5 Secret Gardens in Paris

Some of the most popular attractions in Paris are the city’s gardens and parks. Famous gardens like Luxembourg, Tuileries, and the Jardin des Plantes are often crowded with locals and tourists alike, and it can be challenging to find calmer green spaces to relax, have a picnic, or read a book. Luckily, Paris is home to many secret gardens that allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. When you’re craving nature in a more tranquil setting, these five secret gardens are must-sees. 

1. Jardin Junot (18th)

Jardin Junot is perhaps the best-hidden garden in all of Paris. Protected by the Ville de Paris, Junot is located in a private way next to Hôtel Particulier Montmartre and can only be accessed through a locked gate. Luckily, Junot is a public garden and therefore accessible to all, despite being a well-kept secret. Simply ring the bell marked “Jardin Junot” at the gate and someone will let you in.  

In this small, sunny garden, visitors can rent pétanque balls and play at the six dedicated pétanque courts, participate in outdoor workout programs and creative workshops, and check out the potager and friendly neighborhood rabbits. On the program agenda, you’ll find guided yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Pilates workshops, along with artistic workshops including poetry, painting, and music. As the garden is still being reestablished, having been closed to the public for several years, a restoration project is underway. In the long term, Junot will become more resilient in the face of climate change and will feature plants that promote biodiversity. 

Hours: 8 am-6 pm 

Address: Passage de la Sorcière, 23 avenue Junot, 18th 

2. Square Georges Cain (3rd)

In the heart of the Marais, just behind Musée Carnavalet, lies Square Georges Cain, named for the painter and writer who was the first curator of the museum. The statue in the center, Ile de France, is the most prominent feature, and the garden serves as an open-air extension of Musée Carnavalet. The square is frequented by readers, strollers, and those looking for some quiet and shade in one of Paris’s busiest neighborhoods. Square Georges Cain is dog-friendly and is a popular spot for dog walkers, and many visitors also appreciate the chess/checkers tables. 

Despite the Marais being a touristic and busy part of the city, there are many other secret parks and gardens in the neighborhood. Consider taking a stroll around the 3rd and 4th arrondissements to find more of these hidden oases.  

Hours: Vary depending on the month 

Address: 8 rue Payenne, 3rd

3. Jardin Atlantique – Gare Montparnasse (15th)

Did you know there’s a garden on top of Gare Montparnasse? Jardin Atlantique is well hidden and invisible from certain angles, and there are no signs within the train station to point you in the right direction. Nevertheless, this innovative garden has much to offer, whether you’re a weary traveler looking for a space to rest and get some fresh air, a local searching for a new play area for your children, or a group in need of a shady spot for a picnic. With several playgrounds and open play areas, ping pong tables, chess/checkers tables, and grassy areas, there’s something for everyone. Different parts of the garden have diverse themes related to nature, such as the ocean, sky, sunlight, and shadow. As a bonus, the garden helps ventilate the train station below. 

To access the Jardin Atlantique from inside Gare Montparnasse, follow the signs toward Hall 2 or walk completely through Hall 2 until you’re outside — you’ll see an outdoor staircase with a “Jardin” sign. 

Hours: Vary depending on the month 

Address: Accessible via Gare Montparnasse Hall 2, or 1 place des 5 Martyrs du Lycée Buffon, 15th 

4. Jardin des Grands Explorateurs (6th)

With millions of visitors each year, the Jardin du Luxembourg is clearly no secret. But, as popular as it is, there’s one part of the park that tourists rarely see, or even know about. Extending from the south side of the garden, near the RER B station Port-Royal, is a long, grassy alley called the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs. It’s perfect for picnicking or playing ball. Public toilets, water bottle stations, and leafy trees providing shade make it possible to spend the whole day enjoying this pleasantly less-crowded alternative to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Don’t miss the monumental Fontaine de l’Observatoire, with statues depicting the four parts of the world. 

Hours: Vary depending on the month 

Address to south side: 6 avenue de l’Observatoire or Port-Royal station, 6th 

5. Square Lionel Assouad (14th)

This little square in the 14th arrondissement is perhaps well-known to locals, but it’s effectively secluded from the public eye. I myself stumbled upon it while wandering around the neighborhood, and I’m glad I did — it’s one of the quietest and calmest gardens I’ve been to. Vines and plants climb up the archways, and bird houses hang on the walls, with informational plaques tacked up to explain the different types of bird species which may use the houses. A Little Free Library is set up at one end of the square, along with a playground and sports area with a combined basketball court/football pitch. If you find yourself strolling around the 14th or are looking for a peaceful green space to relax, Square Lionel Assouad is worth a visit. 

Hours: Vary depending on the month 

Address: Accessible via 16-26 rue de Châtillon, avenue Jean-Moulin, or rue des Plantes, 14th