The City of Light is full of little secrets… Among them, bucolic secret passages, hidden around the bend of a Paris street. Addresses you need to know, that are sure to please. Passage de l’Ancre, rue des Thermopyles… Discover hidden treasures in each arrondissement, guaranteed to give you a change of scenery without leaving Paris…
Where can you find the most beautiful secret passages in Paris? Addresses :
1) The sighing passage
The pretty secret passage des Soupirs is just off the lively Place Gambetta in the 20th arrondissement. Climb a few charming little steps to reach this passageway, which will make you feel like you’ve been propelled into the countryside in no time at all. A truly timeless haven in the heart of Paris.
2) Square Montsouris
To access this magnificent cobbled alleyway, go to number 12 rue de Nansouty in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. A bucolic stroll in prospect!
3) Secret passages in Paris: a detour through the Cour du Bel-air
Open on weekdays, the historic Cour du Bel-air is home to a large bookshop and art gallery. 56 meters long and 3.1 meters wide, this picturesque cobbled courtyard transports us back to the authentic Paris so prized by so many. You can get there from 56 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine!
4) Passage de l’Ancre
One of the oldest passages in Paris, this pretty secret passage, known as the Passage de l’ancre, is a small private open-air road. Acting as a shortcut, this pretty side path extends rue Chapon to rue de Turbigo. You’ll love strolling through the charming old-fashioned craft workshops with their colorful wooded facades. In the heart of the Marais, take the porte cochère at 30 rue de Turbigo... “Tire la chevillette et la bobinette cherra”
5) Secret passages Paris : The City of Flowers
La cité des fleurs is the promise of an enchanted interlude in the heart of Paris. Located in the Epinettes district, this pedestrian alley in the 17th arrondissement is the perfect place to take a divine break from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Connecting Avenue de Clichy to Rue de la Jonquière, let yourself be charmed by this country village-style alley for an enchanting stroll.
6) Rue des Thermopyles
Rue des Thermopyles is the epitome of bucolic charm. Venture into this secret passage in the 14th arrondissement, with its Provençal village feel and nothing to envy the (all too) famous rue Crémieux. You can almost hear the cicadas singing!
7) Lhomme passage
The Passage Lhomme and its maze of courtyards represent industrial Paris. Here, vegetation clings to the facades and the cobbled courtyard immerses you in an atmosphere that couldn’t be more peaceful. A few workshops have survived, such as Remlinger, which has been in business since 1886, and Holland, which dates back to 1912. To get there, go to 26 rue de Charonne in Paris’s 11th arrondissement.
8) Damoye courtyard
Hidden away in a corner of the Place de la Bastille, the Cour Damoye reveals a secret, picturesque cobbled street. Pedestrianized and verdant, this former artisan’s workshop can be reached at 12 place de la Bastille.
9) Secret passages in Paris : The charming Passage Dauphine
Let’s head off to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, to a secret passageway probably little known to tourists. Away from the crowds, this little lung of greenery can be reached on foot at 27 rue Mazarine or 30 rue Dauphine…
10) Square des Peupliers
A beautiful escape in a quiet cul-de-sac in the 13th arrondissement. The Square des Peupliers is a pretty secret passageway with the air of a colorful, flower-filled little paradise. Despite its name, Square des Peupliers is actually a street, and can be accessed by going to at 68-72 rue du Moulin-des-Prés.
11) Cour Saint-Pierre
Discover the pretty green alleyway of the Cour Saint-Pierre. Here, in a small village atmosphere, writers, painters and Photographers settle down, contributing to its ambient charm. If the entrance to a pornographic cinema gives you the impression that you’ve come to the wrong street, continue on to 47 bis avenue de Clichy.
12) Passages secrets Paris : The timeless charm of Fursternberg square
It may not be the most secret, but it’s one of the most romantic squares in Paris: Place Fursternberg! If you like to stroll here by day, at nightfall its charm is indescribable.
Featured images: @sebaroudeur & @louiisel
Read also: Getaways : 10 bucolic getaways less than 100 km from Paris