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It is possible to enjoy a quiet stay in Paris!
We all know that Paris has a reputation for being a hectic, fast-paced city. Some people may even think that it is impossible to go to Paris to relax. But what if we tell you that this preconceived notion is absolutely false? Surprising but true, it is possible to enjoy a quiet stay in Paris. The capital abounds in peaceful places, where taking your time and letting yourself be carried away is a delight.
For the more skeptical, we invite you to read this article to the end, and we are sure you will be pleasantly surprised! Away from the crowds and the main tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Avenue des Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe or the Palais Royal, your stay can take on a whole new dimension, full of greenery and authentic, undiscovered places… Enjoy your reading. 🙂
Paris’s little-known museum addresses
Musée de Cluny – Latin Quarter, 6th arrondissement of Paris
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, the Musée de Cluny is dedicated to the Middle Ages. One of the capital’s oldest museums, it houses some 23,000 treasures illustrating the cultural richness of the medieval era. Still little-known, this museum is a true Parisian jewel of historic charm that is a must-see! It is an excellent choice if your aim is to queue less than at the Louvre, but still get an eyeful… ;). The plus? The Jardin du Luxembourg is only a 10-minute walk away, if you would like to end your visit with a peaceful, leafy stroll. A perfect day out for your quiet stay in Paris…
La Maison de Victor Hugo – Quartier du Marais, 4th arrondissement of Paris
Did you know about the Maison de Victor Hugo? Enter the intimacy of the famous writer, artist and thinker by visiting his house, now a museum. It is located in the lively Marais district of Paris, Place des Vosges, in the 4th arrondissement. Today, it houses an extraordinary wealth of culture, with over 50,000 works of art to discover! Experience Victor Hugo’s daily life, visit his apartments and learn many anecdotes about his life. The Maison de Victor Hugo also regularly hosts exhibitions. In short, this is a great choice for a successful cultural outing. It is the ideal place to disconnect for a moment while remaining in the heart of Paris.
Musée de la Vie Romantique – 9th arrondissement of Paris
Nestled in Paris’s historic 9th arrondissement, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is the former home of painter Ary Scheffer. He arrived in Paris in 1811, and made his mark with his mystical paintings and his extraordinary influence on the Montmartre district, which was booming both demographically and artistically at the time. As drawing teacher to the children of the Duc D’Orléans, he made his mark and became a pioneer of the Romantic school. This was followed by some thirty years of intense artistic, political and literary activity at the heart of his home, which became a school for many artists.
Today, there are a number of exhibitions to be discovered here, much sought-after by culture lovers. You will also find a fabulous tea room in the museum’s flower garden, a delight for travelers in search of authentic experiences. It is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway in an intimate setting worthy of Paris’s historic heritage.
Please note: The Museum is closed until March 2026 for renovation.
The Eugène Delacroix Museum – 6th arrondissement of Paris
This time, we are taking you to one of Paris’s finest neighborhoods: the 6th arrondissement. Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, not far from the lively Latin Quarter, the Musée Eugène Delacroix is a small building tucked away in a pretty courtyard that exudes a pleasant calm. Here you will discover many of the famous painter’s works, as well as a small, intimate garden where you can enjoy a spot of reading or quiet time amid the greenery. This is an excellent option if you want to stay in the heart of Paris while discovering places worthy of Parisian culture and surprisingly calm!
The best addresses for quiet parks in Paris
Le Jardin Alpin – 5th arrondissement of Paris
Next, we invite you to discover this magnificent garden, nestled in the Jardin des Plantes, which covers over 4,000m2, in the wealthy 5th arrondissement of Paris. The Jardin Alpin features exceptional flora that grows naturally at high altitudes. Classified as a historic monument since 1993, these magnificent green spaces feature Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation. There are many gardens to discover in the Jardin des Plantes, so don’t hesitate to ask about all the options! It is an excellent choice of neighborhood to enjoy the heart of Paris and its historic heritage while taking a peaceful, green break.
Parc Montsouris – Paris 14th arrondissement of Paris
Located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, Parc Montsouris is a green space with both a dynamic and relaxing atmosphere. You will find playgrounds, sports fields, pretty statues, restaurants and a bandstand where musicians perform, especially in summer. It is the perfect choice for relaxing with family, friends or couples, away from the main tourist attractions. We recommend you to visit the Catacombes de Paris, a 15-minute walk from the park. It is a fascinating historical site in Paris, and well worth the detour! Mixing history with a quiet stay in Paris can only be a good idea. 😉
Jardin René Binet – 18th arrondissement of Paris
In a very different atmosphere from the Jardin des Tuileries and the 1st arrondissement, we recommend a visit to the enchanting Jardin René Binet. Located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, this garden offers a verdant setting with mounds, orchards, play areas and an educational farm! Activities are organized on a regular basis to raise awareness of climate issues among young and old alike, in a friendly atmosphere and in close proximity to nature. It is the perfect choice for a quiet, educational stay in Paris. What’s more? You are not far from two very good addresses: the famous REcyclerie for a few delicacies and the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen with its historic charm!
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – 19th arrondissement of Paris
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is located in a lively area. At around 25 hectares, it is one of the largest green spaces in Paris. Its elevated position offers beautiful panoramic views over the city. In summer, it is the ideal place to get together in a dynamic yet relaxed atmosphere. Soak up the sunshine on the cozy green hills with a picnic and good company. You won’t regret the experience! The park’s added bonus is its proximity to the 20th and 11th arrondissements of Paris: lively districts much appreciated by locals for their many restaurants, cafés and cultural events.
A little anecdote from Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont wasn’t always the peaceful, enchanting place it is today. In fact, it had a very bad reputation from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. It was a sinister place where the condemned were executed by hanging! But rest assured, there has been no trace of the Montfaucon gallows for several centuries now. It remains a fascinating and culturally rich place to explore! 😉
Peaceful outdoor walks in Paris
Le Port de l’Arsenal
Located between the 4th and 12th arrondissements of Paris, the Port de l’Arsenal links the Seine to the Canal Saint-Martin. Close to Place de la Bastille and Gare de Lyon, this marina has everything you could wish for: pontoons, harbour master’s office, small boats, seafood restaurants, seagulls – it is almost like being on the seaside! It is the perfect choice for a peaceful stroll reminiscent of the pretty marinas of Normandy. We recommend you take the opportunity to walk along the Canal Saint-Martin, which will surprise you with its many restaurants and activities. You will discover a Paris that will immerse you in a friendly, local atmosphere.
The Open-Air Sculpture Museum
The Open-Air Sculpture Museum is located in the Square Toni Rossi on the Quai Saint-Bernard, in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, in the Latin Quarter. It is the perfect opportunity for a stroll combining calm and contemporary art! You will be able to admire works by renowned artists such as Zadkine, Brancusi and Gilioli in a bucolic setting, while enjoying the entertainment on the quayside. And if you want to extend your Parisian cultural outing, this nugget is just a few minutes’ walk from Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. It is the perfect neighborhood for discovering the center of Paris on foot, and the ideal stroll during your quiet stay in Paris.
The René-Dumont Greenway
The Greenway was once a railroad line. Inaugurated in 1988, it is now a peaceful 4.5-kilometre green promenade that ends at the Château de Vincennes, rather than Saint-Maur.
A popular spot for Parisian runners and walkers, it features a course of pretty wild flora that had once invaded the railroad. It is a magnificent poem about Nature reclaiming its rights, in the gentlest of ways, in the face of human industrial activity. You will notice an amusing contrast between the greenery of the path and the view of Paris’s newer buildings. It is a perfect choice for those wishing to swap the great crowds of the beautiful Champs-Élysées avenue or the Rue de Rivoli for a suspended, peaceful moment. In short, it is a not-to-be-missed stroll for a successful and quiet stay in Paris!
The Bois de Vincennes, a timeless break
It is impossible to talk about a quiet stay in Paris without mentioning the wonderful Bois de Vincennes. Located to the east of Paris, it was once intimately linked to the Château de Vincennes and renowned for its royal hunting. With a surface area of 995 hectares, it is the largest of all the green spaces in Paris. Although this haven of peace offers a wide variety of activities and landscapes, it remains untouched by the phenomenon of over-tourism, which makes the experience all the more authentic and enjoyable. It is a great address for a quiet stay in Paris. Here are 3 places not to be missed if you decide to explore the area.
The Floral Park
This is our favorite place for a quiet stay in Paris. Lose yourself between pine forests, peacocks, greenhouses, ponds, flower beds and much more at the Parc Floral! Inaugurated in 1969, it is the largest horticultural park in Paris, with 35 hectares to explore and over 7,000 plant varieties. It’s a marvellous place with a friendly, zen-like atmosphere that blends nature and culture to perfection. It also boasts the largest playgrounds in Paris, making it an ideal destination for families. And to further surprise us, throughout the year it organizes interactive, artistic and cultural exhibitions on the theme of flora and fauna.
In short, don’t wait any longer to discover this park with its thousand and one gardens!
Lake Daumesnil
With a circumference of 2 kilometers, Lac Daumesnil is the largest lake in the Bois de Vincennes. Located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, it boasts 2 charming little islands accessible by footbridge or boat: Île de Reuilly and Île de Bercy. It is a great address for a romantic getaway in the heart of nature. Here, your quiet Parisian getaway will take on a whole new dimension: treat yourself to a rowboat ride among the ducks and geese, and create unforgettable memories worthy of a romantic movie in the City of Love!
Paris Zoological Park
With its 14.5 hectares, the Parc Zoologique de Paris is part of the Museum national d’histoire naturelle. This unique zoo is dedicated to observing the behavior of animals in captivity, as well as breeding endangered species for reintroduction into their natural environment. It is a fun, educational outing that is sure to delight family travelers in search of educational experiences!
We also invite you to find out more about the activities on offer in the Bois de Boulogne, which will delight you if you are fond of the great outdoors! Just as dynamic as the Bois de Vincennes.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a dynamic yet quiet district in the heart of Paris 6
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district
After all this information on the most peaceful nooks and crannies, you might be wondering which is the ideal place to set down your suitcases and enjoy a quiet stay in Paris. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the Left Bank, is indeed an ideal choice of neighborhood, thanks to its chic, hushed atmosphere. It is true that it is renowned for its lively atmosphere and jazz evenings, but this doesn’t detract from the calm that resides in these beautiful neighborhoods, far from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, while remaining close to many well-known and lesser-known tourist sites.
There are some particularly quiet spots here, such as Rue Jacob, where you can enjoy a peaceful stay in the heart of Paris… Enjoy a stroll through old bookshops, designer boutiques, traditional restaurants and delicious chocolate shops…
Hôtel des 2 Continents, the ideal choice for a quiet stay in Paris
Hôtel des 2 Continents is the ideal choice for your quiet stay in Paris. Located on Rue Jacob, you can explore the best of the capital while staying in a quiet street. Its proximity to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Latin Quarter, the quays and many tourist sites makes it the best option on the Left Bank.
L’Hôtel des 2 Continents is a building with historic Parisian charm. It offers double, single and family rooms at an attractive average price. Its attentive staff is always ready to ensure your comfort. They will always welcome you in a warm and friendly atmosphere. What’s more, they will be able to guide you perfectly for your quiet stay in Paris! They will be able to advise you on a wide range of historical sites, gardens, restaurants and more… in short, they will always adapt to your needs and find you the right address for your stay.
Access to Hôtel des 2 Continents
L’Hôtel des 2 Continents is easy to reach by car or public transport. You can reach us directly by metro from Gare Montparnasse, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, as well as Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare de Lyon and Gare d’Austerlitz, with a quick connection! The same goes for Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, where you can easily reach the hotel by metro or RER, less than an hour away. As you can see, the hotel is located in a central, accessible and livable area, making it the perfect choice for travelers!
Don’t wait any longer to book your quiet stay in Paris and create unforgettable memories.
