Secret Paris: 30 Beautiful Hidden Locations in Paris

Paris is best discovered on foot, without plans or regard for time — and the reason is that most of the city’s real hidden gems are hiding just beyond plain sight. After years of exploring Paris on repeat, these are the 30 most beautiful hidden locations I keep coming back to: impressive interiors, secret courtyards, covered passages, and quiet corners that don’t show up on the standard tourist route. Post updated July 2026.

The 30 best hidden gems in Paris

1. Sainte-Chapelle

Located on Île de la Cité — my favourite part of town — this gothic chapel does not disappoint. I had been travelling to Paris for 8 years before I discovered it, mostly because it was closed for restoration for seven years, reopening in 2015. The first trip I made after the reopening, I finally saw what I’d missed all those years: an endless stream of stained-glass colour just as beautiful as I’d imagined. It’s a short walk from Notre-Dame, so pair the two — go early or book a timed slot, since the chapel is small and light through the glass is best on a sunny morning.

2. Le Consulat, Montmartre

Montmartre was the first neighbourhood I stayed in Paris, so it holds a special place in my heart. This popular artists’ neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement has long been gentrifying like the rest of Paris, but it still holds onto its bohemian roots right down to its core. One of my favourite postcard shots is atop the hill out front of Le Consulat — best found by meandering through the alleyways near Abbesses and stumbling upon it (leave your data switched off and discover Paris by mistake). Go early morning for the photo before the crowds arrive, then stay for a coffee — it’s a working bistro, not just a backdrop.

3. Galerie Vivienne Passage

Every year for the past five years I’ve made an annual trip to Paris in spring — not only my favourite season visually (cherry blossoms, hello), but also my preferred way to skip the summer crowds without getting stuck in the grey of the colder months. On one pilgrimage I made an effort to seek out all of Paris’s hidden covered passages. My favourite was Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement: a tired but still charismatic 19th-century shopping passage that time seems to have left behind, with mosaic floors and a glass ceiling overhead. It’s an especially good one to save for a rainy day, since you’re covered the whole way through.

Read more: The Secret Passages of Paris

4. Palais Royal

A blogger’s favourite, Palais Royal has long been the subject of the infamous Paris Instagram shot. The recognisable black-and-white striped columns — officially the Colonnes de Buren — are hidden from the main thoroughfare in the 1st arrondissement, tucked inside a gloriously large courtyard right behind the Comédie-Française. It’s free to walk through, and even when the surrounding streets are packed, the courtyard itself rarely feels crowded.

5. Marie De Medicis Fountain

The Luxembourg Gardens are my personal favourite place to pass time in the spring sunshine, not only for the beauty of the gardens but for the people-watching (it never ceases to amaze me how much time I can lose just doing that). Tucked in a quiet corner of the gardens in the 6th arrondissement is the Fontaine Médicis, shaded by trees with sun stars playfully peeking through — noticeably calmer than the main lawns, especially on weekday mornings.

6. Pavillon De La Reine

Over in Le Marais is one of my favourite hotels: Pavillon de la Reine. Located right by Place des Vosges — only the prettiest park in all of Paris — this property in the 3rd arrondissement has an unbeatable location, and even if you can’t afford a night here, it’s worth ducking into the courtyard for a look at the leafy exterior.

7. The Courtyard inside Plaza Athanee 

This fancy hotel on Avenue Montaigne, in the same upscale pocket of the 8th arrondissement as the Arc de Triomphe, is as beautiful in real life as it looks in photos. Though I didn’t stay here, a friend once snuck me up to their balcony for a view over the rooftops (who could say no to that), and I spent the afternoon at high tea overlooking the courtyard, which looks even more impressive in full bloom. If you want a peek, walk past the doorman with confidence and you’ll almost immediately stumble upon it.

Read more: Where to Find the Best Views of Paris

8. Au Vieux Paris

Just a short walk from Notre-Dame, on Île de la Cité, is this hidden beauty: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, its half-timbered facade draped in ivy. The interior isn’t much to look at, so I’d suggest pulling up a chair outside and ordering a coffee from the owners, who are usually there with their cat roaming between tables, eager for a free feed from a friendly tourist.

9. Place des Vosges

Located in my favourite neighbourhood to stay in Paris is my favourite park in the city: Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, dating to the early 1600s. It’s not exactly “hidden,” but it’s a local hotspot tucked just off the main tourist path in the 3rd/4th arrondissement. Best enjoyed on a Sunday afternoon with a picnic, a bottle of wine, and some new friends. While you’re there, pop into Carette for what I’d argue are the best salted caramel macarons in town (and I’ve tried them all).

10. The Garden at Notre Dame

Visitors to Notre-Dame can be forgiven for doing the quick “we came, we conquered” routine, since the crowds can be overwhelming. But if you walk around to view the cathedral from behind, you’ll find Square Jean XXIII — a small spring garden that’s one of the most colourful in the city. The chairs here are rarely full, so pack a book if you’re on your own.

Notre-Dame reopened on 8 December 2024 after the 2019 fire and five years of restoration. Entry to the cathedral is free, and while a reservation isn’t required, booking a free time slot on the official Notre-Dame website can save you a long wait.

11. A Foodie Walk Through the Latin Quarter

I quite literally stumbled upon the Latin Quarter, in the 5th arrondissement, six years ago while hunting for vintage boutiques in Saint-Germain. Before I knew it, one thing led to another and I was in the middle of a cheap-eats hotspot near Rue de la Huchette, hungry, broke, and eating a falafel sandwich like it was my last supper. This area is best enjoyed in the early evening, as vendors move to the front of their stores to entice customers inside — not in an aggressive way, this is France, they manage to make it charming.

12. Avenue de Camoëns

Located in the 16th arrondissement just off Place du Trocadéro, this cul-de-sac is an Instagrammer’s favourite for its view of the Eiffel Tower, framed by the posh apartment buildings of one of Paris’s most affluent neighbourhoods. If you ask me, this is one of the best views of the tower in all of Paris — and far quieter than the main Trocadéro esplanade a minute away.

Read more: 20 Most Instagrammable Locations in Paris

13. The best view of Paris

The “best view of Paris” is an argument I don’t think will ever be settled, but if you ask me, it’s from atop the Arc de Triomphe in the 8th arrondissement. It’s not hidden, exactly, but it’s so often overlooked by tourists — who come to photograph the monument rather than climb it — that it earns its spot on this list. You’ll need to buy a ticket and climb (there’s no lift to the very top), but the reward is a view straight down all twelve avenues radiating out from Place Charles de Gaulle, something the Eiffel Tower can’t give you.

14. The Ceiling Inside The Louvre

The Louvre is a far cry from hidden, but you’d be surprised how few visitors look up. The Richelieu wing in particular — including the Galerie d’Apollon and the Napoleon III apartments — has some of the most ornate painted and gilded ceilings in Paris. Give yourself a few extra minutes here purely to look up rather than at the art on the walls.

15. Au Petit Versailles

You’ll be forgiven for thinking the days of “secrets” in Paris are over with the age of the internet, but I promise you this one is a complete local’s hidden gem. Located in Le Marais, this patisserie looks as if it has been plucked out of another century and the tiredness of it would nearly lead one to conclude this is true. But what it lacks in spruce, it makes up for in the quality of pastries and a wide selection if I do say so myself!

16. Merci Concept Store

As a concept store enthusiast, I never tire of stumbling upon quirky shops filled with all the things I do not need but so happen to buy anyhow. You might have already heard about Colette (now closed), but I promise you that Merci is way, WAY, better.

17. Passage Jouffrey 

Another of my favourite finds on the hidden passages of Paris haunt is Passage Jouffrey. This 1863 arcade is a walk through time with its tiled floors and glass roof that brings the entire space to life. Amongst the many boutiques you will find old books, canes, custom paper specialists and so many more quirks.

18. Searching for details in The Marais

I’ve mentioned it once or twice in this article, but I promise you, you will not be disappointed with a visit to The Marais! This neighbourhood is best enjoyed on foot or by bicycle, meandering through the many streets that are lined with small boutiques – a far cry from the likes of the Champs Elysees or Rue Saint Honore.

19. Galerie Vero-Dodat

Another secret passage that I stumbled upon was Galerie Vero-Dodat… without even meaning to! This passage was so secret that I hadn’t even heard of it, but was immediately intrigued as I passed the entrance.

20. Pont Alexandre III

Hidden in plain sight is how I would describe my absolute favourite bridge in Paris: Pont Alexandre III. This is my favourite area to wander around at sunset or BYO a bottle of vino, some stinky cheese, and watch the world pass by in the late afternoon.

21. Staircases of the Grand Hotels

My job allows me to see some pretty swanky places, particularly when it comes to the world’s most beautiful hotels. When I first check in to a hotel I almost always find the staircase, because I try to take the stairs when travelling in a half-arsed effort to ‘exercise’. The staircases in Parisian five-star hotels are something else!

22. The Old Artists Quarter

Atop the hill in Montmartre is the old artists quarter, a charming part of this bohemian neighbourhood that is part fabulous, part tourist trap (and unfortunately more the latter). However if you can avoid the nagging “artists” with their offers to draw you (poorly, mostly), then this is a really lovely area to explore.

23. Rue Foyatier

This beautiful street in Montmartre is one of my favourite spots in all of Paris. The stairs will take you all the way to Sacre-Couer Basilica and all the glories that lay in upper-Montmartre.

24. Marie Antoinette’s Gardens

Although technically outside of Paris, this list would not be complete without mention of Paris’ extended family: Versailles. The Queen’s gardens are a highlight worth seeing, though have bizarre opening hours and seasonal restrictions, so be sure to check before you visit!

25. Canal Saint-Martin

If you’re an Amelie fan (like me!) then you can’t pass up the chance to visit Canal Saint-Martin and wander the tree-lined canals.

26. 22 Avenue Rapp

If you’re a fan of Art Nouveu, then Paris is a museum of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of my favourites is #22 Avenue Rapp.

Read more: A Guide to Art Nouveu in Paris

27. The Notre Dame Gargoyles 

If you can withstand the 387 stairs to the top, the views from the Notre Dame Cathedral are some of the most impressive in the entire city. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to opening time if you don’t enjoy lines (and waiting for hours, mind you!)

28. Passage des Panoramas

My inclusion of Paris’ passages wouldn’t be complete without Passage des Panoramas, located just opposite Passage Jouffrey. This quirky passage has its own train-modeled restaurant and is perhaps the most quirky of them all.

29. Rue Saint Dominique

If pretty Paris streets are your goal, then look no further than this little gem! Here you will find one of the best “street views” of the eiffel tower in the background and typical Parisian street life in the foreground.

Read more: The 12 Prettiest Streets in Paris

30. Rue des Martyrs 

If you’re a sucker for reading books prior to your arrival in a new city, then you absolutely must read “The Only Street in Paris” before arriving at Rue des Martyrs. This beautiful street is everything Paris used to be: filled with artisans, specialty cheese shops… you name it. If there’s one location I should keep a secret, this is it. Be prepared to experience the Paris you thought time had forgot.

PLANNING A TRIP TO PARIS? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE:

The WOW Guide to Paris