Formerly the industrial hub of
Paris, the 20th arrondissement was practically a world away to what it is now. Today, the area is a laid-back and largely residential part of the French capital. Some parts are so peaceful, you'd easily think you were whisked away to the countryside. Many would even argue that the arrondissement is quieter than the Paris Suburbs themselves too. Such is the vibe of the city's 20th district, a tranquil haven that's perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of Paris without straying too far from the city.
Is The 20th Arrondissement in Paris Safe
The 20th arrondissement is among the safest
neighborhoods in Paris. It's a quiet and serene area that's largely residential and with little to no tourist attractions, so it doesn't get the hordes of tourists and rowdiness in the other arrondissements. And despite how high the
crime rates in Paris tend to get, you won't feel them here. The district is the kind of place where you can walk around and remain safe all throughout, sometimes even at night. Nevertheless, it still pays to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you're still unfamiliar with the area.
The 20th Arrondissement in The Paris Map
You'll find the 20th arrondissement in the eastern side of the city map of Paris. It borders the 11th, 12th, and 19th districts, not to mention serve as the outskirts of the French capital. You can even say that the 20th arrondissement is closer to the
Paris Suburbs than the city center, which is further proven with its lack of popular tourist spots. In many ways, various parts of the district already feel like the suburbs, since there are
homes in Paris you can rent here than any thing else.
What to Do in The 20th Arrondissement in Paris
Relax. The thing to do in the 20th arrondissement is to relax. The quiet atmosphere of the district is practically an anomaly in the French capital. Almost all the other arrondissements have their own liveliness, but the 20th? Not so much! This is the charm of the area—a beautiful and serene escape from the rest of the city. Though it still has its fair share of restaurants, cafes, markets, and more, the overall vibe of the place is different. There are a few bars that get pretty lit once the sun goes down, but for the most part, the 20th arrondissement is a quiet place where you can relax.
What to See in The 20th Arrondissement in Paris
As already mentioned, there are virtually no tourist attractions in the 20th arrondissement. Well, except for one—the Père Lachaise Cemetery. Undoubtedly the most famous and arguably the most beautiful of the many
cemeteries in Paris, people regard it more as a park than a graveyard. It helps that those who have been laid to rest here were pretty prominent people in French and world history. There's the iconic singer Edith Piaf, the influential playwright Oscar Wilde, and the American singer Jim Morrison, to name a few. Even if you're not a fan of any of these people, the cemetery still serves as a nice park just the same.
Best Restaurants in The 20th Arrondissement in Paris
Since the 20th arrondissement is the least crowded part of the city—at least, when it comes to tourists—it's no surprise that it doesn't have as many upscale restaurants. You'll find all the chic bistros, popular hotspots, and even
Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris in the other arrondissements. But in the 20th? Well, there are still a couple of standouts worth checking! Chez Papa on Avenue Gambette, for example, is a classic brasserie where French cuisine reigns supreme. The same goes for Bistror Père on Avenue du Père Lachaise too. And you can't forget about LB Le Chocolate on Rue Saint-Dominique! It's the best place for chocolate-lovers to get their dessert fix!
The 20th arrondissement may not be the Paris you were expecting, but that's not exactly a bad thing. It's very different from the French capital that movies and TV have shown you, but it's a beautiful and idyllic place nonetheless!
