Paris isn’t just about the bustling boulevards. The city also hides unexpected spots where you can breathe in the true scent of the countryside. Forgotten neighborhoods, cobbled alleys, shared gardens, flower-covered houses...

This August, let yourself be surprised by these green bubbles just a few metro stops from Hôtel Les Deux Girafes.

 

Butte-aux-Cailles, Mouzaïa, Charonne: Hidden Villages

Nestled in the 13th arrondissement, Butte-aux-Cailles is a little gem. Here, no Haussmannian buildings—just cobbled lanes, blooming corners, and a bohemian vibe that feels almost frozen in time. Expect to find street art, peaceful cafés, and community gardens.

In the 19th arrondissement, Mouzaïa offers a maze of villas and dead-end streets lined with small houses in bright colors. Tranquility, greenery, and the atmosphere of a working-class village from another era—perfect for a leisurely, carefree stroll.

A similar surprise awaits in the 20th arrondissement with the village of Charonne. Once a rural hamlet, now part of Paris, it has kept its cobblestones, brick walls, and old church tower—a nearly rustic setting in the heart of the city.

 

Gare XP & Passy: Urban Nature and Quiet Charm

For a more alternative vibe, head to Gare XP in the 19th: a collective vegetable garden, chicken coop, greenery, creative workshops… a real breath of fresh air and inspiration.

More refined but equally transportive is the Passy district in the 16th. Its quiet streets, houses tucked behind flowered gates, and hidden passageways evoke a peaceful provincial town full of charm.

And after the walk?

Hôtel Les Deux Girafes, located in the 11th, awaits you to continue this gentle escape. Natural design, leafy ambiance, complete tranquility… The perfect starting (or ending) point for an off-the-beaten-path Paris.

Also not to miss: the “Elegance and Mystery” exhibition by Thomas Speck.
 
This series was born from his perspective on Paris—a city that, beyond its tourist clichés, evokes a unique blend of architectural elegance and subtle mystery.
 
His Instagram @thomasspeckphotos is worth exploring, as are his works on display at the hotel until September 29.

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More informations :
- thomasspeck.art
- @thomasspeckphotos

Hotel Les Deux Girafes, a 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Bastille-République district