Le Marais is my favourite district in Paris. Its narrow streets, little houses with a medieval touch and especially its unique and special shops and bars make it one of the best areas to spend a morning or an afternoon. Its streets become pedestrian zones on Sundays and that brings plenty of visitors there. The gardens of the Lamoignon house are like an oasis in the middle of all those streets and shops.
This garden was named after Mark Ashton, an LGBT activist, in 2018. Mark Ashton was a political activist who supported both the LGBT community and the mining community back in the 1980s. Ashton is most famous for starting his own charity in 1985 to raise money for struggling mining families. You can read more about him here.
Normally open between 9:00 and 20:30 (during the summer season), it is a simple square area with grass, some benches around and trees that give the place some cool shade. Excellent for a little break when you are tired of walking, want to have a sandwich or enjoy a soda bought in another place (there's no bar in this garden). On Sundays, there are groups of jazz or swing musicians that play their music just out in front, which makes it even more pleasant.
When there's no music, it is also an excellent spot for meditation.
Rue des Francs Bourgeois 25
€
free
Explore Paris like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Paris guide.
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
By
The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
By
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
By
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
By
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
By
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
By
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
By
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
By
"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
By
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
By
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
By
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
By
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters