There’s no shortage of green space in Paris, but some of the best spots are the ones you’d walk right past if you didn’t know to look. These are the calm, slightly secret gardens we keep in our back pocket — perfect for when the Marais feels a little too buzzy and you just want somewhere to sit, snack, and take a breather. Whether you're holding a falafel, a lobster roll, or just your iced coffee, these are our favorite little hideaways.
And if you're planning your Paris trip (or already there), don’t forget — we’ve got a full guide to help you make the most of it.
Jardin des Rosiers-Joseph Migneret
Why we love it: The perfect little outdoor spot for a falafel.
Coffee nearby: Le Peloton Café
Is eating a falafel in the Marais on your Paris bucket list? Hint: It should be. The Marais is one of Paris’s historic Jewish quarters, and you’ll have your pick of fantastic falafel while you’re there. L’As du Fallafel is probably the most famous — and for good reason. It’s kosher, it’s delicious, and it’s been a local institution for decades. The line moves quickly, but if it still feels too daunting, grab a pita from Miznon or a banging sandwich from Sacha Finkelsztajn.
Once you’ve secured your lunch, you’ll want a calm place to eat. Enter Jardin des Rosiers–Joseph Migneret — a tiny park right next door that most people overlook. The entrance is easy to miss: it’s just across from the men’s clothing store El Ganso. Head through the gate and under the building, and you’ll come out into a peaceful garden with two main sitting areas — straight ahead, or off to the left. It’s not fancy, but it’s charming, quiet, and a welcome escape from the buzz of the Marais.
Jardin Anne-Frank
Why we love it: Total charm, quiet vibes, and a massive trellis.
Coffee nearby: Terres de Café (rue Rambuteau)
Another hidden gem in the Marais, the Jardin Anne-Frank is surrounded on all sides by buildings, with only one little passageway leading in. If you miss the entrance, you’dnever know it’s there, which makes it even better. In spring and summer, it’s a dream: shaded benches, blooming flowers, and a giant trellis covered in greenery. It’s one of the rare spots in this neighborhood where you can truly relax.
If you’re nearby at lunchtime, grab a bite on Rue Rambuteau (maybe a lobster roll from Homer or a Lebanese wrap from Manouché) and bring it here for a picnic. To find it, turn off rue Beaubourg and down Impasse Berthaud. Towards the end, you’ll spot the classic green Paris park gates.
Good to know!
There’s a public toilet in this park. We haven’t checked its current state, so proceed with cautious optimism.
Square Saint-Gilles-Grand-Veneur-Pauline-Roland
Why we love it: The flowers and the trellises.
Coffee nearby: White Coffee
Another peaceful pause in the busy Marais. The Square Saint-Gilles–Grand-Veneur–Pauline-Roland (let’s just call it Saint-Gilles) is tucked between two tiny streets: Rue du Grand-Veneur and Rue de Hesse. Once inside, you’ll usually see a few locals eating lunch, maybe a couple of bees doing their thing, and not much else. It’s quiet, it's floral, and it feels like a true neighborhood secret.
BONUS - Museum Gardens
Already seen the viral garden at Le Petit Palais? Know that the Rodin Museum’s sculpture garden is a must? Here are two others you might’ve missed:
Musée Carnavalet
Okay, we’re biased — but the Musée Carnavalet is one of our favorite museums in Paris. It’s all about the city itself: Paris past and present (maybe not future, but you get the idea). From the moment you walk in and see the hall of vintage wrought-iron signs to the top-floor revolution exhibits, it’s a Paris-lover’s dream.
Best of all? There's a peaceful courtyard garden and an on-site café called Fabula. You can sip your coffee in a stone courtyard filled with flowers, while the soft hum of Paris carries over the walls. The museum is free to enter; the coffee, not so much (€5+). Or maybe it's spritz season?
Important
Fabula is closed until June 2025 — but the museum and gardens are still worth a visit.
Les Archives Nationales
This one we’ve mentioned in a few of our videos, but it’s a must-visit. In Les Archives Nationales, the National Archives in Paris, you’ll stumble into a beautiful and peaceful little garden (named the jardin romantique!), free to visit. While you’re there, though, if you do enjoy history and historical documents, the tiny museum is definitely worth a visit. It’s also free!
The center of Paris is full of energy: galleries, shops, falafel lines, people (all things we love), and it’s easy to forget that there are quiet spaces just around the corner.
Bookmark this for your next trip, and if you’re looking for more spots like these (food, drinks, culture, and everything in between), check out our full Paris guide.
