Located in the North-East of the capital, the 19th arrondissement is full of wonders. From the Parc des Buttes Chaumont to the Parc de la Villette through the Canal de l’Ourcq and the Museum of Science and Industry, this melting pot of activities and culture arouses the curiosity of many visitors. Stay with us to unravel all the surprising mysteries of the 19th arrondissement.
A must-see: The Buttes Chaumont
This bohemian and multicultural neighborhood is famous for its artists’ studios and its diversity. In addition, its romantic park, its restaurants and its trendy bars make it a lively and very pleasant neighborhood to visit.
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Formerly called the hill of Mont Chauve, the Buttes Chaumont was originally an old quarry from which gypsum and millstone were extracted.
In 1860 that Napoleon III decided to transform the old quarry into a magnificent garden. The Parc des Buttes Chaumont was then inaugurated in April 1867 on the occasion of the 1867 Universal Exhibition.
Incredible work was done to allow the flora to flourish. A million cubic meters of soil was used to fill in the ground and make it fertile.
This park is one of the largest green spaces in Paris with its 25 hectares of greenery, it is
a true “urban jungle”.
This park stands out in particular for its originality. Indeed, the surprising reliefs are the remnants of the old excavations made to extract gypsum.
There is an artificial lake supplied by three streams and a great diversity of flora and fauna.
Come and discover all the secrets hidden in this very rolling park that offers superb views of the capital.
When arriving on the île du Belvédère, don’t miss the Pont des Suicidés and the Temple de la Sibylle which is a copy of the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli.
The suspended walkway that crosses the lake is Gustave Eiffel’s work.
And of course, don’t forget to go see the grotto and its artificial waterfall.
The entrance is free of charge.
Opening hours:
- Every day — 7am – 8pm
What To Do in the 19th Arrondissement?
The Parc de la Villette
The Parc de la Villette is the largest park in Paris. This park includes 35 hectares of greenery and 3000 m² of ecological gardens.
Much more than a simple green space, it is a real cultural center which welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year.
It is a real place of art, culture, science, education, leisure and games.
In the park, you will discover the Cité des Sciences, the Philharmonie, the Cité de la Musique, the Zenith of Paris and many more
Opening hours:
- Every day — 7am – 1am.
Address: 211, Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
The Canal de l’Ourcq
The Canal de l’Ourcq is THE perfect place to stroll around and/or sit by the water with friends.
You will certainly find a place since this canal has a total length of almost 100 km!
We advise you to go there at the end of the day: that’s when the lights hit the Canal with a multitude of colors.
Why not have a boat trip? You can take a cruise, rent a license-free boat or take a shuttle. The 20 kilometers of canal are available without locks to cross.
Don’t miss the Pont Levant of Rue de Crimée which is the last lift bridge in Paris! Set up on August 2nd, 1885, this bridge is maneuvered about 9000 per year.
The Mouzaïa District
This unusual and very flowery district proposes an original stroll idea that will take you on a journey through the 19th century.
In this place built like a labyrinth with cobbled streets, you can easily forget the suffocating atmosphere of Paris.
Nicknamed the “American district”, this place remains quite unknown, even among Parisians. Yet, with its bucolic atmosphere and pretty houses, it is a small corner of a true exotic paradise, very close to the Buttes Chaumont.
The Mouzaïa district is located around the Mouzaïa, Général Brunet and Miguel-Hidalgo steets.
The Cité de la Musique – Philharmonie de Paris
The Cité de la Musique – Philharmonie, an architectural and acoustic feat, is the musical heart of Paris. This astonishing aluminum hill honors the love of music.
Two separate buildings put together musical activities: the Cité de la Musique and the Philharmonie.
During the day, you can visit the Musée de la Musique which gathers a collection of more than 7000 instruments and art pieces. In the evening, take a seat in one of the three concert halls and let yourself be carried away by the talent of the wonderful musicians.
From the top of the Philharmonic’s lookout, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sunset.
Opening hours of the Music Museum:
- Tuesday to Friday — 12pm – 6pm
- Saturday and Sunday — 10am – 6pm
Prices for permanent collections:
- Full price — €8
- Reduced price — €6
Address: 221, Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France
Official website of the Philharmonie de Paris
The Museum of Science and Industry
The goal of the museum of science and industry is to spread scientific and technical culture to a broad public.
This museum is a must-see for both children and adults.
Many spaces and services are spread over 6 levels: Explora, the Library, the Cité des enfants, the Auditorium, the Louis Lumière cinema, a congress center, an aquarium, restaurants, a store…
This museum is the fifth most visited cultural place in France.
Its most famous building is of course the Géode.
This spherical building offers a total immersion in the image thanks to a 3D projection on a giant hemispherical screen of 26 meters.
On display: dinosaurs, ocean floors, astronomy… Come and discover this impressive experience!
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday — 9:30am – 6pm
- Sunday — 9:30am – 7pm
Prices:
- Full price: €12
- Reduced price: €9
Address: 30, Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris, France
Official website of the Cité des Sciences
The Halle Secrétan
This large covered market is a historical neighborhood market.
The bay windows have replaced some of the walls make this market a very bright and pleasant place.
Since the renovation work in 2015, the hall now houses a supermarket and various shops.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday — 7am – 10pm
- Saturday — 9am – 7pm
- Sunday — 9am – 5pm
Address: 29 Avenue Secrétan, 75019 Paris, France
Admiring the Street Art
The 19th is known as the home of street artists.
Come and stroll in its nice streets and admire the work of street artists.
The long 493-meters fresco painted in the rue d’Aubervilliers is really worth the detour!
Our recommended restaurants / bars in the area
Rosa Bonheur
Address: Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 2 allée de la Cascade, 75019 Paris
This pavilion with bay windows offers a magnificent view of the park.
The Rosa Bonheur is the ideal place to have a drink, dance, have a snack and chat on the terrace while gazing at the park.
It is a friendly place where visitors gather together looking for good humor and living together.
Opening hours:
- from Wednesday to Friday — 6pm – 10pm
- Saturday and Sunday — 12pm – 10pm
Website of Rosa Bonheur (in French)
Pavillon des Canaux
Address: 39 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris
The Pavillon des Canaux is a lakeside house halfway between a café-cantine and a meeting place for communities.
This bar-café-restaurant is a delight for regulars and the curious.
It’s an ideal place to study or relax after a day’s work,. The place also organizes parties in which you can clear your mind from the daily Paris hustle.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday — 10am – 12am
- Thursday to Saturday — 10am – 2pm
- Sunday — 10am – 11pm
Website of the Pavillon des Canaux
La Forge
Address: 26, Avenue Mathurin Moreau, 75019 Paris, France
This restaurant offers traditional French cuisine in a traditional and charming setting. The menu is diverse, the dishes are prepared with care and the products are fresh. To all good meat lovers: this is the ideal place!
Count about 30 euros per person.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday — 12pm – 3pm and 7pm – 9pm
La Forge website (inFrench)
Pavillon Puebla
Address: Avenue Darcel, 75019 Paris, France
This atypical bar offers delicious cocktails in the heart of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. An ideal place to spend a warm and friendly evening, the Pavillon Puebla is particularly pleasant on sunny days thanks to its bucolic terrace. If you feel like it, you can also come and have brunch.
Opening hours :
- Tuesday to Saturday — 6pm – 12am
- Sunday — 3pm – 9pm
Website of the Pavillon Puebla
Mensae
Address: 23 Rue Melingue, 75019 Paris
This bistronomic restaurant has a tempting menu with classics from French local cuisine. The mixed flavors and textures in your diqhes will delight your taste buds. The cooking is refined, the setting is warm and the price to quality ratio is excellent.
We recommend the delicious chocolate mousse for dessert.
Count €27 for the lunch menu, which includes one starter, one dish and one dessert.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday — 12:15pm – 2:30pm and 7:15pm – 10:30pm
Website of Mensae (in French)
Looking for a hotel in the area?
Hipark by Adagio Paris La Villette ****
Address : 28, Boulevard d’Indochine, 75019 Paris
At only 450 meters from the Parc de la Villette, this hotel welcomes you in a comfortable and modern space. You will be seduced by the colourful and bright rooms at your disposal.
Many green spaces are available near the hotel.
Studios equipped with a kitchen and air conditioning are available for you to rest after your Paris visit.
Prices start at €64.
Click here to make an online reservation
Hotel Crimée ***
Address : 188, Rue De Crimée – 75019 Paris
At only 10 minutes from the heart of Paris, this modern and comfortable hotel offers soundproofed and air-conditioned rooms.
All rooms are equipped with a bathroom with a shower or a bathtub and a separate toilet, a WiFi connection and a flat-screen TV.
Prices start at €74.
Click here to make an online reservation
Hôtel des Buttes Chaumont **
Address: 4, Avenue Secretan – 75019 Paris
Ideally located in the heart of the district of La Villette, this hotel is only at a 10-minutes walk from the Buttes Chaumont. It is the perfect place to come and relax after your visit in the park.
You will also be attracted by the charm of this Parisian district.
This hotel offers elegant and bright rooms as well as a modern dining room.
All rooms are equipped with a Wi-Fi connection.
Prices start at €46.
Click here to make an online reservation
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
