All posts filed under: Hidden Gems

There are so many hidden gems within Paris, that tourists have no clue about! Here are some of my all-time favourites.

Paris off the beaten track/path - things to see and do in the Summer, France - roisingrace.com

Paris off-the-beaten-path: 5 things to see & do in the Summer

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Summer in Paris is truly magical, and it’s definitely a great time of year to come and visit the city. However, with this, comes a mass of tourists into Paris. But do no fret! For this blog post will show you some of the lesser-known sights of the city, meaning that you’ll be able to avoid those crowds who flock into Paris in the summer. Escape the rush, and stroll along the Promenade Plantée The Promenade Plantée offers walkers an unparalleled and unique experience. Often off the beaten-track for tourists, the promenade provides visitors with expansive views of the city – you become one with the various buildings and architecture, yet remain a flâneur simultaneously. It is a surreal experience – hardly do you find a place within a capital city wherein you feel totally separated from the buzz and rush; but whilst uniquely being right in the middle of it. Ascend the mysterious La Tour Saint-Jacques Throughout the summer months, the Tour Saint-Jacques opens its doors to visitors, to allow the public to ascend up …

Le Chalet des Iles, à Lac Inférieur de Bois de Boulogne, Paris

The charming Lac Inferieur et Chalet des Îles

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It was by pure chance that I discovered this hidden gem in the Bois de Boulogne. What can I say, thank you Instagram! It was after some Instagram searching that I laid eyes on the enchanting Chalet des Îles in a photograph, and immediately knew that I had to visit it. Situated southeast of the Bois de Boulogne, the Lac Inferieur is the largest lake within the park. It is a delightful scene, where two manmade islands are a joined by bridge, but can only be accessed via boat. One day, a friend and I walked around the entire lake, intrigued with what we were seeing. Walking along the woody trails surrounding the lake, one is guaranteed to see a unique part of Paris. Located on one of the islands of Lac Inferieur is Chalet des Iles. As previously mentioned, this Chalet is truly enchanting. To access, visitors must take a boat across the lake, at the mere €1.50 for a round trip. Here at le Chalet des Îles, one can have a delicious meal …

La Tour Saint-Jacques, Paris

Ascending the mysterious La Tour Saint-Jacques

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Have you ever walked past this big tower near Hôtel de ville on Rue de Rivoli, and thought ‘what is that?!’ If so, you’re not alone, with myself included. I have often been around this mysterious tower, and known nothing about it… untill now. What you are viewing is la Tour Saint-Jacques. Built in the early 16th century, the tower was part of the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (yes you might have guessed it – ‘Saint James of the Butchery’). However, the church was demolished during the French Revolution in 1797, and all that remains today is the tower. After lots of reconstruction beginning in the 19th century and finishing in 2009, the tower was given a new facelift and brought back to its original splendor. However, la Tour Saint-Jacques still possesses an air of mystery. While you can access the square surrounding it, it’s another story with the tower itself. Often I have found myself by its gates, wondering if the lock preventing people from entering is ever unlocked – and only last week were …

Roses in Blossom in Palais Royale Jardin, Paris

June roses at Le Jardin du Palais Royal

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The Palais-Royal is one of my favourite places in Paris. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Palais-Royal Jardin offers visitors the chance to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. In this elegant courtyard, one almost feels transported back into one of the many 18th century country gardens – with its symmetrical hedging and decorative fountain. There’s also something very captivating about the Palais-Royal Jardin. With every season, the Jardin seems to transform into a new and different version of itself. Having been there in both winter and spring this year (I will be blogging about Spring soon – better late than never), coming back and wandering around in the summer was almost like stepping into another new dimension of this exquisite garden. Welcoming those to the jardin, are a variety of beautiful full-blossom roses and various other flowers. I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of this delightful scene! Whether you want to go for a walk, or just relax by the central fountain, a visit to the Palais-Royal …

Galerie Vivienne, Paris

The timeless Galerie Vivienne

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The weather here in Paris is absolutely stunning. However, for those who are like me and cannot cope with the unbearable temperatures that accompany such weather, do not fear. Why not escape the intense rays and escape into one of the many covered passages of the city? Located in the second arrondissement, my favourite covered passage is the Galerie Vivienne. Built in 1823, Galerie Vivienne is situated in a wonderful location – a stones throw away from the Palais-Royal and the Bibliothèque Richelieu. The ornamentation of Galerie Vivienne is splendid. As you walk through the passage, look down and admire the gorgeous mosaic tiling. Don’t forget to look up and around – the passage is adorned with interesting decorative designs and sculptures. Also, the entire passage is covered by glass ceiling, including a recently restored rotunda and glass dome adding extra opulence in this almost timeless arcade. Galerie Vivienne is not only adored for its elegant architecture and decorative designs, but also for it’s shopping. Of all the covered passages in Paris, Galerie Vivienne is …

Rue Crémieux, Paris

The Portobello Road of Paris – Rue Crémieux

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If ever there was a single road that could transport one out of the Haussmannian designed world of Paris architecture, and into a completely different sphere, then it would certainly be Rue Crémieux. Located in the 12th arrondissement, a stone throw away from Gare de Lyon, Rue Crémieux possesses a charm unprecedented within the city. The road is magnificent. Lined with beautifully coloured and decorated terrace houses, the rainbow-like facades could easily have been taken directly from Notting Hill’s very own Portobello Road and placed right bang in the middle of the French capital. As I was taking in the sheer variety of the houses, a sweet couple pointed out a signage to me, which marked the height in which a flood in 1910 reached – rising to around 6 feet tall. Rue Crémieux offers a delightful break from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Here you can wander at your own leisure, thanks to the road being pedestrian only, so you don’t have to worry about being run over when taking photos!