Cité Florale
As its name suggests, Cité Florale or The Floral City doesn’t stop there with the flowery nickname of this secret micro village hidden away in a small pocket, off the beaten path in the 13th arrondissement of Paris.
Each of the six streets that make up this small community is named after a flower and of course, it wouldn’t be complete without flowery decoration.
Whether it be flowering plants in brightly coloured pots, wisteria draping over cottage walls or motifs decorating street signage and gates.
Enchanting enough as it is when I took these shots in winter, a visit in spring or summer will see a riot of colour when the trees are lush and heavy under the weight of green leaves with flowering climbers gracing garden fences and framing windows.
The Bièvre River, which now runs underground, once flowed through this area and often flooded the meadows where Cité Florale is now located and therefore not enabling large Haussmannian structures that you see in the centre of Paris to be built here.
Instead, six small streets, courtyards and dead ends form of a triangular section between the area known as Maison Blanche and Parc Montsouris, not far from the periphery of Paris and was developed in 1928 with quaint two and three storey townhouses that wouldn’t comprise the unstable ground.
The result is an utterly charming and tranquil piece of paradise, nestled amongst some very unattractive towers, where the inhabitants have created their own personal sanctuary.
Whether it be simple and elegant
Slightly kitsch with decorative doors and fake, yet colourful flowers
Slightly overgrown
Each and every home has its unique and individual charm
and attention to detail
If waiting in long lines to enter museums or the multitude of tourists that visit Paris each year start to get you down and you need a little break away from the crowds, a wander through Cité Florale is the perfect hidden gem to give you a chance to breathe and discover something off the beaten track in Paris.
Keep your eyes peeled, there are many small details to be discovered and enjoyed
My passion is unearthing adorable out of the way places like Cité Florale.
I hope you enjoy discovering it too.
Paris has many hidden treasures, you just need to know where to find them.
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Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Cité Florale Paris 75013
Enter via:
Rue Auguste Laçon, Rue Brillat-Savarin, Rue Boussingaut or Place de Rungis
Nearest Metro: Corvisart, Tolbiac, Maison Blanche.
Flowery Street Names:
- Rue des Glycines (Wisteria)
- Rue des Iris (Iris)
- Rue des Liserons (Bindweed)
- Rue des Orchidées (Orchids)
- Rue des Volubilis (Morning Glory)
- Square des Mimosas (Mimosa)
Disabled Acces: Yes
More Off The Beaten Path Places Nearby:
Square de MontsourisA hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
La Butte aux CaillesA secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
More Paris Adèle Secrets:
Belle Époque BrothelsLavish brothels dotted around Paris during the Belle Epoque were easily identifiable, some relics exist today, if you know what to look for.
Square de MontsourisA hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-DieuA secret garden in an unusual location, right in the centre of Paris that thousands of tourists pass by each day without knowing it exists.
La GalcanteVintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.
Lavirotte Building and Square RappExquisite Art Nouveau building with one of the most beautiful doors in Paris & a tiny square that offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
Passage de l’AncreWho would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
Rue CrémieuxA tiny paved street, that oozes charm, lined with pretty colourful houses that will take your breath away, still one of Paris' best kept secrets.
Musée des Arts ForainsTransport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
Villa Olivier-MétraPretty cottages with colourful shutters line this serene leafy path with quaint personal touches added by residents who have a playful sense of humour.
Bibliothèque Sainte-GenevièveA remarkable and historic reading room with its spectacular ceiling, books lining the vast long walls and rows of green reading lamps.
St. Sergius Orthodox Theological InstituteHidden away on a leafy hill is the oldest Russian Orthodox Theological Institute in Western Europe.
Restaurant Foyer de la MadeleineLurking deep in the cellars of L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is one of Paris' best kept secrets, Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine.
An Angel in ParisSoaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
Bibliothèque RichelieuMillions of books line the walls of this historic library under monumental ceilings and finally, it is open to the public.
The Secret PassageThis lush and adorably sweet top secret passageway is a pure delight. Let me show you where to find it and how to gain entry. But sssh ... it's our secret.
Passage BoudinCreeping vines, colourful flower boxes and an unusual semi-circular building that would be more at home in the Mediterranean is just some things you will find.
Cité FloraleA secret micro village hidden away, in a small pocket, off the beaten path in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Discover why it is called the Floral City.
La Butte aux CaillesA secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
Rue de MouzaïaOff the beaten path, Rue de Mouzaia will make you feel blessed that you discovered this secret hideaway and it’s surrounds in the 19th arrondissement.
Rue des ThermopyleApart from locals taking a short-cut, or Parisians on a quiet stroll, what you will find here is a wisteria filled, rustic cobbled pathway.
Square Saint-Gilles Grand VeneurHidden away behind the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais is a little known secret square with a surprising artistic connection.
Salvador Dali SundialMany people pass this hidden gem by Salvador Dali tucked away on the Left Bank of Paris unaware that they only need to look up.