Discovering Belleville
Published on 9 May 2016, dans Visit Paris
Straddling the 10th, 11th, 19th and 20th arrondissements of the capital, the Belleville district of Paris is delightful, distinctive and still relatively little-known to most visitors.
The district offers a cosmopolitan charm and an intriguing diversity, with its artists' studios, bars rich with a convivial atmosphere, trendy shops and green spaces. A stay at the Hotel Molay will allow you an enjoyable stroll to discover this atypical area!
Discover the authentically Parisian charm of Belleville
Start your discovery of Belleville with one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. Perched atop the hill that comprises most of the district, the Parc de Belleville is the highest in Paris and so offers a panoramic view of the city. Stroll amidst the greenery to the sound of the laughter of children playing in the wooden village specially designed for them.
The park also contains a couple of genuine curiosities; the city’s longest cascading water fountain, and a small vineyard with 140 plants, each of which produces 2 to 3 kilos of grapes per year.
Your tour will surely continue with the discovery of the old Belleville. The district was once a village surrounded by vineyards and priories. You can still catch the flavour of yesteryear as you wander the steep streets, buildings and courtyards overflowing with picturesque appeal.
Immerse yourself in the Jourdain neighbourhood
Also called Haut-Belleville, the Jourdain neighbourhood extends around the church of St. Jean Baptiste, a superb example of Gothic Revival architecture dating from the mid-19th century. This is a lovely area that has retained its village-like ambience, with typical bistros, cobbled streets and artists’ studios tucked into hidden byways.
Visit the Maison des Métallos
Previously a musical instruments factory and the headquarters of the Federation of Metallurgists, the Maison des Métallos is now a cultural centre offering live shows, public debates and social events.
Don’t miss the Open Days of the Ateliers d'Artistes 2016
Belleville is the location of a collective of more than 250 artists' studios and 23 groups that hold annual open days, allowing visitors to come and discover their places of work. Some are permanently open to the public, whereas others invite the public to visit during annual ‘Open Days’.
The 27th edition of this event will take place this year from May 13th to 16th, allowing the curious to gain an insight into otherwise private creative universes.
As every year, all disciplines of the visual arts will be represented, including photography, painting, sculpture, ceramics and drawing.
Come along and meet the artists, discover their works and the studios in which they create, and share with them their art and find out what inspires them. It all takes place in the warmest and most relaxed of atmospheres.
This year the theme of the event is ‘Passport’ and the district will host many artists from Spain and Portugal. It promises many surprises and celebratory moments!
You can reach the Belleville district in only a few minutes from the Hotel Molay, where you are invited to enjoy the greatest comfort as our guest.
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Learn more:
Belleville park
Maison des Métallos (steelworker's house)
Association Ateliers d'artistes (Artists' studios)
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Picture copyright holder : Tourist Office Paris - Photographer Amélie Dupont
Hotel Jacques de Molay,
chic and cozy Boutique hotel in Paris, Marais district
