Walks around unusual streets in Paris

As you stroll through Paris, you may pass by a charming passage, an intriguing alley, or a secret street whose existence you’ve never before suspected. There are a lot of unusual streets scattered throughout the capital. The Cler Hotel reveals these hidden worlds undiscovered by most tourists and invites you to take a stroll or two amidst their little-known delights.

The Rue Crémieux (12th), a hint of Notting Hill

Lined with houses painted in gentle, pastel shades, this pretty little cobbled street that connects the Rue de Bercy to the Rue de Lyon has a distinct hint of the Portobello Road about it. With plenty of potted plants, trompes l'oeil and rainbow facades, its joyous appearance raises spirits even in winter!

The Passage du Chantier (12th), in the land of Pinocchio

A place of carpenters and cabinetmakers since the 17th century, the Passage du Chantier boasts various workshops where craftsmanship in wood reigns supreme. You will love the many intriguing signs embellishing the picturesque frontages of the shops.

The Rue des Vignoles (20th), a veritable labyrinth

The Rue des Vignoles can be accessed from the Boulevard de Charonne and is distinguished by its fifteen cul-de-sacs and narrow passageways dating back to the 19th century, each more cramped than the one before. This is certainly the case with the Impasse Poule, which is just 2 metres wide! At the end of this street you’ll find the Place de la Reunion and its market.

The retro Passage L’homme (11th)

Not far from the bustling district of Bastille, the Passage L'Homme connects the Rue de Charonne to the Avenue Ledru-Rollin and offers a considerable amount of retro charm, making the walker feel that they have stepped back in time. Over a hundred metres in length, it has workshops surmounted by cosy apartments, plus plants and flowers galore, including glycine, bellflowers and vines. 

Calm and secret, the Rue Mouffetard (5th)

The Rue Mouffetard has hardly changed for more than 2000 years and escaped the great city remodelling works of Baron Haussmann. A source of inspiration for Victor Hugo in his Les Misérables, it also hides a small secret passage behind the door of No. 52, a hidden place with white walls bordered by climbing plants; another unsuspected calm haven in the heart of Paris.

The bucolic charm of the Villa Daviel (13th)

The heart of the peaceful and arty district of Butte-aux-Cailles hides this paved cul-de-sac built in 1912. The front gardens are a riot of greenery, the shrubs, trees and flowers barely held at bay by gates and elegant railings. A place to savour on beautiful days!

And just out of curiosity... the shortest street (2nd)

Among the unusual streets of Paris the shortest can certainly be counted. Located in the Bonne-Nouvelle district, it’s called the Rue des Degrés and no-one lives there for the very good reason that it is only 5.75 metres long and consists of fourteen steps. You will find no doors or windows on this street. In fact, you could even traverse its length without putting a foot on the ground, simply by sliding down the railings.

We should also mention the Rue des Thermopyles (14th), the Cité Durmar in the Rue Oberkampf (11th), the Square des Peupliers (13th), the poetically picturesque Passage Molière (3rd) and the Rue de Mouzaïa (19th); charming and unusual passages and streets that well deserve your attention while you’re wandering the city!

photo credit : thebelleabroad

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Le Cler Hôtel is a classic and charming 3-star hotel, close to theTour Eiffel