We asked our resident Parisian designer to share five hidden gems from the city of lights.
1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Belleville, 19th Arrondissement
An absolute must visit during the warmer months, Buttes-Chaumont makes a refreshing change to Paris’ more formal parks and gardens. Take a picnic and sit on the grass (yes, you‘re allowed to sit on the grass!) and take a stroll around the central lake and its unusual landscape of caves, waterfalls and suspended bridges.
While you’re there, be sure to visit Rosa Bonheur, a much loved bar situated at the heart of the park. While it can be very busy on summer evenings, its picturesque terrace is absolutely worth a visit for an afternoon apéro.
2. Le Georges Place Georges Pompidou, 4th Arrondissement
The iconic Pompidou is a must visit building, but chances are if you visit Paris in the summer, you’ll find a huge queue snaking around it. If you’re short on time, I would highly recommend skipping the queue and visiting Le George Restaurant, even if it’s just for a quick coffee. On the left hand side of the entrance is a discretely marked exterior elevator which will take you to the top floor; there’s no need to pay admission to the gallery. Once there you will find a truly spectacular view over Paris, the perfect place for a sunny coffee break or a glass of wine to watch the sun set.
3. Bistro Des Dames, Place de Clichy, 17th Arrondissement
From street level, Bistro Des Dames is nothing special, but once you walk inside the charm and character is unmistakable. Friendly service, delicious food, very reasonable prices and a lovely garden terrace in the summer months. Book ahead for dinner or Sunday Brunch.
As a side note, on the same road (Rue Des Dames) you will find a myriad of lovely independent clothes shops and homewares shops if you fancy doing a spot of shopping.
4. Rue de Montorgueil, 1st and 2nd Arrondissement
A foodies delight, this charming street is bursting with character – the perfect place go if have just a short time in Paris. Everything is in a three block radius, making it easy to try some of the best fromageries, boulangeries and chocolatiers in Paris. Aside from it being perfectly located in the centre of Paris, it’s a great place to take a stroll.
5. Cinéma Studio 28 Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement
Tucked away on a quiet street in Montmartre, this historic cinema is a great place to visit. Opened in 1928, Studio 28 was dubbed “the cinema of masterpieces, the masterpiece of cinemas,” by Jean Cocteau.
Treasured by locals, this cinema has a little bar and outdoor terrace and screens a carefully curated programme of avant-garde cinema. Don’t be put off if you don’t speak French, most weeks the cinema screens a number of films from the UK and US. A side note to this area: this cinema is just next door to Rue Des Abbesses one of Montmartre’s most vibrant and bustling streets. Packed with great restaurants and bars, it’s a great place to head to for a post-film glass of wine.
Did you know that Thornback & Peel are stocked in Le Bon Marché, Rue Caulaincourt, Paris. If you happen to spot us, send us a photo and we’ll post our favourites here.
What are your hidden city gems?