Secret Paris

Paris is always in the spotlight. And after a visit or two (or maybe reading too many travel blog posts about this city), you may feel like you know the place like the back of your hand. But what makes a city like Paris wonderful is the fact that there is always something new for even the most seasoned travelers to discover. Seth Sherwood of the New York Times shares a list of eight “Secret Places,” hidden beneath the facades of old buildings or below familiar streets.

City-sleuths will be rewarded by the intimacy and authenticity of these insider spots. The owners of places like Chez Nous, Chez Vous (a bed and breakfast-style home stay) and Hidden Kitchen have found economical ways to maintain a sort of speak-easy feel: They are literally letting you into their homes for an elaborately prepared meal. Pictured here is Oliver Magny’s Ô Chateau, an underground wine education and tasting gig he originally started in his parents’ apartment.

And The Box in Paris recreates the feel of Gertrude Stein’s salon at 27 Rue de Fleurus from the 1920s. Aline Geller replaces Gertrude as the gracious host and cook, and the Box is a combined gallery, performance space, and a place to sleep. Check out the full article here, which includes links to most of the places. 

Do you have a favorite secret spot in Paris that you’re willing to share?

–Marley Gibbons

Photo: via Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0