Ten gardens to visit in Paris no guidebook will tell you about
Paris might be famous for its buildings, food and shopping, but it is the city's gardens which inspire author Sophie Beaumont.
"I'm not just talking about world famous ones, like the Luxembourg and the Tuileries," she tells 9Travel.
"Paris is also full of hidden garden gems and in my wanderings around the city over the years, I've come across many, some of which inspired episodes in my new novel, A Secret Garden in Paris."
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Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is well-known. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Here are Sophie's tips for the best little-known gardens to visit.
Les Rosiers/Joseph Migneret
The double name of this lovely, peaceful 'secret' garden refers to the fact of it's site on the Rue des Rosiers in the Marais, and also honours the memory of a local teacher who helped save several of his Jewish pupils and their families during World War 2.
La Roseraie des Arquebusiers
The local name for a tranquil rose garden tucked away in a small square, also in the Marais.
In season, it's absolutely stunning with colour and fragrance.
Jardin du Port de l'Arsenal
The Port de l'Arsenal, on the Canal Saint-Martin, is a berth for houseboats and pleasure vessels.
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The Port de l'Arsenal, on the Canal Saint-Martin, is a berthing-place for houseboats and pleasure vessels. Getty
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Down some steps to the Port and you are away from city noise and in a laidback watery world, with a lovely long garden running along it.
It's a great place to people-watch, too- one year, I even saw a Venice-style costumed carnival there.
Clos des Blancs Manteaux
Literally 'Close of the White Cloaks', referring to monks who were based here long ago, this garden, dedicated to the memory of Princess Diana, is an unusual mix of public park and community garden, with herbs and vegetables grown there as well as flowers.
Jardin des Arts/Albert Schweitzer
This was once two gardens, now joined. In one part there's grass, benches and space to play handball.
Then, up some steps you'll find a more formal garden with an ivy-covered wall and lovely flower beds which to my delight on my recent visit this May, included a thriving specimen of an Australian native, a callistemon in full red splendour.
La Coulée Verte /La Promenade Plantée
This garden covering several kilometres in length carries two names, the Green Stream and the Planted Promenade.
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The elevated linear park Coulée Verte René-Dumont, also known as La Promenade Plantée in Paris. Getty Images/iStockphoto
It's a magical place in which to walk through some of the busiest areas of Paris, without encountering a single car.
If you start at the Viaduct des Arts, check out the fabulous artisan workshops and boutiques under its arches.
Le Square du Temple
On this historic square is a charming garden popular with locals, adults and children alike, with its flower-rimmed pond, shady trees, beautiful green spots in which to picnic, and ping-pong tables.
Parc de Belleville
Perhaps a bit better-known than the others, this large park on the edge of central Paris is well worth visiting for its panoramic views across the city, right up to the Eiffel Tower.
The district is also home to some unusual street art.
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The famous Parc de Belleville in Paris, France. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Garden of the Theatre of the Rond-Point des Champs Élysées
Despite its placement on Paris' second busiest roundabout, this lush green space flourishing around a historic theatre can feel like you've been teleported to the French countryside.
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It's a great place for a recharge before heading down nearby Avenue Montaigne to take in the stylish windows of haute couture showrooms.
Le Parc de Bagatelle
Last but not least, this is an enormous botanical garden featuring marvellous gardens filled with roses, peonies, irises and more, as well as strutting peacocks, ancient trees, elegant buildings, and a little café.
The beautiful Parc de Bagatelle in Paris. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Less on the tourist radar than the Bois de Boulogne or Bois de Vincennes, it's close to the historic Longchamp racecourse.
Sophie Beaumont's new novel A Secret Garden in Paris is out now with Ultimo Press.
