Us poor Parisians stuck in Paris are determined to treat ourselves to one last peaceful moment before the wheeled suitcases start shaking the sidewalks again. Good news: there are still plenty of hidden spots where you can chill in peace with a book in hand while waiting for those urgent emails to come flooding back in.
The (Almost) Empty Parks Where You Can Breathe
Forget the bustling Place des Vosges filled with picnics, and head to some less Instagram-friendly spots that are way more soothing. The Alpine Garden at the Jardin des Plantes, tucked away at the back of the park, is a little green paradise where you can only hear the birds chirping. The same vibe can be found at Bagatelle Park (yes, the one with the peacocks) during nap time, or Floral Park, where the flower-lined paths remain mysteriously deserted even in the middle of August. Surprise: even the Buttes-Chaumont – the largest park in Paris where there's rarely a square meter to spare – has seen its crowd thin out considerably this summer.
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Cafés for reading and peaceful terraces
If you love the café atmosphere but hate the line stretching down the street, take advantage: in August, Parisians are just... not around. Head to the terrace!
potager variety from the Recyclerie (before noon, or else it gets busy), the sweet Pavillon Puebla nestled among the trees in the Buttes-Chaumont park. To help you out, here’s our top list of rustic terraces and hidden terraces for this summer to sip a cocktail in complete privacy.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Nature Walks Just a Stone's Throw from Paris
Sometimes, the best vacation is just a quick ride on the RER. Put on a cap and bike along the Ourcq Canal (a nap by the water is highly recommended), explore Saint-Germain Island and its permaculture garden, or take a forest bath in Meudon. At this time of year, you’ll definitely see way more deer than joggers!
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Museums Without Lines (Yes, They Exist)
August is also the month when you can FINALLY visit a museum without elbowing your way through crowds: the Guimet Museum becomes almost meditative without the school groups, or the Carnavalet Museum where you can almost hear the quills scratching.
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Here’s our top picks for summer exhibitions so you don’t miss a thing!
In short, if you’re looking for a last moment of peace before the hustle and bustle of commuting and stresses come back, you don’t have to go far: Paris is still full of peaceful spots. It’s best to enjoy it now… because in September, even the peacocks at Bagatelle will be stressed.
