Square de Montsouris

Square de Montsouris

This absolutely delightful cobbled street opposite the Parc Montsouris in the 14th arrondissement of Paris is a hidden treasure and just begging to be explored.

If you dream to discover places that only locals know about and enjoy quiet strolls through little known streets in Paris, then Square de Montsouris may be the place you have been hoping to find.

From the moment you leave the neighbouring Parc Montsouris and lay eyes on this entrance to Square de Montsouris, there is a chance that it will take your breath away, especially if you visit during the summer or spring when the buildings are shrouded in thick lush greenery.

And not because of the gradual incline to reach the peak of the mere 200 metre long street, but because of the beautiful leafy entrée to what lies ahead.

Try to resist the urge to scramble up this private, residential passage.  Quietly, take your time because there is much detail to observe, admire and discover.

The gorgeous mosaic friezes that you can see above, hiding under the eaves of the first home that you will encounter, might be missed without an eagle eye.

Mosaics do feature along Square de Montsouris, some of which look like they may have been the handy work of the inhabitant.

But some, adorning the building’s façades are far more elaborate and my suspicion is that the same artist provided decoration for a few of the homes that line the street.

Closer inspection of the building opposite reveals a similar style, with brilliant indigo blue and golden tiles, flourishes of flowers enhancing either side of the iron work of the small French balconies, creating pretty masterpieces that glisten, with what little sunlight that was available.

The ‘ruelle’, which sounds so much sweeter than alleyway, was developed between the 1920’s and 1930’s, with approximately half of the premises built with bricks.

Each and every home is different from its neighbour.

Each with their own style and personality.

And each and every home is decorated with some type of plant matter.  Whether it be creeping vines, crawling up the buildings, shrubs cascading over fences, bright flowers complementing small gardens or flower boxes placed in any available spot.

If Parisians can find someplace to create a small garden or a place to put a flower pot, they will.

See what I mean!

 

 

And if they can find somewhere to park a car, they will.

Do you think that someone expertly reversed this little darling into that almost perfectly sized space or perhaps a couple of burly weight lifters picked it up and plonked it down there?

 

The only complaints I can offer about Square de Montsouris are two fold and selfish.

Number one, is that I don’t own a house on this tiny jewel of a street.

And number two is that there were a couple of parked cars, obscuring the views of my photos, how dare them!

 

 

But wait, there is more …

Most of the architecture on Square de Montsouris is Art Nouveau and Art Deco and I might add; Square de Montsouris is not a traditional square, as its name would suggest but a private, cobbled street with a slight curve and peak.

Towards the end of this street, before it meets with Avenue Reille,  is this half timbered ‘Medieval’ building.

I put medieval in inverted commas for a reason, because as you now know, the street was developed during the 1920’s and 1930’s, but here it is, a half timbered building standing tall and proud.  Clearly not an original but another added surprise.

 

J’adore this little piece of paradise, tucked away in an outer arrondissement of Paris and enjoy sharing my finds with you.

 

However, I have to stress …

this is private property, as the sign says, and I don’t want the residents to close the street with iron gates, not allowing us to explore it anymore because we have become a nuisance.

 

Therefore I ask; can you please flâneur quietly, discreetly and with respect.  Merci.

As you finally make your way to the end the Square de Montsouris there are two more surprises, one which comes gift wrapped in ivy.

There is that pesky private sign again … let’s pretend we didn’t see it, it can be our little secret.

And opposite on the corner of Square de Montsouris, at #53 Avenue Reille, you will find the premises designed for French born cubist painter, Amédée Ozenfant in 1923 by no other than architects; Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret.

There are many hidden treasures, off the beaten path in Paris to be discovered, you just need to know where to find them.

If you have found this useful or interesting, please leave a comment or follow me here on facebook for daily tips, photos and anecdotes. Your feedback encourages me to keep this site up to date.  Merci!

Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire :

Square de Montsouris – MAP
Paris 75014

Nearest Metro :
Porte d’Orléans

RER B – Cité Universitaire

Nearest Bus Lines :
21, 216, 88, 513

You May Also Like to Visit This Le Corbusier :

  • Maison La Roche – Foundation Le Corbusier
    Maison La Roche – Foundation Le Corbusier
    At the end of a leafy private lane is an iconic tribute to the architect of modern architecture.

More Paris Adèle Secrets Are Just a Click Away :

  • Belle Époque Brothels
    Belle Époque Brothels
    Lavish brothels dotted around Paris during the Belle Epoque were easily identifiable, some relics exist today, if you know what to look for.
  • Square de Montsouris
    Square de Montsouris
    A hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
  • Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu
    Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu
    A 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 Galcante
    La Galcante
    Vintage 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 Rapp
    Lavirotte Building and Square Rapp
    Exquisite 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’Ancre
    Passage de l’Ancre
    Who would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
  • Rue Crémieux
    Rue Crémieux
    A 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 Forains
    Musée des Arts Forains
    Transport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
  • Villa Olivier-Métra
    Villa Olivier-Métra
    Pretty 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-Geneviève
    Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
    A 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 Institute
    St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute
    Hidden away on a leafy hill is the oldest Russian Orthodox Theological Institute in Western Europe.
  • Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine
    Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine
    Lurking 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 Paris
    An Angel in Paris
    Soaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
  • Bibliothèque Richelieu
    Bibliothèque Richelieu
    Millions of books line the walls of this historic library under monumental ceilings and finally, it is open to the public.
  • The Secret Passage
    The Secret Passage
    This 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 Boudin
    Passage Boudin
    Creeping 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 Florale
    Cité Florale
    A 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 Cailles
    La Butte aux Cailles
    A secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
  • Rue de Mouzaïa
    Rue de Mouzaïa
    Off 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 Thermopyle
    Rue des Thermopyle
    Apart 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 Veneur
    Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur
    Hidden away behind the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais is a little known secret square with a surprising artistic connection.
  • Salvador Dali Sundial
    Salvador Dali Sundial
    Many people pass this hidden gem by Salvador Dali tucked away on the Left Bank of Paris unaware that they only need to look up.

One Response to Square de Montsouris

  • Elizabeth Lutman

    Love it. I will definitely have to search this out. Thank you and I won’t tell.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.