French touch

Think that you know all about Paris, and have done the tour of the monuments to see and the most beautiful gardens? The third most visited city in the world, Paris holds a wealth of hidden treasures that are worth going off the beaten track for. Follow the guide.

The Tuileries and Luxembourg are not the only gardens in Parisians' lives. There are also lots of charming little gardens where you can discover an astonishing botanical diversity, such as the Saint-Vincent Wild Garden in Montmartre, the gardens planted along the banks of the Seine and the hidden gardens of the 7th arrondissement. Green addicts will appreciate them. Guided tours are possible. Find a list of gardens and tours organised by Paris City Council at https://www.parisinfo.com/visiter-a-paris/parcs-et-jardins

Looking for zen? Go to the garden of the Buddhist Pantheon, an annexe of the Guimet Museum. Ponds, bamboo, stone bridges, and a tea pavilion instantly whisk you away to Japan.
http://www.guimet.fr/en/

To see the city from a height, go stargazing at the Sorbonne Observatory or the Camille-Flammarion Observatory with the French Astronomical Society. A way to discover the sky from a new perspective as well as go behind the doors of unfamiliar locations. www.saf-astronomie.fr/observations

They prefer to work with flower producers from their own region. They’re invested in seasonal products, reuse water from vases to water their plants, and never use any chemicals, except for what’s in their wrapping. As fair trade producers, they also try their best to manage and minimize wastage. These three ecologically sound florists are all about flower power as they strive for sustainable development, offer quality blooms, and dedicate themselves to the environment.

Roni Fleurs by Nicolas Barelier, the florist who has worked with the environmentally dedicated Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, among others: 6 Rue Sainte-Marguerite, 06160 Antibes, France. ://www.roni-fleurs.com

Amapola by Jacky Pacey, the first Parisian florist to be recognised as environmentally friendly: 32 Rue Faidherbe, 75011 Paris. ://amapola-fleuriste.com

Paris Fleurs by Pascaline Mahé, the crème de la crème of Parisian ecological florists: 36 Rue Gay-Lussac, 75006 Paris. ://www.paris-fleurs.fr