waterfall and enjoy the views of the city.
- The park is also home to several playgrounds and a small vineyard, which produces a limited amount of wine each year. There is also a cafe in the park, which serves drinks and snacks.
- Parc de Belleville is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. It offers a unique perspective of the city and is well worth a visit.
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil: The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is a botanical garden located in the Bois de Boulogne. It features a variety of greenhouses and gardens, including a palm grove, a rose garden, and a tropical greenhouse. The garden is home to a variety of rare and exotic plants.
- The garden was established in the mid-19th century and was designed to showcase a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world. It is known for its impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including palm trees, cacti, and orchids.
- One of the highlights of the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is its impressive collection of camellias, which is one of the largest in the world. The garden also features several themed gardens, including a rose garden, a rock garden, and a water garden.
- The greenhouses at the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil are particularly impressive, featuring several rare and exotic plants, including giant water lilies, carnivorous plants, and tropical fruits. Visitors can explore the greenhouses and learn about the different plants and their unique characteristics.
- In addition to its botanical offerings, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and gardening workshops.
- Overall, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in botany, horticulture, or just looking for a peaceful and beautiful escape from the city. It is a true oasis of nature in the heart of Paris.
Square des Peupliers: This small park is located in the 13th arrondissement and is known for its charming row of pastel-colored houses that line one side of the park. It features a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs, and is a popular spot for picnics and sunbathing.
- The park is named after the poplar trees that line its paths and is a popular spot for locals to go for a walk or have a picnic. It features several benches and shaded areas where visitors can sit and enjoy the views.
- One of the highlights of Square des Peupliers is its stunning collection of cherry blossom trees, which bloom in the spring and create a beautiful pink canopy over the park. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll under the cherry blossom trees and take in the beauty of the park.
- The park also features several playgrounds and sports facilities, including a basketball court and a ping-pong table. It is a popular spot for families and children.
- Square des Peupliers is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris and is well worth a visit for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful cherry blossom trees. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquility.