Ménilmontant, Faubourg de l’Eau Nicknamed "Ménilmuche," this working class district is a pleasant and relaxed area in where you can discover the popular and historic side of Paris. Apartment rentals here are more affordable. A quarter with history running through its veins For a long time, Ménilmontant was a simple village on the outskirts of Paris. A small suburb close to Belleville, it was annexed by the capital in 1860. With its high-up location, the area traditionally supplied Paris with water. Logically, therefore, the streets include Rue des Cascades ("Waterfall Street"), Rue de la Mare ("Pond Street"), and Rue des Rigoles ("Stream Street"). Once covered in vines, the surrounding area is now a working class district in east Paris. A hotbed of several rev..
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Ménilmontant
Ménilmontant, Faubourg de l’Eau Nicknamed "Ménilmuche," this working class district is a pleasant and relaxed area in where you can discover the popular and historic side of Paris. Apartment rentals here are more affordable. A quarter with history running through its veins For a long time, Ménilmontant was a simple village on the outskirts of Paris. A small suburb close to Belleville, it was annexed by the capital in 1860. With its high-up location, the area traditionally supplied Paris with water. Logically, therefore, the streets include Rue des Cascades ("Waterfall Street"), Rue de la Mare ("Pond Street"), and Rue des Rigoles ("Stream Street"). Once covered in vines, the surrounding area is now a working class district in east Paris. A hotbed of several revolts, Ménilmontant still remembers the Villa des Otages and the shootings at the Mur des Fédérés (Communards' Wall) during the Commune episode. Beyond the scars of history, Ménilmontant is also linked to working class entertainment, due in particular to the music cafés, or "guinguettes," on which the mythology of Parisian dances is based. Immortalized by Van Gogh and Renoir, these places are now very popular again. A source of inspiration While it provided the capital with water and wine, Ménilmontant appealed to artists because of its energy. Walk through the streets and immerse yourself in its atmosphere. A traditional immigration district, Ménilmontant is now a window to the whole world with its flavors and aromas from overseas. Wandering down the streets, you’ll discover Notre-Dame de la Croix de Ménilmontant, a proud 19th century church in the neo-roman style. On Rue Crespin-du-Gast stands the Edith Piaf museum, dedicated to the "Little Sparrow" who became a true symbol of working class Paris. You will be naturally led to Belleville park, a former royal domain of the Merovingians, where piquette, a young, sparkling wine the name of which is now synonymous with poor quality, was produced. The view of Paris from there is spectacular. From the two inseparable districts of Ménilmontant and Belleville, you can witness urban development in the many social housing projects built during the last two centuries. Access and amenities For shopping, there are plenty of fine food stores in Ménilmontant, and exotic produce abounds with Asian or North African stores on every corner. If you want a traditional French croissant, the bakeries are mainly situated on the boulevards. For getting around, line 2 from Ménilmontant metro station is the most practical option. If you are tempted by the area of the former music cafés, take a look at our list of apartments.