What to do in Paris' 20th arrondissement ?
If you went to Bastille or near le Canal St Martin after my French classes in Paris, you may have already passed close to the 20th arrondissement but never stopped. While the 20th arrondissement is less visited than other Paris’s neighbourhoods and museums, I recommend you wander there. You will find a lot of hidden treasures and a real artistic vibe. Let’s go for a virtual tour of this cosmopolitan district! (photo © parisianavores Paris)
What to see in Paris' 20th arrondissement ?
La campagne à Paris
“The countryside in Paris” is the name of this small island of pavilions perched on top of a hill near the Porte de Bagnolet. A unique place in Paris.
Everything contributes to giving this area an atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else in the capital. First of all, its immutable silence, a rare luxury in Paris, which adds a delicious solemnity to the beauty of the place. You will also find charming pavilions which present both a unity of construction and a personality of their own. While some pavilions have pretty canopies, you will see others with small gardens overflowing with wisteria and roses. Some facades stand out with bright and original colors. The pavilions were built at the beginning of the 20th century for the working population. It was intended to improve their living conditions and facilitate their access to property.
Cemetery Père Lachaise
The Père-Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in Paris, if not in the world. It is visited by just over a million people each year ! Funny enough it is also the biggest green space in Paris. The Père-Lachaise cemetery has around 5,000 trees representing around 50 different species.
The visit if free but if you’d like to know more, you could contact the Storyteller of Père Lachaise. Every weekend, he takes you on a lovely ride. He has a lot of anecdotes about Marcel Proust and Oscar Wilde to tear you from unexpected smiles. And ff you take a guided tour of Pere Lachaise, you’ll also discover a unique, nearly secret, garden at the back gate of the cemetery.
Le parc de Belleville
At the heart of Belleville Hill, Le Parc de Belleville offers one of the most beautiful views of Paris. Unlike the other large Parisian parks created during the Haussmannian works, le Parc de Belleville is a modern construction (from 1988).
Until the 19th century the parc hosted many vineyards. Now the terraced gardens offer different floral settings and even a waterfall that ends below in a water garden.
(photo © un jour de plus à Paris).
La petite ceinture (the small belt)
Between rue de Ménilmontant and rue des Couronnes, La petite ceinture offers a space of 5,000 m² framed by 2 tunnels. A large wooden dock with a few seats was built to relax. Below, a path is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Strollers runs along the old railway line, which was used to transport passengers until 1934.
Le Pavillon Carré de Baudoin
Located at the corner of rue des Pyrénées and rue de Ménilmontant, the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin offers free access to exhibitions and conferences all year round. This remarkable building is considered the most important cultural space in the district today.
This popular place of culture, open to all, has a free program with conferences and an urban art wall. For photography lovers, you often have free exhibitions (Willy Ronis, Bamako photo in Paris,…)
Street Art
In Paris’ 20th arrondissement, magnificent or strange works of art are displayed without complex, around many streets. Urban art has long been part of the DNA of the French capital. To discover street art, you have to go up rue de Ménilmontant. In particular, you will discover an emblematic fresco, produced by Jérôme Mesnager. And further up the same street, you can admire recent works on the facade of the Pavillon Carré de Baudoin. Finally, you can take a walk in the famous rue Denoyez, des Maronites, rue de la Forge, rue de Belleville and Place Frehel. In all of these passages, you can admire magnificent frescoes, which are really worth a look!
Where to eat in Paris' 20th arrondissement ?
15 Rue des Panoyaux 75020 PARIS
Great traditional French cuisine with a friendly service. Located in the hip part of town, with a reasonably priced and great wine selection, it is one of my favourite restaurants
43 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris
Associative place of life, between café, bar, exhibitions and meetings. The Floreal promotes young creation and emerging artists. With a sparkling turquoise Art Nouveau facade, and vintage touches, it’s a perfect Frenchie cozy place
21 Rue Malte Brun, 75020 Paris
As a couple or with friends, a stop at L’Entracte is a must when passing through the Père Lachaise district. The decor is neat, the plates are comforting, and the wines well selected by the owner. It’s a very good neighbourhood restaurant with well presented dishes.
Rouleau de printemps
42 Rue de Tourtille, 75020 Paris
A hidden gem in the midst of the city of culture. A great priced restaurant which offers a great selection of Vietnamese food and can cater for all dietary needs! With an authentic Vietnamese ambience, it’s an ideal quick stop.
Where to shop in Paris' 20th arrondissement ?
2 Rue de la Mare, 75020 Paris
Before becoming a bookseller, Guillaume Dumora worked at “L’Association”, a house that publishes comics and graphic novels. But he was also an outfielder in a street performance company. This sums up quite well his capacity for flexibility and adaptation necessary for the bookstore profession.
141 Avenue Gambetta, 75020 Paris
Located between Pelleport and Saint-Fargeau, this cute bookstore offers a very large choice of books and works. You will find thousands of references, from the literary production both new and classic, to paperback and art books.
67 Rue de la Mare, 75020 Paris
Belleville is a place where artist studios flourish. Cosmopolitan and lively, the district attracts a plethora of designers looking for inspiration. The Atelier Beau Travail, located on the heights, is shared by four very talented young designers. You can find bags, accessories, lamps, scarves and clothing with graphic prints.
Vintage 77
77 Rue de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris
Very nice store with branded vintage pieces but also new collections. A large choice of fashion clothes, accessories, glasses, bags, jewellery, gloves, hats, shoes.
Where to go out in Paris' 20th arrondissement ?
Aux Folies
8 rue de Belleville 75020 PARIS
Victim of its success, it’s always busy! Great little bar to go for a coffee or for drinks in the evening, reasonably priced. Waiters are very attentive and friendly. With a nice atmosphere and a great seating outside, it’s worth a visit.. if you can find a table.
109 rue de Bagnolet 75020 PARIS
In the historic Saint Blaise neighbourhood, Mama Shelter welcomes you with a stylish interior. You can take a break on sunny days on the beautiful rooftop and enjoy a meal or sip on a drink while you let your eyes wander over a panoramic view of the city. It’s also a hotel with rooms that are not too big but very functional and modern.
23 rue Boyer 75020 PARIS
Located on an easy walk from the Gambetta metro stop, la Maroquinerie is a small venue with a pleasant outdoor courtyard dining café. The stage area in the basement is small and intimate (with a capacity of 200 approx). With food served late and a friendly staff, it’s a little musical goldmine.
19-21 rue Boyer 75020 PARIS
Bar, restaurant, club, and exhibition space, this building once housed Paris’ first workers’ co-operative. Film and music festivals take place on the top level, while downstairs, the club and concert venue feature new bands and an ’80s night.
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