10 Amazing Places in Paris You Didn't Know About

Paris never stops surprising with new places and events, and Olga Shapovalova shares with us secret hotspots and a selection of events you can't miss.

Olga Shapovalova is an expert and graduate of the school 'Details', founder of O-Deco Studio. She loves and knows France, Paris, and French design well.

Where to stay?

At the Hoxton Hotel! It is located in a building constructed in the 17th century by architect Nicolas d'Orbe for Etienne de Rivière, a diplomatic advisor to Louis XV. The interior was designed by the design studio Humbert & Poyet, Soho House, and Hoxton's own creative team — Ennismore.

In the inner courtyard, there is cobblestone, a luxurious spiral staircase, and a cozy refined interior with Art Deco elements.

Each room has its own feature: it could be a view of the canal, a private terrace, or very high ceilings… What unites them? Free international calls and delicious breakfasts.

See for yourself...

One of the narrowest houses in Paris. It is located at 13 Quai Walter. Its length is only 1.2 meters.

Where to walk?

I recommend visiting the Claude Monet Museum in Giverny to those who love Monet. It is a village in Normandy, 65 km from Paris. Here the artist spent the last years of his life and painted the famous paintings from the 'Water Lilies' series. The garden is open for visits from April to November.

What to visit?

The exhibition 'Following the Thread of Time, 1918–2018, a Century of Masterpieces in Tapestry Art' at Galerie des Gobelins opened on April 10. The exhibition features about a hundred exhibits: tapestries, carpets, boxes, and furniture.

Where to go shopping?

The Caravane Showroom! Because here you’ll find everything: from furniture and accessories to lighting. The range includes only unique items from all over the world, combining traditional craftsmanship and flawless quality.

Stop for coffee?

La pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet (6 Rue de Castiglione) — the pastry shop of Cedric Grolet, a young French genius who at 30 has already received many awards and distinctions.

For several years now, Cedric has been the head pastry chef at the famous Paris hotel Le Meurice. Note that the pastry shop is closed on Mondays, and operates from 12:00 daily, closing as soon as the pastries are sold out.

Where to have dinner? Reserve a table at the Louis Vuitton Foundation restaurant Le Frank (8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi), named in honor of the architect who designed the building, Frank Gehry. The restaurant ceiling is decorated with fish imagined by Frank Gehry. The head chef is Jean-Louis Nomic.

What can't you walk past?

The Museum of Decorative Arts is currently hosting the exhibition Margiela, les années Hermès. This unprecedented project highlights the remarkable and fruitful collaboration between Hermès and Belgian designer, which lasted from 1997 to 2003.

What must you photograph?

The works of Subotica Gupta — the most prominent contemporary Indian artist. To see the sculptor’s art objects, visit the Paris Mint Museum. The exhibition will run until August 26.

"Two Cows" — bronze gilded bicycles with shiny bottles hanging from the handlebars. A giant skull made of sparkling pots and buckets. The piece is titled "Very Hungry God". Art object "Water in Pot, Pot in Water"

The perfect souvenir?

Visit the 7L bookstore in the 7th arrondissement of Paris (7 rue de Lille). In 1999, the bookstore was opened by Karl Lagerfeld. Books on fashion, art, architecture history — everyone will find something for themselves. Personally, I can't pass by the collectible editions under the 7L brand.