BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : PARIS 

THE CAPITAL’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS

A little bit of countryside hidden in the middle of a street, a passageway to another time tucked behind a gate, a little road where the frenzy of the city has no place. The capital is overflowing with treasures that remain hidden to most and are only found when you pay attention and look closely.

One such gem is the Cité du Figuier (city of fig trees), a cobbled, flower-filled street dating back to the end of the 19th century. Step through the gate at 104-106 rue d’Oberkampf and be struck by the Mediterranean feel of the street. Palm trees, wisteria, vines, bamboo, potted plants and the magnificent fig tree give this part of Paris an exotic garden atmosphere. Behind the greenery are vibrantly coloured artists’ studios that were once metal workshops. The turquoise-blue house from the 1900 Paris International Exhibition will make you stop and look.

Walk to the Place de la Bastille to visit the Damoye courtyard (accessed via 12 place de la Bastille, 75011), an utterly charming street between two cafés. The craftspeople of the 18th century have made way for galleries, a coffee roaster and a leather goods maker.

All Parisian districts have surprises like this: the Cité des Fleurs (City of Flowers) in the 17th arrondissement, the Vaneau arcade near the Grands Boulevards area, Square des Peupliers in the 13th arrondissement and Cité Durmar in Ménilmontant. Have fun exploring!