Paris, the “City of Light,” is often celebrated for its iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées. While these world-renowned attractions are certainly a must-see, the magic of Paris also lies in its hidden gems—quiet streets, secluded gardens, and little-known spots that reveal the true charm of the city. Exploring Paris in a vintage sidecar offers a unique and intimate way to discover these secret places, all while enjoying the thrill and freedom of a retro ride.

 

A sidecar tour through Paris allows you to visit these secret corners while also capturing the nostalgia of a bygone era. The open-air design of the sidecar, the gentle hum of the motorcycle engine, and the breeze in your hair create an experience that’s both exhilarating and intimate, ideal for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Here are five hidden gems in Paris you can discover in style with a vintage sidecar tour.

 

1. The Secret Gardens of the Palais-Royal

 

While the Palais-Royal itself is no secret, its beautiful gardens are often overlooked by the crowds flocking to nearby landmarks like the Louvre or the Seine. Tucked away behind elegant stone arcades, the Jardin du Palais-Royal is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Paris. Dating back to the 17th century, these formal gardens are surrounded by stunning architecture, with perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, and vibrant flowerbeds. It's a spot where locals come to relax, and it offers a calm respite from the bustling streets of Paris.

 

Riding to the Palais-Royal in a vintage sidecar adds an extra touch of romance to the experience. You can glide through the serene, tree-lined streets that lead to the palace, pausing for a moment in front of the grand architecture before stepping into the garden. Here, you’ll find the famous Colonnes de Buren, a contemporary art installation featuring black-and-white striped columns that contrast sharply with the classical surroundings.

 

For a truly hidden gem, take a short walk to the Comédie-Française—one of the oldest theaters in the world, tucked discreetly next to the gardens. The theater’s historical significance is matched only by its understated beauty, making it one of Paris’ most intriguing secrets. Riding through this area by sidecar offers a unique glimpse of Parisian life in the heart of the city’s cultural district.

 

2. Le Passage Verdeau: A Vintage Shopping Arcade

 

Paris is famous for its shopping, but beyond the glitzy boutiques and world-renowned department stores, the city is home to a series of covered passages or arcades, which are historical shopping galleries that date back to the 19th century. One of the most charming and lesser-known passages is Passage Verdeau, located near the Grands Boulevards.

 

This charming arcade is a time capsule, with its glass roof, intricate wrought-iron details, and antique shops that feel like stepping back in time. The passage is a hidden gem for vintage lovers, with stores offering everything from rare books and postcards to vintage toys, jewelry, and collectibles. Passage Verdeau’s quiet, elegant atmosphere is a far cry from the busy, crowded streets outside, making it an ideal stop for those seeking something off the beaten path.

 

A sidecar tour can take you right to the entrance of this unique arcade. The journey through Paris’ vibrant boulevards, with their mix of old and new, is an exhilarating prelude to this historical, off-the-radar destination. After exploring the Passage, you can stop for a coffee at one of the nearby cafés, or take a moment to sit on one of the benches in the arcade’s peaceful courtyard.

 

3. The Montmartre Vineyard (Le Clos Montmartre)

 

Montmartre is one of Paris' most famous and romantic districts, renowned for its bohemian history, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views over the city. However, nestled among the picturesque streets and bustling cafés is a hidden vineyard that many visitors miss—the Clos Montmartre.

 

Tucked behind the tourist-frequented Place du Tertre and just a short walk from the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Clos Montmartre is Paris’ last remaining vineyard. This charming little patch of land has been producing wine since the 1930s and is a reminder of Paris’ historic connection to winemaking. Today, the vineyard produces a small amount of wine each year, which is sold during the Fête des Vendanges (Wine Harvest Festival) in October.

 

A ride to Clos Montmartre in a vintage sidecar is a delightful way to take in the scenic beauty of Montmartre while uncovering this hidden gem. The winding streets of the neighborhood, with their ivy-clad buildings and artistic atmosphere, are the perfect backdrop for a romantic sidecar journey. Your guide can take you through the narrow alleys, stopping near the vineyard for a quick visit and a photo op before continuing your exploration of the area.

​

4. The Coulée Verte René-Dumont (Promenade Plantée)

​

While the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or the Luxembourg Gardens are often on every visitor's list, there is one lesser-known green space in Paris that is a must-visit for nature lovers: the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, also known as the Promenade Plantée. Stretching over 4.5 kilometers, this elevated park runs through the eastern part of Paris, following a former railway viaduct.

 

The Promenade Plantée is a tranquil and scenic pathway lined with beautiful trees, flowers, and plants, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding city. What makes this park particularly special is its elevated position above the city streets, providing visitors with a bird’s-eye view of Paris’ more residential areas. It’s a perfect blend of urban and natural landscapes, making it a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors.

 

A sidecar tour through the more residential and quiet eastern neighborhoods of Paris will lead you to the entrance of the Coulée Verte. It’s a great way to experience the contrast between the bustling central districts and the calmer, green spaces that Paris has to offer. The ride through this area is quiet and picturesque, providing an opportunity to take in some of the city's hidden architectural gems as well as the lush beauty of the park itself.

 

5. The Covered Passages of the 2nd Arrondissement: Hidden Parisian Treasures

 

Paris is known for its grand boulevards and wide avenues, but tucked away in the 2nd Arrondissement, you’ll find a series of covered passages, or passages couverts, which are often overlooked by tourists. These historic arcades, dating back to the early 19th century, were originally designed as covered shopping streets to shield Parisians from the rain. Today, many of these passages are home to unique shops, galleries, and quaint cafés.

Among the most notable of these hidden passages is the Passage des Panoramas, the oldest covered passage in Paris, built in 1799. Inside, you’ll find antique shops, galleries, and charming cafés that transport you back to the days when these arcades were bustling with traders and Parisians seeking luxury goods. Other nearby passages include the Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau, both of which are also filled with vintage stores, bookshops, and hidden treasures.

 

A sidecar tour can take you through the lively streets of the 2nd Arrondissement, weaving through these secretive passages and introducing you to Paris’ lesser-known shopping and cultural districts. You’ll get to experience the city from a unique perspective, exploring its hidden retail gems while enjoying the wind in your hair and the charm of a vintage motorcycle ride.

 

Conclusion: Discovering Paris in a Vintage Sidecar

 

Paris is a city full of hidden treasures, from its secret gardens and tucked-away vineyards to its charming shopping arcades and quiet green spaces. A vintage sidecar tour is the perfect way to uncover these lesser-known gems, offering an intimate and exciting way to explore the hidden sides of the City of Light. Whether you're cruising through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, gliding past the historical arcades of the 2nd Arrondissement, or discovering peaceful oases like the Coulée Verte, a sidecar provides a unique vantage point to experience the beauty and charm of Paris in a way that few others get to.

For those seeking to discover Paris beyond the typical tourist attractions, hopping into a vintage sidecar offers not only a thrilling ride but also a chance to explore the city’s most enchanting and secretive spots. So, the next time you’re in Paris, step off the beaten path and embark on a sidecar adventure that will unveil the hidden wonders of the city—an experience you won’t soon forget.