In the 19th arrondissement of Paris, you’ll find a less-visited but equally beautiful area. There’s plenty to offer for tourists here, such as the old fish markets transformed into an amusement park or taking a boat ride on the Canal Saint-Martin. If you’re looking for a unique experience during your visit to the city, this area should not be overlooked. However, it’s essential to know what to expect beforehand. What are the attractions? And where can you stay? You’ll find all the information below.
More about the 19th arrondissement of Paris
Buttes-Chaumont is the 19th arrondissement of Paris. This arrondissement, along with the 20th, is less crowded, partly because it offers a different caliber of attractions. Instead, it’s primarily about relaxing in parks, by a canal, or spending a day with children at an amusement park. Therefore, the arrondissement offers plenty of opportunities to entertain yourself for several days while experiencing Paris from a different perspective. Additionally, there are many walks to take, ensuring you’ll be completely relaxed and may stumble upon something interesting.
Tip: Discover our free walking routes in Paris here! (In Dutch)
Top attractions in the 19th arrondissement
While the 19th arrondissement may consist of entirely different attractions than other parts of the city, there’s still plenty to experience in this area. But what can you expect? The following attractions are just a small selection of the various sights you may encounter.
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Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin was constructed in 1802 and is located in the northeastern part of Paris. The canal flows through four arrondissements, including a section in the 19th arrondissement. It serves as a link between two parts of the Seine, covering a distance of twelve kilometers. Nowadays, it’s not often used for its original purpose. The canal was officially opened in 1825, and many boats have traversed its waters since then. You can always take a stroll along the canal or opt for one of the boat tours.
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Rotonde de la Villette
Rotonde de la Villette is tucked away behind Place Stalingrad. From this spot, you have a view of the Ourcq Canal and the Bassin de la Villette. The building itself has a rich history. It used to be a former toll house, part of the Wall of the Farmers-General. The wall was built between 1785 and 1788, with the building erected afterward. After the outbreak of the revolution in 1791, toll collection ceased, but it resumed in 1798. Today, only four passages of the large wall remain, but the building itself is still in good condition. It’s worth a visit.
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Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a park established in 1864 by order of Napoleon III. It translates to “Bare Hill,” with a long history to discover. The Romans once had their gypsum quarries here. In 885, there was the Battle of Montfaucon, and in the 13th century, a gallows stood in this place. Later, in 1814, there was fierce fighting against the Prussians. It wasn’t until the park was established that it truly became a place for people to relax. You can climb the stairs to find various pathways offering beautiful views towards Montmartre. There’s also a lake where you can stroll and admire the waterfall.
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La Geode
La Geode is a metal sphere with a diameter of 36 meters. The sphere consists of about 6500 pieces of metal and features a 1000-square-meter screen. There are 400 seats and sound systems with a total of 21,000 watts. La Geode is used for screening Omnimax films, which are nine times the standard 35 millimeters, providing the best picture quality. Additionally, the sound and movements give you a unique experience, making it seem like you’re part of the movie. Keep in mind that children under 3 years old or women more than six months pregnant are not allowed inside.
Best places to stay in the 19th arrondissement of Paris
If you’re looking for accommodation in the 19th arrondissement, consider the following hotels.
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The ReMIX Hotel
The ReMIX Hotel in Paris offers many facilities for guests. You can enjoy a bar, coworking space, fitness room, and meeting rooms here. The rooms themselves are modernly decorated, striking a good balance between Parisian glamor and 80s rock. USB ports are embedded in the headboards of the beds, allowing you to easily charge your phone. The marble bathrooms offer a touch of luxury for relaxation. In the mornings, you can indulge in a breakfast buffet before heading out to explore the nearby attractions. There are several metro lines that can take you anywhere you need to go.
You can read more information about the hotel here.
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Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné
Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné is a pet-friendly hotel, so you can bring your furry friend along to France. The hotel is a 3-minute walk from Parc de la Villette and only 1 kilometer from Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The hotel features modernly furnished rooms with a well-equipped bathroom where you’ll find complimentary toiletries. You can enjoy an American breakfast every day, and on the terrace, you can savor a drink. If you’re staying longer and need to check out early, luggage storage is available. During the day, you can catch the Porte de Pantin metro station, which will take you to the attractions. Alternatively, you can take your car to explore other arrondissements.
You can read more information about the hotel here.
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Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal De La Villette
Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal De La Villette is located on the edge of Canal de l’Ourcq, with Bassin de la Villette nearby. The rooms feature good sound insulation for peaceful sleep, along with a TV offering more than 100 channels, air conditioning, and a complete bathroom. For dinner, you can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, serving various authentic French dishes. With the Riquet metro station within walking distance, you can reach the attractions in minutes.