Rue Cremieux-Bastille
It has to be one of Paris 's best streets and it will certainly put a smile on your face. You might also think you were being teleported to some island in the Caribbean. Rue Cremieux is a short pedestrian street lined on both sides by cute buildings, lit in all the rainbow's vibrant colours. It was in fact a covered street until 1897, and was even partially flooded in the 1910's great flood. Interestingly, when we came here over the weekend, there were no visitors, just locals were reading the weekend papers in the sun. Nevertheless, locals have faced rising numbers of visitors in recent years and are appealing to the authorities to save them from the tourists.
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
If you want to see how the locals spend their warm weekends in Paris, head over to one of Paris' best parks. It's way out in northeastern Paris, where rents are still somewhat sane – making it one of the last remaining areas in the city where young families can live, without heading out 'God forbid' has passed the Périphérique Boulevard and into the suburbs. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, like quite a few other Parisian parks, was built out of an abandoned quarry. The key feature of the park, opened in 1867, is a towering rock that rises out of a central lake. You can do it with your picnic lunch through a suspension bridge, or just find a spot on the lawn.
Canan Saint-Martin
The eastern part of the city is frequently neglected, between the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees and everything else in Paris. That is what makes parts of the Saint-Martin Canal one of Paris' best hidden locations. The canal was dug to shorten the distance for vessels sailing down the Seine but these days, one of the most diverse in Paris is the area at the southern end of the canal. Traditionally a working-class hub, hipsters and young couples are slowly taking over the 10th arrondissement – shifting this neighborhood's feel while still maintaining a distinctive cultural blend. During the day it is super romantic to grab a spot along the canal. Yet real magic starts.
The Terrace at the Printemps Department Store
The fact that Le Printemps is one of the legendary department stores in Paris after 1865 is by no means a state secret. Only a small percentage of shoppers frequenting this store, however, ever venture to its terrace for a panoramic view of Paris! Take the elevator to the top floor and take the escalator up to Cafe Déli-Cieux one more level. Step outside onto the terrace and enjoy a 360-degree view of Paris!
Rue Mouffetard - Latin Quarter
This is one of the best commercial streets in Paris, and is frequently missed by tourists with too many must-see Parisian highlights nearby. That is what makes Rue Mouffetard one of Paris' best secret locations! The street itself is a paved lane winding its way up the hill towards Place de la Contrescarpe.
It was in fact an ancient Roman road that led from Paris to Rome, and it still has a medieval look and feel in this area. Rue Mouffetard's bottom is where you can find excellent breakfast spots, along with the majority of fruit & vegetable shops. You'll come across excellent bakeries, wine shops and cheesemakers as you head up to Place de la Contrescarpe – oh, and how can we miss the roasted chicken! I just love how the mystical force of gravity flavors the potatoes at the edges!
Rue Des Barres-Maris
If Rue Cremieux was a picturesque street, it's both picturesque and lively Rue des Barres. Located on the edge of the fashionable neighborhood of Marais, right by the Seine, you'll be taking pictures like there's no tomorrow over here. It's one of the most romantic lanes in Paris, and has two distinct highlights as well. The first is St-Gervais-St-Protais church with extraordinarily stunning stained glass windows – one of the oldest in Paris. The second is L'Ebouillante – a nice brunch venue, and the kind of place that will keep you sitting for hours in the sunny terrace outside.