Paris is full of beautiful streets, architecture, famous sights, and fine manicured parks. But there are many lesser known sites to explore in the ‘city of light’ too. Here are 5 of my favourite outdoor gems to discover in Paris.
5 Fantastic Outdoor sites to Discover in Paris
Arènes de Lutèce
Metro: Place Monge or Cardinal Lemoine
Behind a row of apartments on Rue Monge in the Latin Quarter, hidden from view, is a 1st century Roman arena. The Arènes de Lutèce (Arenas of Lutetia) is a semi-circular amphitheatre, once used for gladiator matches. There are even rooms visible under the seating; where animals were kept before shows.
Over the years the arena was ransacked, the stone used for fortifications; and the arena eventually covered up completely some time in the 13th century. During construction of tramlines in the area, there was a concerted conservation effort and movement which saved the arena from complete destruction.
The Arène de Lutèce is now accessible through a passageway off Rue Monge. The seating was replaced by benches and the arena is now used as a playground and usable space for the local community. It is a piece of history preserved, and a living space for the future; and truly a hidden gem in Paris.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Metro: Buttes-Chaumont or Laumière
I discovered Parc des Buttes-Chaumont when visiting Paris with my dog. Built in an old quarry, the park wraps around a large rock edifice in the centre. With a lake, waterfalls, a folly at the top of the butte, and a lovely iron bridge; the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has great views.
Whether you want to have somewhere to jog in the mornings, need to walk your dog (on leash), or just want some leafy respite from the city; the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a serene outdoor space to discover in Paris.
Rue Mouffetard
Metro: Place Monge
It’s no secret, Rue Mouffetard is one of my favourite places in Paris. It is a place I think everyone should see when they visit Paris. Why? To start, it’s one of the oldest streets in Paris – around since the Roman times, it has been a road continually since. It is eclectic, wonky, full of shops and delightful restaurants; and has drawn poets, artists and visionaries over the ages.
Highlights are Place de la Contrescarpe at the top, a square full of cafés – perfect for people-watching and apéros. And the market that spills out onto the street and square at the bottom, near the Saint Médard church; every morning Tuesday – Sunday.
Promenade Plantée / Coulée Verte
Metro: Bastille or Ledru-Rollin
It is the original ‘High Line’. The Coulée Verte René-Dumont was an overground railway line, turned into a garden walkway with great views out over Paris. It runs from near Bastille all the way to the Bois de Vincennes, outside the Périphérique ring road.
Not only does it provide beautiful leafy green respite from the city, but you get really fascinating views of the city below. Views you wouldn’t normally get, glimpses of buildings, avenues, and architecture from a different angle. It is a great place for a morning jog or to get from A to B in a nicer setting.
Canal Saint-Martin & Le Bassin de la Villette
Metro: Jaurès
The Canal Saint-Martin has been a hangout for the young and hip for many years. And if you’ve seen the movie Amélie, you’ll recognise it as where she likes to skim stones.
There are many other lovely outdoor spots along this canal and into the Bassin de la Villette that can be discovered in the good weather.
The Jardin Villemin sits to the west of the Canal and has a playground and rotunda. It is perfect for a picnic with your kids.
Le Bassin de la Villette is the wider canal basin to the north of the Canal Saint-Martin. It has 3 swimming areas and other activities along this fun recreation area.
Bonus: One of the most tranquil and overlooked outdoor gems to discover in Paris is the Montparnasse Cemetery.
Final resting place to Baudelaire, Man Ray, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre – it is a fascinating place to wander.
5 Outdoor Hidden Gems to Discover in Paris
Paris has a way of revealing itself to you over time. The longer you spend there, the longer you have to wander, to take in tranquil corners and discover some of the lesser known areas.
Have you discovered any outdoor hidden gems in Paris? What market, back street, building, alley or park have you stumbled upon and want to share? Leave a comment and add your discoveries below.
I live in France and am happy to share my knowledge and tips for your next visit. See also my SW France site NouvelleAquitaineTravel.com
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
I love discovering hidden gems in a well-visited city. I’m so happy you shared this list because next time I’m in Paris I’ll definitely visit them. The view from Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is amazing.
Isn’t it amazing? My dog likes the walk, I like the vista!
Thank you for this! It really is all about the outdoor experiences these days. Glad there are ways to experience Paris safely!
I need to go back to Paris! The Canal Saint-Martin looks so dreamy! Great find!
Hi! I loved this post. First of all, your dog is so cute!! Second, those really are hidden gems! I have been to Paris several times and never knew of any of them. That would be a great itinerary for my next visit. Thank you!
Oh, I do hope you discover some of these lovely spots next time you visit – you’ll love them!
So many beautiful spots… I loved just walking around Paris with no real direction