Paris, A City of Quiet Discoveries

Paris is more than just a city to me—it’s a place that keeps me curious. Even after decades of living here, it still surprises me. I’ve walked these streets countless times, yet there’s always something new—a hidden alley, a quiet café, or a different way the light hits the rooftops. That’s what I love most about Paris: it reveals itself slowly, rewarding those who take the time to look beyond the surface.

I’ve lived in Montmartre for years, and while most visitors know it for Sacré-Cœur and the bustling crowds around the square, I think of it differently. For me, Montmartre is the quiet streets where life moves a little slower, the small, family-run bistros tucked away from the tourists, or the staircases winding between buildings that feel like shortcuts through history. These are the parts of Montmartre I love sharing with guests—places that make them stop and say, “I never would have found this on my own.”
 

When I take guests beyond the famous neighborhoods, I often bring them to Butte Bergeyre, near the Buttes Chaumont Park. It’s one of Paris’s best-kept secrets. The first time I discovered it, I was out for a walk on my own, not expecting much. But as I climbed the hill, I found a tiny vineyard at the top, surrounded by a peaceful neighborhood. And then I saw it—a stunning view of Montmartre, stretching out across the skyline. I stood there for a while, just taking it in. Now, every time I bring guests here, I watch their reactions. There’s always a moment of silence, a sense of wonder. It reminds me of my own first time there, and it never gets old.

Another favorite spot is the Mouzaïa district. The narrow streets feel like a step back in time, lined with small, working-class houses that each have their own little garden. It’s the kind of place you don’t expect to find in a city as busy as Paris, and that contrast is what makes it so special. Walking through Mouzaïa with guests, I can see how surprised they are by the calm, the charm, the way it feels so completely different from the bustling center of the city. It’s one of those places where you can breathe.

One of my most memorable walks with a guest was along the Canal Saint-Martin. We’d picked up a fresh baguette from a nearby bakery, and we sat by the water, watching the boats drift by. They told me they’d always thought of Paris as museums and monuments, but now they could see it as a place to slow down and just be. That’s what I hope to share with everyone I host—the chance to see a quieter, more personal side of Paris.

Being a host allows me to rediscover these places through fresh eyes. I’ve been to Butte Bergeyre and Mouzaïa more times than I can count, but showing them to someone for the first time makes them feel new again. It reminds me why I fell in love with Paris in the first place. Ernest Hemingway famously said, “Paris est une fête”—Paris is a feast. For me, it’s not just a feast of landmarks or grand architecture, but of quiet moments, hidden corners, and the joy of sharing it all with others. That’s what keeps Paris alive for me—and why there’s always more to discover.