Located on the Left Bank, the 13th arrondissement is one of the most eclectic and diverse arrondissements in Paris. The 13th arrondissement is still experiencing growth in it’s population, which is largely comprised of Asian immigrants. The 13 eme is known for it’s calm vibe, public parks, and inexpensive eateries.
Bibliotheque National de France
Metro stops
Gobelins, Place d’Italie, Nationale, Tolbiac, Olympiades and Porte de Choisy are the most commonly used metro stops in the 13th arrondissement.
What to do in Paris’s 13th Arrondissement
Check out La Bibliothèque Nationale de France. France’s National Library preserves collections of French and international historic documents, including over 5,000 Greek manuscripts.
Take a stroll around La Butte aux Cailles. This incredibly charming district has (so far) resisted the gentrification that has overtaken similar areas like Montmartre. It is an excellent area in which to walk around and browse local shops and boutiques. There are also a variety of great (and affordable) restaurants and bars in La Butte aux Cailles.
Catch a game at Stade Charléty, a huge multi-sport arena, hosting football (soccer), tennis, rugby and squash matches.
Tour the Manufacture des Gobelins A former dye factory for members of the royal family, Gobelins is now a museum that houses an impressive collection of tapestries and decorative objects.
Spend an afternoon at the Château de la Reine Blanche. This hôtel particulier (read: mansion) was once the residence of the Gobelins family (see above) and features both Medieval and Renaissance architectural details such as its twin turrets. Tours are given on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, April through September.
18 bis Rue Berbier du Mets
Metro: Gobelins
Parc Rose Le Gall
Take in the calming ambiance at the Square Réné Le Gall. Grab a sandwich and park yourself on one of the benches in this quaint park. Inhale the intoxicating fragrance of roses and watch adorable French enfants giggle and run around on the playground.
Rue Croulebarbe
Wander around Chinatown. In the southern part of the 13 eme you’ll find Paris’s lively Chinatown area. This is the place to be if you’re a fan of Chinese or Vietnamese cuisine (the options for quality food at excellent prices are seemingly endless). If you’re on the lookout for unique souvenirs, you may also be able to find something fun and different in one of the many shops in this area.
Where to shop in the 13th Arrondissement
Les frères Tang
Les frères Tang is the largest Chinese grocery in Paris. You can literally find any sort of Asian food product here in their expansive buildings (yes, plural!). Unlike most markets in Paris, Les frères Tang is open on Sundays.
48 avenue d’Ivry
Les Olympiades
Les Olympiades is a shopping area in Chinatown featuring dozens of shops carrying everything from electronics to Asian dishes. A great place to find unique, affordable souvenirs.
Markets in the 13th Arrondissement
Marché Alésia
Rue de la Glacière and Rue de la Santé
Hours: Wednesday from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Metro: Glacière
Marché Auguste-Blanqui
On Boulevard Blanqui (between Place d’Italie and Rue Barrault)
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, and Sundays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Metro: Corvisart, Place d’Italie
Marché Bobillot
Rue Bobillot (between Place Rungis and Rue de la Colonie)
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Metro: Tolbiac
Marché Maison-Blanche
Avenue d’Italie
Hours: Thursday from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm and Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Metro: Maison-Blanche
Marché Salpêtrière
Boulevard de l’Hôpital
Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
Metro: Saint-Marcel
Marché Jeanne d’Arc
Located on Place Jeanne d’Arc
Hours: Thursday from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm and Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Metro: Nationale
Learn more about the Paris Arrondissements
Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com
Paris Arrondissements: Where to Stay
Tuesday 22nd of July 2014
[…] The 13th Arrondissement centers on the Gare de Austerlitz, and is another area that has little to offer the tourist, unless you have a passion for tapestries. The Manufacture des Gobelins (a textile manufacturer) is located here at 42 ave des Gobelins. More information on Paris’s 13th Arrondissement […]