Charonne Paris
The last true village in Paris?
Adam from Paris
Move outside the heart of Paris and you quickly arrive in areas that were previously small suburban towns and villages. Some of these are well-known today and have moved upmarket, such as Belleville, Montmartre and Batignolles, but in my opinion the one which has managed to keep its original identity the most is Charonne. This is all the more surprising when you consider that huge tower blocks today constitute one edge of this ‘village’!
The best way to appreciate this area is to walk up the Rue de Bagnolet from M° Alexandre Dumas until you arrive at the XIIth century Romanesque Eglise St Germain de Charonne, one of only two left in Paris with an adjoining cemetery.
If I want silence, nowhere in the city is better than a bench in this bucolic spot. After a quick rest, hop over the road to the Rue St Blaise, a small cobbled street on which a selection of bars, restaurants and artists studios have now settled.
As you arrive at the end, the towers loom up in front of you but veer right here through the Rue Vitruve and Rue des Pyrenees until you arrive on the Rue des Haies, possibly the most authentic working class street left in the city.
Paris Spotter Adam
About this spot
Rue de Bagnolet, Rue St Blaise
- 24 hours daily
€
no-price
Our Paris City Guide
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
La Gare Le Gore
Jazz in train station
Jazz lovers attention! Visit La Gare Le Gore for contemporary jazz in a former station, then stay for the late-night DJ sets and dance into the early hours.
by
Rachele
Luisari
Marché de Belleville
Chaotic farmers' market
Marché de Belleville is the most fun and chaotic market I've been to in Paris, and it's full of locals. Find stands with amazing olives, dates or spices!
by
Rachele
Luisari
Rue Férou
A celebration of literature
"Rue Férou" in Paris has a mural of Rimbaud's Bâteau Ivre on what is now a tax center. It's all written by hand by calligrapher Jan Willem Bruins.
by
Alix
Mengin
Coutume Café
Proof that Paris has good coffee
"Coutume Café" is THE place in Paris you should take any sceptic who still believes it is impossible to find a good cup of coffee in the French capital...
by
Alix
Mengin
Chapon Chocolat
Chocolate mousse bar
"Chapon Chocolat" in Paris is the only high-tier chocolatier that has a chocolate mousse bar! The owner drew inspiration from picking ice cream flavours...
by
Alix
Mengin
Rue du Montparnasse
Crêpes galore!
"Rue du Montparnasse" in Paris is THE place to be to try authentic French savory crêpes, aka galettes, just like they make them in Brittany.
by
Alix
Mengin
Jardin Catherine-Labouré
Orchard turned garden
"Jardin Catherine-Labouré" in Paris was an orchard that belonged to the Filles de la Charité convent; today, it's the perfect place to take your kids!
by
Alix
Mengin
Au Chat Noir
Poetry and good wine
Au Chat Noir is a heartwarming, dimly lit bar where cozy chaos reigns, drinks are cheap, and the basement hosts poetry nights and small concerts.
by
Rachele
Luisari
La Cité Fertile
Eco-friendly third place
La Cité Fertile in Pantin is an eco-friendly hub with brunches, DJ sets, markets, and workshops. A perfect spot for sun, culture and great atmosphere.
by
Rachele
Luisari
Heading to Paris?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Paris?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
