Whether you want to relax on a bench, have a drink with friends, take shelter from the heat in the shade of a tree or soak up the atmosphere of a neighborhood, the squares of Paris are the place to be.
And we're not talking about the capital's huge historic squares, which are largely open to cars, but about Paris's little hidden squares. Here's a short list of places you're sure to love to stroll around, once the confinement period is over!
Place Dauphine
On the Île de la Cité, not far from the Conciergerie and the Sainte-Chapelle, the Place Dauphine welcomes Parisians and tourists tired of the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. For the record, it was named in honor of the 1601 birth of the Dauphin, the future Louis XIII. The trees and benches of this beautiful triangular square (a shape that inspired surrealist author André Breton to nickname it the "Sex of Paris") make it the perfect place to relax in the heart of Paris, or to play a game of pétanque with the locals!
Place des Vosges
Inaugurated in 1615 for the wedding of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, Place des Vosges has always been a place of calm and elegance. Its residents have included Mme de Sévigné, Richelieu, Théophile Gautier, Alphonse Daudet and, of course, Victor Hugo, whose house, now a museum, is open to the public. You'll enjoy strolling under the square's trees, on its beautiful lawns or under its arcades, in the art galleries and tea rooms.
Place du Marché Sainte Catherine
If you're in the mood for a drink on a terrace in the Marais, but don't know where to put your feet up, head for Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine! With its many restaurants, cafés and terraces, it's the place to be. This pedestrian square takes its name from a market set up on the site of a former priory dedicated to Sainte-Catherine du Val des Escoliers.
Place de la Contrescarpe
The Place de la Contrescarpe is a great place for a good time. With its many cafés and large terraces, it's a lively spot in the Mouffetard district. Rabelais, Ronsard, Du Bellay, Descartes, Molière, La Fontaine and Racine all had their quarters here.
Place de la Sorbonne
Place de la Sorbonne is the haunt of Sorbonne students, who come to chat or read on the terrace while sipping a coffee. The statue of philosopher Auguste Comte stands beside a pretty fountain. This little square is also the perfect place to wait for a movie at the Champo, Reflet Médicis or Filmothèque, all just a few steps away on rue Champollion.
Place Monge
In summer, the pretty Place Monge is immersed in the shade of the tall trees that line it. There's also a fountain to cool you down. Unless you prefer juicy fruit from the local market? Then make a date for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings!
Place Gustave Toudouze
Want to stop for a while on your stroll through So-Pi? Just think of Place Gustave Toudouze! With its many trendy terraces, Wallace fountain, trees and benches, Place Gustave Toudouze is an island of happiness.
Place Edouard VII
This pretty square is named after the King of England, son of Queen Victoria. What does this have to do with French history? Well, it was he who eased tensions between France and England through the Entente Cordiale. On this square, theatre-goers can take in a play at the Théâtre Edouard VII, while others can simply stroll under the square's beautiful arcades.
Place Saint-Georges
Place Saint-Georges is a must-see in the 9th arrondissement. It's surrounded by private mansions and buildings that give it a real charm, such as the Louis XVI mansion at no. 27, which now houses a library; or the astonishing, richly decorated neo-Renaissance house at no. 28!
Place Sainte-Marthe
This is one of our favorite squares in Paris. Place Sainte-Marthe is known only to regulars and locals. It's home to some great bars, such as La Sardine, which attract a large crowd on weekend evenings and Sunday afternoons in summer, when it's nice to lounge in the shade of the trees. You'd think you were in a village square! A pint, boss!
Place d'Aligre
Place d'Aligre, a stone's throw from Hôpital Saint-Antoine, is best known for its covered market. Open 6 days a week, these beautiful halls sell spices, oils, fruit and vegetables. It's a bit of a haunt for the local bobos. On the square, the open-air market spills over into rue d'Aligre and is a favorite spot for many second-hand and antique dealers.
Place Paul Verlaine
In the quiet Butte-aux-Cailles district, a charming square is waiting to be discovered. Place Paul Verlaine pays tribute to the famous French poet who fought with the Communards. Butte-aux-Cailles was, in fact, the site of a battle during the Commune. A pretty neighborhood square, home to one of Paris's three spring-water fountains.
Place de l'Abbé Georges Hénocque
Not far from Place Paul Verlaine, another pretty little square: Place de l'Abbé Georges-Hénocque. A small village square surrounded by houses, it features a pretty square. For those who'd like to quench their thirst, small cafés line the square.
Place Edgard Quinet
If you're planning to take metro line 6 to Montparnasse, getting off at Edgar Quinet station is a good idea. It will enable you to avoid the monstrous flow of traffic that animates Montparnasse-Bienvenue. You'll also have the opportunity to discover the charming Place Edgar Quinet. It's always a lively place, with its many bars and restaurants. What's more, if you're feeling peckish, the crêperies bretonnes are just around the corner!
Place du Docteur Félix Lobligeois
The regulars on Place du Docteur Félix Lobligeois are people from the Batignolles district, families and their children, and young people. If you're looking for a good time, the many restaurants, boutiques and antique shops are sure to please.
Place Charles Dullin
Located in the lively Clignancourt district, Place Charles Dullin offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Pigalle and Barbès. Shaded by numerous trees, it has been home to the Théâtre de l'Atelier since 1922. A little island of greenery that's good for you.
Place des Abbesses
Place des Abbesses is the heart of Montmartre village. Lively and noisy, it attracts a diverse and varied population. Its large plane trees and benches are a haven for the weary, as are its many surrounding terraces. Stop by the nearby Eglise St-Jean-de-Montmartre and the Je t'aime wall to declare your love for your beloved in 250 languages!
Place Emile Goudeau
Take your time in the shade of the chestnut trees on Place Emile Goudeau. This pretty square has gone down in history thanks to Parisian artists. It was here that Picasso and Braque invented cubism. Here, too, Apollinaire and Max Jacob revolutionized poetry. It was here, too, that everyone met at the mythical Bateau-Lavoir, now home to artists' studios, to perpetuate the tradition.
Place du Tertre
As you've seen above, the 18th arrondissement is full of beautiful little village squares. But what would a stroll through the 18th be without a visit to Place du Tertre? A rallying point for portrait artists and caricaturists, the square is quickly overwhelmed by the flow of tourists from all over the world, and has lost some of its charm over the years. Nevertheless, it remains a world-famous square. To make the most of it, come early in the morning or late at night!
Place Dalida
If you're a Dalida fan, the Place Dalida is a must-see on your tour of Paris, a place of remembrance for fans from all over the world. A lovely bronze bust of the singer, who lived not far away on rue d'Orchampt, sits in the middle of the square. In the distance, you can see the Sacré-Coeur.
Place Maurice Chevalier
Just a stone's throw from the Place de Ménilmontant and its many bars, the Place Maurice Chevalier offers a slightly quieter alternative for tourists and locals alike. With its Wallace fountain and beautiful Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant church, it's the perfect place for an aperitif with friends!
So, which of these charming, discreet little squares do you fancy most for your first outing, at the end of confinement?
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