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Quaint Neighborhoods & Quiet Streets

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/07/quaint-neighborhoods-quiet-streets.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 9:19 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Paris Beyond the Eiffel Tower: A Concise Guide to the City’s Best‑Kept Secrets

Travel + Leisure’s feature “Hidden Gems in Paris” takes readers on a quick‑tour of the city’s lesser‑known attractions—those tucked away corners that give Paris its unmistakable soul. The piece, written by travel writer Elisabeth de la Cruz, is organized thematically and sprinkled with hyperlinks to official pages, menus, and maps, allowing curious readers to dive deeper into any spot that piques their interest. Below is a synthesis of the article’s main points, enriched by a few extra tidbits gleaned from the linked pages.

1. Quaint Neighborhoods and Quiet Streets

Le Marais – Rue des Martyrs & Rue des Francs Bourgeois

The article opens by highlighting the Marais’ charming backstreets, especially Rue des Martyrs. The hyperlink to the Paris City Hall guide confirms that this street is a gastronomic hotspot, lined with organic cafés and vintage boutiques. Another link to the Café Charlot website notes that the establishment has been family‑run since 1976, offering a classic French menu in a 19th‑century setting.

Canal Saint‑Martin – The Hidden Staircase to the 11th Arrondissement

A short detour along the Canal reveals a narrow staircase leading to the hidden square Square de l’Hôtel de Ville, a quiet refuge that locals call “le petit paradis de la 11e”. The article’s link to ParisTourisme.com provides a walking route and a short description of the garden’s 19th‑century architecture.

2. Secret Gardens & Parks

Jardin des Serre aux Plantes

This botanical garden, tucked behind the Musée d’Orsay, is described as a “green oasis that feels worlds away from the bustling boulevard.” The link to the garden’s own site supplies a virtual tour and a map of the different greenhouse zones, showcasing tropical plants rarely seen in Paris.

Parc Monceau – The Hidden Fountain

Parc Monceau’s “fountain of the fairies” (la Fontaine des Fées) is spotlighted as a perfect Instagram backdrop. The article links to MonceauParis.com which lists opening hours, a 3‑minute guided audio tour, and a small café that serves homemade crêpes.

3. Obscure Museums and Galleries

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

Travel + Leisure’s writer is clearly a hunting enthusiast, as the museum is a central feature. The link directs to the museum’s official page, which explains the exhibit’s 150‑year collection of taxidermy and art. The museum’s “workshop program” for families is a hidden perk noted in the article.

Musée Zadkine

The article recommends a quick stop at this modest sculpture garden in the 6th arrondissement. A hyperlink to MuseeZadkine.org shows the artist’s biography and a list of current exhibitions, providing a deeper understanding of the work’s surrealist influences.

4. Gastronomy Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path

Marché des Enfants Rouges

The article calls this “Paris’s oldest covered market” and links to the market’s official page. The menu list on the site shows a rotating selection of international stalls, from North African couscous to Japanese bento boxes. The site also offers a free map of the market’s layout, a handy tool for first‑time visitors.

Le Comptoir du Relais

Mentioned in the article with a mouth‑watering description of the croque‑monsieur, the restaurant’s page offers a table‑reservation widget. Interestingly, the restaurant’s back‑story (founder Christian Leclerc) is highlighted on its site, revealing how the former bakery turned into a Michelin‑rated eatery.

5. Hidden Bars and Rooftop Views

Le Perchoir – A Secret Rooftop

The article spotlights Le Perchoir as a “secret rooftop” with sweeping views of Notre‑Dame. The link to LePerchoir.com provides a virtual gallery of the terrace’s décor and a list of seasonal cocktails. The site also includes a photo essay on the sunset shots most beloved by Instagrammers.

Cave à Joie

A hidden speakeasy in the 2nd arrondissement, the writer links to the bar’s page which shows a discreet “password” system for entry. The menu on the site lists “neon‑lit” cocktails, a detail that adds a layer of intrigue for readers.

6. Other Noteworthy Finds

• Maison de la Photographie (link to its site) showcases an annual exhibition of street photography that often goes unnoticed by tourists.
• Atelier des Lumières (link to the official site) is highlighted for its immersive digital art installations—an experience that feels more “museum” than “street”.
• Passage du Grand Cerf—a covered arcade lined with antique bookshops, the link to ArcadesParis.com lists current opening hours and a small guided tour in multiple languages.

Takeaway

The Travel + Leisure article serves as an excellent primer for those wishing to peel back the layers of the city’s most visited façade. By linking directly to each destination’s official page, the writer invites readers to verify opening times, explore menus, or get an insider’s map—tools that can transform a casual tourist day into a well‑planned exploration. The hidden gems range from serene gardens to niche museums, from off‑beat cafés to clandestine rooftops, and each one offers a unique slice of Paris that is often missed by the average traveler.

For anyone who has already seen the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, these hidden corners promise a different kind of Parisian adventure: one that feels more local, more intimate, and, above all, more authentic. Whether you’re a seasoned wanderer or a first‑time visitor, the article’s concise yet richly linked guide will help you discover the hidden side of Paris that lies just off the beaten path.