It always kind of amazes me how much of Paris I still haven’t seen. I like to think I know this city so well, but even in areas I’ve been to loads of times, there’s stuff I didn’t have a clue about. Like the Village Saint-Paul in the 4th arrondissement. Countless times I’ve walked around this neighbourhood and yet I’ve never noticed this hidden, village-like, space.
So when the male and I were in Paris last month, strolling from République via le Marais towards the river Seine, I didn’t expect to find a bunch of super cute courtyards at all. But you know how you sometimes see something new every time you return to a street or an area you’ve already been to? That’s exactly how it is for me when I’m in certain parts of Paris. And it’s probably why I finally spied one of the alleyways leading to the courtyards of the Village Saint-Paul.
Inside the mini-village there is cuteness all over: from antique stores to restaurants and (vintage) boutiques filled with all kinds of quirky looking objects. In other words: there’s enough (window) shopping and artefact-admiring for at least half a day. I don’t know whether it was because we were there on a Saturday morning in July, or because there are more people like me who don’t know this place exists, but it was nice and quiet; just how I like to do my exploring.
So what exactly is this Village Saint-Paul then, I wondered afterwards. An ‘urban entity’ it says on the dedicated website. Right… what else? Well, since the end of its renovation, in 1979, the cobblestone streets and green courtyards of the Village Saint-Paul have been a home to about 80 different businesses. Most of them are vintage, design and craft boutiques as well as antique stores, art galleries and cafés. The idea is for the Village to bring this discreet area alive and to develop commercial activities focused on antique, design, craft and arts. A pretty cool initiative, isn’t it!?
One More Thing: Go!
Unlike some of the other places I wrote about in my Secret Paris series, the Village Saint-Paul is one I think you should definitely go to. Not because the others aren’t worth a visit (on the contrary!), but because this one simply is located very central. So even if it’s your first time in Paris, you can easily pop over for a quick visit. It will probably be a welcome change from the super busy tourists spots… and the perfect place to unwind.
In what city do you keep finding new places?
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll probably like:
Not so Secret Paris: La Rue Crémieux
Secret Paris: La Cité Florale
A One-Street Village in Paris: La Rue des Thermopyles
Le Village Saint-Paul, 75004, Paris. Métro line 1, stop: Saint-Paul.
Happy roaming!
Love,
Neelie
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
This looks like such a neat place! Thank you for including all of the photographs. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Laura, glad you enjoyed the post & the pictures!
LikeLike
I love this area of Paris, thank you for sharing and reminding me how beautiful it is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome!
LikeLike
80 shops with great antiques and unique items, I would love to window shop all day there. This looks like an adorable place to check out, I have friends heading to Paris in September, sharing your post with her Neelie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool, I hope she gets a chance to visit it and that she will like it of course 🙂 Thank you Lisa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post and you take amazing pictures! Your pictures make me feel as if I’m there experiencing it with you. I’ve never traveled abroad but NYC is a place where I feel like I experience new things that I’ve never seen before each time or day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the compliment Lalie! Much appreciated! And NYC is such an incredible place to live (definitely a little jealous here haha) can imagine you’ll never run out of new things to experience there!
LikeLike
I’ve made it to Brasil, but would love to travel more. Thanks for the pictures and sharing your experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome Mendi! I have yet to go to Brasil 🙂
LikeLike
This looks like such a wonderful place to be. I haven’t been to Paris before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you do go to Paris sometime you might want to check this out!
LikeLike
There are so many hidden gems around. The courtyards are so pretty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, there seems to be a never ending supply of hidden gems right 🙂
LikeLike
This is such a beautiful little place! I’m planning a trip to Paris soon so I’m so glad to have found this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw nice! If you go, let me know what you thought about it! And if you need any tips let me know! But most of all enjoy Paris 🙂
LikeLike
Paris is such a beautiful city. I have visited only once, but thoroughly enjoyed it. The antique, artsy vibe of your little village area sounds really interesting and if I do get to Paris again, I hope I find my way there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lisa, the mini-village is definitely worth a visit. If you get to go to Paris again, let me know if you made it there! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Buuuuuucket list! Looks dreamy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, yes you can definitely add it to your list!
LikeLike
The photos are amazing. I love Paris, but this area looks even dreamier. Looks fairytale-like!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much and yes it is pretty fairytale-like!
LikeLike