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Paris may be famous for its buildings, food and shopping, but it belongs to the city gardens that inspire author Sophie Beaumont.
“I’m not just talking about world-famous cities like 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 have come across many, some of which inspired episodes in my new novel, A secret garden in Paris.”
Here are Sophie’s tips for the best little-known gardens to visit.
Les Rosiers/Joseph Migneret
The double name of this beautiful, peaceful ‘secret’ garden refers to the fact that the garden is located on Rue des Rosiers in the Marais, and also honors the memory of a local teacher who helped save several of his Jewish students and their families during the World War. War 2.
La Roseraie des Haakbusiers
The local name for a tranquil rose garden, hidden in a small square, also in the Marais.
In season it is absolutely breathtaking in color and scent.
Garden of Port de l’Arsenal
The Port de l’Arsenal, on the Canal Saint-Martin, is a mooring for houseboats and pleasure boats.
A few steps down to the harbor and you are away from the city noise and in a relaxing water world, with a beautiful long garden along it.
It’s also a great place for people watching. A year ago I even saw a Venice-style costumed carnival there.
Clos des Blancs Manteaux
Literally ‘Close of the White Cloaks’, in reference to the monks who settled 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.
Garden of the Arts/Albert Schweitzer
These were once two gardens, now joined together. In one section there is grass, benches and space to play handball.
Then, up a few steps, you will find a more formal garden with an ivy-covered wall and pretty flower beds, where, to my delight on my recent visit in May, a flowering specimen of an Australian native species, a callistemon, in full red splendor stood.
La Coulée Verte/La Promenade Plantée
This kilometre-long garden bears two names: the Green Stream and the Planted Promenade.
It’s a magical place to walk through some of the busiest parts of Paris without seeing a single car.
If you start at the Viaduct des Arts, check out the fantastic artisan workshops and boutiques under the arches.
Le Square du Tempel
This historic square features a charming garden popular with locals, adults and children alike, with a flower-edged pond, shady trees, beautiful green areas for picnics and table tennis tables.
Parc de Belleville
This large park on the edge of central Paris is perhaps better known than the others and is definitely worth a visit for its panoramic views over the city, all the way to the Eiffel Tower.
The district is also home to special street art.
Garden of the Theater of the Rond-Point des Champs Élysées
Despite its location on Paris’s second busiest roundabout, this lush green space surrounding a historic theater can make you feel like you’ve been teleported to the French countryside.
It’s a great place to recharge before heading to nearby Avenue Montaigne to admire the stylish windows of haute couture showrooms.
Le Parc de Bagatelle
Last but not least, this is a huge botanical garden with beautiful gardens full of roses, peonies, irises and more, as well as parading peacocks, centuries-old trees, elegant buildings and a small café.
It is less on the tourist radar than the Bois de Boulogne or Bois de Vincennes, but is close to the historic Longchamp racecourse.
Sophie Beaumont’s new novel A secret garden in Paris is now available from Ultimo Press.
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