No matter how many times or how long you have been to and in Paris, the city always finds a way to take you by surprise. In the heart of the Marais, many Parisians and tourists walk the streets of this district filled with great mouthwatering locations, and avant-garde concept stores. And in the heart of this trendy spot, we thought we knew well, lays a little-known garden we often walk by without even noticing it.

While the warmer weather is coming back, Parisians all head to the Place des Vosges, but the Jardins des Archives and their 8000sqm of greenery remains a secret gem. And yet, this spot opens for free. It gathers several gardens that used to belong to private mansions and you can now discover through four landscapes.

The most famous of them if the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Rohan featuring clear views on the building with a beautiful French formal garden. The Jardin de l’Hôtel d’Assy and the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Breteuil offer a more private and romantic vibe with flowered trees and a lovely stream. The charming Jardin de l’Hôtel de Fontenay unveils a flowerbed made of a thousand flowers, a treat for sore eyes. Last but not least, the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Jaucourt delights us as it looks like a quiet meadow.

Four gardens then, featuring four different atmospheres to make you enjoy a quiet break in a verdant setting, before you resume your crazy errands. The charms of the Parisian way of life!