Secret garden guide - activities

The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower

The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café.

Did you know? One of Paris's most secret gardens is hidden in the 19th arrondissement.

In the heart of the 19th arrondissement, it's a well-kept secret, but one that we invite you to discover every day during the summer months. Le Centquatre's secret garden is a discreet little island, hidden from view, where you can take refuge all summer long.

Olympics 2024: which square did Lady Gaga sing from at the opening ceremony?

On Friday, July 26, she surprised everyone - spectators and viewers alike - when she appeared in a beautiful black dress, surrounded by pink pompoms. But where was the singer? Is the venue open to the public?

Le Jardin du Yoga, secret playground at La Roche-Guyon (95)

Hidden away in a little street, indicated by a single small sign, the Jardin du Yoga is one of the least-known parks in La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département. So, we're taking you there to discover it with us!

Unusual in the Yvelines: the superb waterfall grotto at Parc du Dr Fauvel in Villennes-sur-Seine

Villennes-sur-Seine, a charming commune in the Yvelines department, is home to a little-known treasure: the waterfalls of the Parc Fauvel grotto. Located some 36 kilometers west of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, this small town near Poissy on the left bank of the Seine boasts a park that combines history and nature. The park, an example of English romanticism, features an unusual grotto and waterfalls.

Le Jardin Yili, the unusual Chinese garden hidden away in the Yvelines

Jardin Yili is the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France. Head for Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, about 33 km from Paris, for a change of scenery. Discover this 10,000 m² green space, imbued with spirituality and tranquility, where you can discover the art of Chinese gardens and immerse yourself in a feng shui setting inspired by age-old traditions.

Rueil-Malmaison's superb Parc des Impressionnistes, inspired by Monet

The Parc des Impressionnistes in Rueil-Malmaison, located on the banks of the Seine opposite the Ile des Impressionnistes, is a sublime 1.2-hectare park that honors the color palettes of the Impressionists. Water, plants and flowers in abundance recall Claude Monet's garden at Giverny.

Parc de l'Amitié, the superb Japanese park in Hauts-de-Seine

Looking for an original park and garden just outside Paris? Head for Rueil-Malmaison in the 92 region to discover the Parc de l'Amitié, an astonishing park full of treasures, including a Japanese garden with its emblematic red bridge and flourishing vegetation.

The magnificent Japanese garden at Square Médéric in Colombes

Square Méréric, a pretty neighborhood park in Colombes, boasts a 3,800 m2 Japanese garden featuring bamboos, maples, pruned trees, azaleas and pagodas. It's the perfect place to get away from it all.

The Japanese garden at Château de Courances: a bucolic and exotic stroll in the Paris region

The Japanese garden at Château de Courances is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens around Paris, and particularly so in France. Located in the fabulous Courances estate in Essonne, this Anglo-Japanese garden delights us with its exotic landscapes.

The Albert Kahn Museum's superb Japanese garden and other gardens that take us on a journey

The Musée Albert Kahn, which has just reopened its doors, unveils sublime gardens that are a must-see. Conceived as a scenic garden, this 4-hectare space features a magnificent Japanese garden and village, an English garden, a French garden and forests and meadows. A complete change of scenery.

Gabriel Pierné Square and its sublime cherry blossoms

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Square Gabriel Pierné is the place to be in spring. In April, cherry blossom lights up this buccolic spot where you can relax. This little corner of paradise, hidden behind the Institut de France, becomes the scene of a fascinating ephemeral nature, a must-see.

Parc du Château de Plaisir, a green bubble in the heart of Yvelines

On the outskirts of old Plaisir, nestles the Parc du Château de Plaisir and its verdant setting, a veritable corner of nature for strolling, picnicking or playing sport. Classified as a historic monument in 1961, this site has many assets.

Parc de Bécon: cherry blossoms, Palais des Indes and history

Discover the Parc de Bécon and its Palais des Indes, a site steeped in history that unveils its beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring. Head for Courbevoie to take advantage of an exceptional green space offering a beautiful view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

Parc de la Sapinière, an island of greenery in Romainville (93)

In Romainville, just east of Paris, nestles a green space ideal for city walks, jogging or picnicking in the open air in fine weather.

La Coulée Verte de Paris, the unusual and hidden walk from Bastille to Vincennes

Paris's Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, is a beautiful, little-known walk for Parisians, taking us on a verdant journey from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes over the Viaduc des Arts. It's an unusual and shady way to discover Paris, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale, an unusual hidden garden of exotic treasures

Do you know the Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale René-Dumont? This exotic place steeped in history, hidden away in the Bois de Vincennes? We'll take you on a tour of this unusual garden with its many exotic treasures.

The gardens of the Archives Nationales, a hidden gem in Paris

In the heart of the Marais district, there's an enchanted garden that Parisians often pass by in ignorance. And yet, once you discover the gardens of the Archives Nationales and their 8,000 m2 of greenery, you wonder how you could have missed it!

The Jardin des Plantes' hidden Alpine garden, a nugget worth discovering

The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round.

Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge: a little-known green spot in the 19th arrondissement

Looking for an undiscovered spot to relax on the grass? Not far from the famous Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a verdant garden awaits you in the 19th arrondissement. Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge.