Placette des Petits Carreaux

The Placette des Petits Carreaux is a small public square on Rue des Petits Carreaux in the 2nd arrondissement — a pedestrian-friendly street in the Sentier neighborhood that has a genuine market character. It's not a destination in itself so much as a pleasant pause point on a family walk through this part of Paris.

The Sentier neighborhood was historically Paris's garment district and has reinvented itself as a creative and startup hub, but it retains the lively street energy of its market origins. Rue des Petits Carreaux and the surrounding streets have food vendors, cafes and small shops that make it a good area for a family lunch or snack break.

For families doing central Paris, the square is easy to pass through while walking between the Marais and the Grands Boulevards. The nearby Rue Montorgueil is one of Paris's best pedestrian market streets and a must-do for families who want to experience French street food culture — cheese, charcuterie, pastries, fresh fruit — all in a lively outdoor setting.

No facilities at the square itself, but the surrounding neighborhood has public toilets and amenities within easy reach.