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Last updated on 20th of March 2023 by Lena
Belleville Paris – the artist village in the east of Paris
Belleville in Paris is a gem that still lies hidden from the big tourist masses. But It’s a striving neighborhood full of artists, immigrants, and a strong revolutionary vibe. Belleville is a village within Paris, that provides a great escape from the usual hustle and bustle of the city.
Belleville is a perfect location for you to spend a day out, with plenty of street art to explore, great views, cobblestone alleys, and a cool bar scene. So if you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path, Belleville in Paris is the perfect place to visit.
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In this article, I’ll take you on a tour of Belleville and show you what makes this little neighborhood in Paris so special. You’ll discover Belleville’s culture, art, cuisine, and much more. So let’s get started and explore Belleville in Paris!
When you step out of the Metro in Belleville, you will be immediately surrounded by the vibrant energy of Belleville. Colorful street art decorates the walls, and small restaurants and cafes line the streets. Here, you’ll find traditional French cuisine as well as other ethnic delicacies from around the world.
Tipp: Get your at the Metro Station Pyréneés, Belleville, Couronnes or Ménilmontant to visit Belleville
Discover a different side of Paris in Belleville
Belleville is nothing like the rest of the city but full of surprises. From its narrow winding alleyways to the many vibrant markets, Belleville offers something for everyone. You can find anything from vintage clothing and second-hand records to exotic spices and handmade crafts.
The little district is also home to a number of art galleries featuring both local and international artists.
Belleville in Paris is not a place to find a picturesque postcard Paris though. There are no classy Haussmann buildings or fancy storefronts in this part of town, neither pompous streets nor in-crowds. Belleville is a colorful and friendly working-class district shaped by migrants, artists, and musicians.
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Gentrification isn’t a stranger to Belleville, but even though rising, rents are still ranking along with the lower Parisian average and the spirit of the area remained pretty unique compared to the rest of Paris.
Since the 80’s Belleville also emerged as the second Chinatown of Paris. It is smaller than the famous Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement between Place d’Italie and Porte d’Ivry. But it’s rather a low-key gem of Paris, but with plenty of great restaurants and of course a Parade for the Chinese New Year.
Belleville Paris: Great Neighbourhood for Budget Travellers
If you’re traveling on a lower budget or want to experience Paris as a local, Belleville is a great neighborhood to set as a base when traveling to Paris. Find your hotel here.
Belleville is one of the most interesting quarters of Paris and also one of the (few) nontouristic areas of Paris. A perfect place if you are searching for Paris experiences off the beaten track. But what are the things to do in Belleville? Read on!
Babel Belleville
- great local vibes & close to Metro
- Air conditioning & Room Service
- Breakfast Included
Why should you visit Belleville in Paris?
Belleville used to have a life of its own, until it became part of Paris in 1860. It’s very similar to Montmartre – both are perched on the highest hills in the city and share an artistic vibe with strong working-class roots!
But while Montmartre is swayed by the Belle Époche at the turn of the last century, the Belleville of today is rather influenced by the zeitgeist of newer times. What’s Picasso and Hemingway for Montmartre, is Street Art for Belleville.
Given its strong alternative vibe, Belleville was among the first places in Paris that started with little shared neighborhood gardens and urban garden patches along the roadside. By now, these little fields of green pop up in most Parisian neighborhoods off the center, but Belleville certainly was ahead of it.
The Best things to do in Belleville
To help you set off to the east and explore this eccentric neighborhood for yourself here’s for you a list of the best things to do in Belleville.
#1 Spot the best Street Art of Paris in Belleville
Belleville is basically the Parisian heaven of street art, the center of urban art. It’s one of the best street art locations in Europe. You find it across the entire district. In every corner, and on every wall.
From graffiti and murals, that cover an entire sidewall of a multi-story building to a 2-inch patch half-hidden beyond a trash can. The most famous spots to see graffiti in Belleville are Rue Denoyez and the Place Frehel. But keep your eyes open and watch out for the little hidden treasures that are hidden everywhere.
Place Frehel at the corner Rue Julien Lacroix and Rue de Belleville is also home to a little urban garden and the Culture Rapide. A popular local bar with a spacious outside area, poetry slams, and a laid-back atmosphere (plus affordable beers).
#2 Visit the Musée Edith Piaf and her childhood house
Belleville is the birthplace of one of the most famous French singers: Edith Piaf. Rumors are saying she was born on the pavement of number 72 Rue de Belleville and a plaque is honoring this event from the 19th of December 1915 (her birth certificate states differently though).
However, it is certain that she lived in a little apartment at 5 Rue Crespin du Gast before she became famous. Today, the apartment hosts a privately run museum at her honor and displays personal items, photographs, letters, and her famous black dress
The visit to the Edith Piaf Museum is free of charge, donations are excepted though. Note that you need a reservation and the tour is in French only. Check here for more free museums in Paris!
#3 Join Kasia on a Street Art Tour
Read my review of this fun Street Art Tour
If you want want dive deeper into the Parisian street art scene? Take a Neighbourhood and Street Art Tour with Kasia. She is an artist and a local guide and will show you all of Bellevilles secrets. Together you’ll explore the coolest art pieces, and learn lots of back ground information and the stories behind the artist’s work. Good news: The walking tours are suitable even for a little budget! → Click here for more info
I took this Street Art Tour in September 2021 and can absolutely recommend it!
#4 Visit Place de Belleville & Take in the View
Knowing that Bellville is located around a hill you can be sure there is also a hilltop with a beautiful view over Paris. And what a view! The Parc de Belleville is covering one slope of the Belleville hill and apart from a stunning panorama, it has nice playgrounds, cascades, and even a vineyard.
#5 Relax in the Parc de Belleville
Belleville is winding up a hill and most of the western side of the slop is covered by a very atypical park. It’s actually one of the coolest parks in Paris, where locals meet up for a sunset apero or to simply relax in the sun.
So if you want to immerse yourself into the Parisian lifestyle, get yourself a baguette, some cheese, olives and a botte of wine and while away the evening.
#6 Discover the Petit Ceinture of the 20th
The Petit Ceinture is an abandonned railroad belt around Paris, that was used until the early 20th century. First, it was used mainly for goods and then for passengers as well. However, with the introduction of the Metro, the Petit Ceinture got more and more redundant and finally closed in 1936.
It was only in 1995, when plans to reanimate the old railroads around Paris got seriously considered. Today, a handfull of sections are open to the public and serve as an urban park. In Belleville lies the section of the 20th arrondissement, that you can easily visit on your tour through the neighbourhood.
What else can you do in and around Belleville?
Don’t miss our most popular article: 75 hidden gems in Paris – discover Paris off the beaten track!
Where to eat and drink?
You’ll notice quickly that Belleville is not an area of stay-at-homes: you have bars and pubs on every corner and when the weather is nice, certain areas turn basically into a big beer garden. Due to different waves of migration, you find a lot of great Asian, middle east and Indian restaurants in Belleville – click here to see the full range and profit also from a discount of up to 50%
Aux Folies
Located just at the corner of Rue Denoyez, the “Street Art Mile” of Belleville, this bar is an institution within the neighborhood. Aux Folies is situated in an old cabaret from the ’20s and it’s today a typical Parisian Brasserie. It’s always busy, no matter if you’d come for breakfast or a last drink before heading home (they’re open from 7 am to 2 am, every day!). Good to know: the prices are reasonable.
Le Vieux Belleville
This old-style bar and restaurant are situated just on the hilltop of Belleville. It comes with three main features: an absolutely awesome patio that is just inviting you to stop by and have a nice glass of wine or a cold beer (especially if you just marched up the stairs to the summit of Belleville). Second, Le Vieux Belleville has a lot of musical events going on. If you want to attend an Edith Piaf evening or sing French songs on one of the sing-along evenings (they hand out song sheets :)), Le Vieux Belleville is your place! Click here to see their program And lastly, they are serving really good food!
check out also our post about vegan restaurants in Paris!
Where to stay in Belleville?
If you want to experience a Parisian neighborhood where you live alongside locals, drink your beer next to locals and see generally more Parisians than tourists, Belleville might be absolutely your neighborhood. It’s a colorful mix of all sorts of people, maybe a little rough at the edges, but full of charm and authenticity. The density of hotels within Belleville is a bit lower than in the rest of Paris – which I personally see as a good thing – but it leaves you less choice as well.
However, even though there are fewer hotels in Belleville, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t some really nice place to spend a good time:
The hotel is greatly situated to explore both: the Parc de Belleville and the rest of Paris. The park and also the next Metro station are just a few steps away. The stylish and modern Hotel Scarlett is equipped with air-con and free WiFi. They also have family rooms, and facilities for disabled guests and you can bring your pet!
With its location just at the Cemetery Père Lachaise, the Mama Shelter is not exactly IN Belleville but very close by. Mama Shelter is definitely one of the coolest hotels in Paris. It’s a stylish designer place with a rooftop bar and an iMac in each room. No need to say that you have free WiFi. They have also an in-house Brasserie and Pizzeria.
The Hotel is located just on the foot of the Belleville hill. Due to its location in between the Metro stations Belleville and Couronnes, it grants easy access to the rest of Paris.
The hotel has dorms but also private double rooms – the best feature is however the roof top terrasse with stunning views over Paris. See here if you’re travel dates are available
You find some lonely places in Belleville
Did you like this guide? Don’t miss our full list of neighborhood guides!
PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris
FAQ Belleville Paris
Belleville is a hidden gem in Paris, that is a great neighborhood to explore if you have a little bit more time. It’s perfect to see street art, enjoy local life, enjoy the Parisian nighlife and discover a rather unknown side of Paris.
Belleville is famous for street art that you can spot on every corner. It is also the birthplace and neighbourhood of Edith Piaf, the famous French singer. Since the 80’s, Belleville is famous as one of the two Chinatowns of Paris. You also can enjoy stunning views over Paris from the top of Parc de Belleville.
The best street to see street art in Belleville in Paris are Rue Denoyez and Place Frehel.
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