Hidden Romantic Spots in Paris not on your list

Visiting the Louvre, Arc de Triumph, and Tour Eiffel is a must for visitors, but I’ve visited several hidden, romantic spots in Paris that are always off the typical “Top 10” lists. I have much to write about Paris, but let’s start here!

Paris is the fashion and romance capital of the world. It’s one of the most visited cities and for good reason, it’s beautiful. You have modern ways of life intertwined with historical buildings and cobblestoned rues. In Paris, you can go for a walk and transcend time, all in an afternoon. So much has changed, but so much has stayed the same. This is why Paris is so fundamentally romantic in it’s roots.

I always like to find unique places where ever I go, places that evoke a certain feeling. Here, that is the awe & nostalgia of historical romance and one-of-a-kind beauty. There are way too many spots in Paris that emulate that, but these are my favorite from my recent trip. If you want to know about some of those locations in Paris that aren’t another tourist trap, keep reading.

Ancient Roman Routes

Rue Galande in the 5th arrondissement is a part of the Gallo-Roman route from Lutetia (Roman city of Parisii) eventually leading to Rome. It’s ancient and gorgeous and there’s a pastry shop right on the corner with amazing cream puffs (Odette). The best way to take the scenery in is to just wander around and get lost for a bit! Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris is very close to this spot and always worth the visit! The Cathédrale took 182 years to construct (12th century to 14th century) and has a fascinating story.

Medieval Time Capsules

Rue des Barres

This Medieval street in the 4th arrondissement dates back as early as 1250, when Hotel des Barres was built! Barres translates to barriers, which is what was placed along the Seine to defend the city from Vikings and who ever else wanted to invade Paris. There’s spicy history about the love affair between the owner of Hotel des Barres, Louis Boisredon, and Isabella of Bavaria Queen of France in 1417. It’s said that Charles VI had him arrested, sewn up in a bag, then thrown into the Seine with this inscription on the bag: “Let the King’s justice pass.” This is a romantic spot in Paris because of the medieval beauty and where real life & death love-triangle drama meet history along the Seine.

Rue François Miron

These half-timbered houses date back to at least the beginning of the 15th century (some say 14th century) and are still here today for us to see over 500 years later. Around 1607, structures changed and the exterior would be covered in plaster and lime to reduce the fire risk. It was only in 1967, when the plaster was removed, that the timber was revealed again to Paris. I like to think that we preserved it for hundreds of years in hindsight by burying it in plaster. Some places you can just feel the history, the centuries of people standing where you are standing now, and this spot was one of those places!

Jardin de Luxembourg

Ok so you must know this park, as it’s one of the most popular in Paris. But there are many spots here where you can be with ton amour privately among the many flowers. Take the time to walk around and plan a little picnic. Take a look at all of the statues encircling the park; they are statues of all the queens of France creating a circle around this beautiful garden. Its very romantic and empowering to have all this feminine energy encompass you here.

Side streets around the Tour Eiffel

Of course you should visit the Tour Eiffel and lay on the lawn, but in my opinion the Eiffel tower is much more majestic when it pops up out of the blue on an empty side street. The Haussmann buildings with flower shops and cafes decorate the view of the Eiffel Tower in the best way.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

Have you seen Midnight in Paris? If not, then you should. This is the spot in the 5th arrondissement that Gil goes every night when the mysterious car picks him up to take him into 1920s Paris! I only realized that this what the exact location in the movie after I visited this spot! I felt the time travel vibes here. The area isn’t crowded, the architecture is magnificent (inside is breathtaking) and it emanates true old world romance. Maybe if you go to this spot at midnight you will be lucky enough to see a 1920s Peugeot and meet Gertrude Stein and Scott Fitzgerald!

The Pagoda Paris

This spot was on the way to the Arc de Triumph in the 8th arrondissement and stopped us in our tracks. This structure is so completely, defiantly different from all of the other buildings in the city. Even the Haussmann building next door strikes such a contrast. We did not go inside, but from what I’ve seen online, it is a gorgeous representation of a Eastern world in the Western world.

Parc Monceau

This park is a local secret for Parisian runners and nature lovers. My grandfather would come here everyday when he lived in the 8th arrondissement and it’s clear as to why. This peaceful and beautiful place is pure Zen inside the city! Grab an ice cream, bring a book, and sit on the many benches with your best friend, partner, or even just by yourself. When I think of romantic spots in Paris, this is the first that comes to mind because of the secrecy in it’s beauty and the secret garden vibes.

La rue Crémieux

This 12th arrondissement rue isn’t much of a secret, but it isn’t one of the romantic spots in Paris that you will happen to walk by since there isn’t much in the area for tourists. This rue has quaint, colorful homes with plants and bicycles in front. There are always people visiting this spot, but during border closures we had the place to ourselves! When people flock back here again, I would suggest going early in the morning or at sunset. On a cloudy day, Paris is gorgeous in the gray. The gray makes these colors pop so brilliantly as you walk hand-in-hand dans la rue.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when talking about amazing spots in Paris! You could live there for years and still discover a new place everyday. Keep following for more about cette belle ville! There will be more Romantic spots in Paris on the horizon because well, every spot in Paris is romantic!