As a city,
Paris has mostly been tied to the past. Its historic beauty draws people in, upholding a nostalgic kind of romance and fantasy that you won't find anywhere else. This is all well and good, but is there anything about Paris that moves it forward to the future, let alone to today? Yes, and it's called the 19th arrondissement. Urban regeneration is alive and well in this part of the city. While it still has its fair share of old-world spots and historic buildings, the area as a whole pulsates with contemporary energy and optimism for the future.
Where is The 19th Arrondissement in Paris?
The 19th arrondissement is in the northeastern part of Paris. It borders the 10th, 18th, and 20th arrondissements, and is along the outskirts of the city. Its distance from the city center makes it one of the more peaceful parts of the French capital. Though it still tends to get crowded and busy here, it rarely gets as hectic as the other
neighborhoods in Paris. Part of it is because there are no major landmarks here. Apart from Parc de la Vilette, there are no popular places to visit in the 19th arrondissement.
The 19th Arrondissement in Paris Map
The 19th arrondissement is a fairly big area, undoubtedly one of the biggest in the city. It's almost shaped like a bell, encompassing the likes of Quai de la Seine, Boulevard de la Villette, and Boulevard Périphérique, among many others. Within the arrondissement, you'll find its famous Parc de la Villette and its Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in the northeastern corner. Just beyond that is already the outskirts of the French capital and part of the
Paris Suburbs.
Is The 19th Arrondissement in Paris Safe?
Yes, for the most part, it is. As already mentioned, the 19th arrondissement is a largely residential part of the city with little to no major tourist attraction. Home to a fairly tight-knit community, this is more of a local haven than a tourist-friendly area. With its fairly peaceful atmosphere, you'll hardly get into trouble, at least if you avoid the northern part of the district. In this corner of the arrondissement, places like Stalingrad, Jaurès, and Mouzaia tend to be sketchy, especially at night. They contribute to the high
crime rates of Paris so you're better off avoiding them as best you can.
What to See in The 19th Arrondissement in Paris
Despite its apparent lack of popular tourist attractions, there are still some places worth seeing in the 19th arrondissement. Naturally, there's Parc de la Villette, one of the more unique parks in Paris. While the city's other green spaces offer a grander, historic, or even a fairytale-like feel, this one is more modern and urban. With the Canal de l'Ourcq in full view, this park is more about having fun and hanging out than going on picnics and relaxing. Within the park, you'll also find Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, a series of museums and galleries that showcase science and technology. You won't miss it with the famous La Géode Dome!
What to Do in The 19th Arrondissement in Paris
Since Parc de la Villette is the epicenter of the 19th arrondissement, it's only right that you go there at least once. If you're
moving to Paris and staying in this district, you might even find yourself going there again and again. The park is just so open and modern, inviting you to hang out and have fun. During summer, they host their famous Cinéma en plein air, a series of movie screenings. It's among the city's highly anticipated annual activities and one of the most popular
outdoor cinemas in Europe.
Restaurants Near The 19th Arrondissement in Paris
Now, let's talk about the restaurants. What are the best places to eat in the 19th arrondissement of Paris? Le Napoléon III on Place Arman Carrel is one. It's a small bistro that's not too far from Parc de la Villette, so location-wise, it's worth a try. As for the food, it's French cuisine all the way, complete with succulent steaks and scrumptious seafood. If you prefer a more upscale spot, look no further than Au Bon Vivant along Avenue Jean Jaurès. Though they offer haute cuisine in small servings, every bite and morsel is worth the wait (and money!).
The modern and contemporary side of Paris is alive and well in its 19th arrondissement. Urban regeneration has redefined this part of the city, which has since become a lively and beautiful neighborhood.
