Secret paris: 5 secret places you will love

The French capital is packed with iconic landmarks, but there are also some incredible secret spots in Paris. To discover the hidden gems and favourite destinations of the locals, we delved into the heart of secret Paris. From little-known art studios to unexpected concept stores, quirky parks and even a vineyard, here are five reasons to start planning a trip - or just enjoy some inspiration.

STOCK EXCHANGE

The Bourse de Commerce, an 18th-century stock exchange building in the Les Halles district, reopened its doors in May 2021 after three years of renovation work. Japanese architect Tadao Ando has given it a new lease of life, and it now houses the Pinault collection of contemporary art. Design lovers will love the discreet transformation of the interior, with Ando adding a stunning nine-metre-high concrete cylinder as an exhibition space in the glass-domed central rotunda. An intriguing mix of old and new, it includes 10 exhibition spaces, an auditorium, restaurant and bookshop, as well as avant-garde furniture designed by French design stars Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. New staircases lead to a circular walkway at the top of the cylinder so that visitors can admire the great 19th-century frescoes. 2 rue de Viarmes, 75001

BRANCUSI WORKSHOP

Contemporary art lovers flock to the Centre Pompidou, but few know that there is a cultural gem nearby. The studio of the modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi has been rebuilt by the Italian architect Renzo Piano on the square outside. Born in Romania in 1876, this naturalised French sculptor, painter and photographer arrived in Paris in 1904 and made his career in France. He became famous for his elegantly sculpted heads, figures, fish and birds in marble, bronze, stone and wood. Unusually, he paid great attention to his pedestals, his studio being filled with his tactile works and their pedestals in white, cream, gold, grey and brown. When he died in 1957, he bequeathed his collection to the State on condition that his studio - at number 8, then 11, impasse Ronsin in the 15th arrondissement - be recreated as it was during his lifetime. Open to the public, this tranquil sanctuary is sure to inspire art lovers and interior decorators alike. Place Georges Pompidou, 75004

CONCEPT STORE THANK YOU

In the little black book of every self-respecting stylist, the Merci concept store in the Haut Marais is one of the most exciting secret places in Paris. The hidden courtyard-garden welcomes you first, with its plants, vines and a very cute red Fiat 500. Inside, the cavernous, industrial-style Merci shop is a coveted haven for fashion and homewares, with a superb canteen and two cafés (The Used Book Café and The Ciné Café). Occupying a 19th-century building that once housed a fabric and wallpaper factory, Merci looks like a big house, with generous windows that offer great views. Founded in 2009 by Marie-France and Bernard Cohen, Merci always surprises, with pop-up exhibitions, themes and art. There's also L'Appartement d'à côté (109), with regularly changing interiors for decorating inspiration, and La Civette (113), a space dedicated to collaborations, as well as online shopping. 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003

PALAIS-ROYAL

It's easy to visit Paris several times without finding the Palais-Royal. This elegant historic arcade hides in plain sight in the 1st arrondissement, but is often missed by visitors looking for more obvious nearby attractions, such as the Louvre or the Place Vendôme. Originally built for Cardinal de Richelieu in the 17th century and later passed down to the French royal family, the former palace is now home to an inviting public park surrounded by arcades of luxury boutiques, upmarket restaurants and cafés. Green hedges, flowers, sculptures, fountains and benches make it a peaceful retreat. For a touch of culture, French artist Daniel Buren's contemporary installation sees black and white columns striped with sweets emerge from the floor of the Cour d'Honneur. 8 rue de Montpensier, 75001

MUSÉE NATIONAL EUGÈNE DELACROIX

The charming Musée national Eugène Delacroix, in the 6th arrondissement, is dedicated to the French Romantic artist. This studio-turned-museum is less well-known than many of the city's art galleries, but is a firm favourite with local culture lovers. Sketches, paintings, engravings and writings by the enigmatic 19th-century artist are on display in his former flat and studio, now an intimate museum, alongside his personal possessions and works of art by contemporaries in his circle. Delacroix moved here in 1857, and this became his creative sanctuary until his death in 1863, with a studio in the enchanting garden. Temporary exhibitions are organised alongside the permanent collection. 6 rue de Furstemberg, 75006

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