My secret corner of Paris: readers’ favourite places to visit in the French capital | Paris holidays

A chocolatier to cherish

Of all the showcases of chocolatiers in Paris, Au Chat Bleu at 85 Boulevard Haussmann never fails to attract me. It reminds me of an old-fashioned patisserie that I thought only existed in England – but it’s also very, very French. It’s full of seasonal specialties and delicacies you never knew existed alongside the traditional fruit patescolorful candies in jars and novelties like chocolate boucheta inspired by the founders’ beloved blue Persian cats. The perfect place to stock up on gifts to bring back from your travels (or just treat yourself).
Eleanor

Immerse yourself in the charm of French cinema

I lived in Paris for seven months during my student years and watching French films helped me improve my language skills. I would attend weekly viewings organized by Lost in French translation: a project created by a French and Australian duo who wanted to give non-French speaking residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the charm of French cinema. Every Friday there is a screening of a new or classic French film with English subtitles. Not only do you get to check out different theaters each week, sometimes there’s a Q&A session with the film’s director, producer or translation team.
Hina Ghafoor

Nature walk along a former railway line

On a recent sunny fall trip to Paris, we discovered the long-abandoned railway line called La Petite Ceinture, which skirted the city until the 1930s. Now it’s a wonderful nature walk with sections connecting the different parts of Paris. We loved the elevated section of the 15th arrondissement and stopped for a glass of rosé at Voice 15 at Vaugirard Station.
Alice

A deep dive into resistance and a sculptural gem

Having made the mistake of not checking to see if the big galleries were open on a Tuesday, we were left looking – and found two delights. We took a deep dive into the French resistance and its greatest heroes Musée de la Liberation de Paris on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, in the 14th arrondissement. The museum brings to life the lives of the ordinary and extraordinary people who fought against Nazi Germany, and concludes with an exciting day-by-day walk through the events leading up to the liberation. Around the corner, on rue Victor Schœlcher, is Giacometti Foundation. Here you can immerse yourself in Giacometti’s recreated studio and, through the sculptures, trace the development to his distinctive style carrying The Walking Man I, also on display.
Laura Haddon

The best view from the roof of Paris … for free

For a great (and free) view of the city, head to the top floor of the Lafayette Galleries (the one near l’Opéra Garnier) and head to the terrace. It’s a lovely place with long opening hours so you can even see Paris shine in the evening. And if you want to try the famous Angelina Cakes and No Tail Hot Chocolate, try theirs cafe in the Louvre (no more than 5-10 minutes of waiting).
Joanna

Tasty treats in the 17th arrondissement

Rue de Lévis in the 17th arrondissement isn’t on most routes, but it’s a fantastic place to explore. It has a great mix of small shops, bars and places to eat and has more of a local market feel than tourist spots. There is no shortage of delicious and artisanal treats small elections available at stalls and even in some toy stores and a few of the ubiquitous Parisian graphic novel stores. Try the pasta at Maison Arnaud Delmontelthen go to Les P’tits Potes for a glass of something wonderful.
Boz

House of Jazz

Spend an evening in La Gare (1 Avenue Corentin Cariou), an earthy jazz bar hidden in the 19th arrondissement. The place, a small house next to a railway line whose facade displays graffiti and a large painted face, exudes an appropriate mystique. Easily missed during daytime hours, the attraction of the nighttime crowds livens everything up. The program varies between jazz and club nights, offering a reliably eclectic and surprising evening. Come for the drink and dance, stay for the jazz flutist who invades the stage for an impromptu jam (not guaranteed).
Jonathan

A basement full of Monets

On Sundays, grab something tasty from the market under the train tracks on Boulevard de Grenelle. Then hop on the subway to Musée Marmottan Monet to explore an eclectic mix of art, including a bright basement gallery of Monet paintings. Enjoy your market lunch in the quiet little park just outside the gallery, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching.
CT

A taste of West Africa in the suburbs

Away from the crowds of the nearby Bastille, in the less visited district of Sharon, is Wally-Fay (Rue Godefroy Cavaignac), a pioneering Afro-French restaurant that focuses on modern West African dishes. I recently had a raucous birthday dinner with close friends in the chic but friendly dining room as we drank Ti-punch and hibiscus cocktails and indulged in pepper-spiced soups, peanut chicken and brightly flavored seafood. If you’re looking for the different side of Parisian cuisine or want to take a vegan friend, this local favorite would be a great place to start. Basic prices start at around €14.
Sophie

Winning tip: great silliness in the park

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a remarkable sight in the 19th arrondissement. Once a garbage dump, the park was built at the end of Napoleon III’s reign and centers on the dramatic Temple of the Sibyl, a folly perched on an imposing 50-meter cliff. Stroll around the man-made lake surrounding the island, follow meandering streams carved into the rocks, and look out for the native herons that watch over park visitors from their seats on the 63-meter suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Bertie Kirkwood