Clignancourt doesn't get enough credit as one of the most idyllic neighborhoods of
Paris. It doesn't help that most people seem to confuse it with Montmartre, one of the city's most famous districts. While Clignancourt is near Montmartre, it's still an entirely separate area. Sacré-Cœur, for example, is in Clignancourt. It's not in Montmartre just because both are in the 18th arrondissement. Clignancourt also offers a fabulous array of antique shops, each more quaint than the next. This further highlights the identity of the neighborhood: a romantic sneak peek into the city's beautiful past.
Where is Clignancourt in Paris?
Clignancourt is located in the
18th arrondissement of Paris. It's right by Sacré-Cœur, arguably the second-most famous church in the city. Since it's an architectural marvel that never fails to draw in tourists, countless people have likely gone to Clignancourt but they probably didn't know. It's mostly because the 18th is best known as the location of
Montmartre, one of the most popular districts in Paris. Hence, even locals are confused whether they're still in Montmartre or already in Clignancourt. Moreover, the district is bordered by Boulevards des Maréchaux to the north and Boulevard de Rochechouart to the south.
What to See in Clignancourt, Paris
Naturally, the iconic Sacré-Cœur is a must-see in Clignancourt. Though it's perched atop Butte Montmartre, it's technically nearer Clignancourt than Montmartre. Nevertheless, this man-made architectural marvel is quite a sight to see, arguably even more so than Notre Dame, the most famous church in Paris. And speaking of Notre Dame, the district also has Notre Dame de Clignancourt. It's not as historic as the other church of the same name, but it remains a fascinating site to see. And of course, you can't miss the neighborhood's famous flea markets too. It's a lovely peek into the city's vintage corner.
What to Do in Clignancourt, Paris
Despite how underrated it is as a
central neighborhood of Paris, Clignancourt is still one of the best places to eat and shop. What's great about this area is it's all about the vintage appeal. Clignancourt is fairly famous for its flea markets, including the popular Paris Flea Market, Marché Malik, and Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen. They're all such treasure troves of the most fascinating finds, ranging from antiques to artworks and more. At the same time, you can't miss the great places to eat here too. Don't miss Café de la Butte, for example, which is one of the best cafes in Paris. French food with good coffee? Yes, please!
What to Expect in The Clignancourt Flea Markets
As already mentioned, Clignancourt is best known for its many flea markets. Paris may have a lot of them throughout the 20 arrondissements, but the ones here are arguably the best. Go to the Marché Malik, for example, which is a great place to get your hands on awesome vintage finds. From clothes to records and more, if you're but for some serious nostalgia, this is your place to shop! You could technically say the same about the Paris Flea Market, but this is more about priceless antiques instead. Think timeless jewelry, intricate vases, and amazing artworks you can hang in your
luxury apartment in Paris.
What are The Best Restaurants in Clignancourt, Paris?
Clignancourt is best known for its hidden gems. The area may not have any of the
Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, but there are hotspots that you can guarantee are rarely crowded. As already mentioned, Café de la Butte is a must-try. It's a quintessential Parisian cafe with all the charms and novelties such a place is known for. Nonna Clelia on Rue Letort is a vegetarian bistro you simply shouldn't miss too. They can whip up the healthiest delicious dishes this side of the French capital. And if you want a spot where the energy turns up at night, go to La REcyclerie! They serve great food during the day and even better cocktails at night.
Is Clignancourt, Paris Safe?
The answer to this is a bit complex. For the most part, Clignancourt is a generally safe place, specifically during the day. Though it's not recommended to explore the city on your own, especially if you’re still unfamiliar with the area, it's still considerably safer here compared to other parts of the city. But come nightfall, however, it's a different story entirely. Clignancourt is notorious as one of the districts to avoid after dark. It doesn't exactly have the highest
crime rates in Paris, but overall, you're better off not walking alone here at night.
Explore and discover the idyllic magic of Clignancourt, one of the more underrated neighborhoods in Paris. The area is chock-full of beautiful sights, charming hotspots, and of course, the district's famous flea markets.
