What if the best neighborhood… was right next door to you? Why go so far when you can enjoy the coolest neighborhood in Paris (and France)? According to Time Out, Ménilmontant, in the 20ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, is where you’ll find everything your heart desires (and more). An arty vibe to match, great addresses and crazy charm that hoist this neighborhood to 7th place among the coolest neighborhoods in the world and 1ᵉʳᵉ place in France. And here’s why!
Ménilmontant: France’s coolest neighborhood in the heart of Paris
As it does every year, Time Out has just published its list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods! And surprise, surprise, a French neighborhood has made it into the top 10. It’s Ménilmontant, in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. Ménilmontant steals the show from Belleville, coming in at 7th place, beating its neighbor, which came in at 20th last year. The city guide based its ranking on a number of criteria , including places to live, cultural offerings, general atmosphere, cost of living, restaurants and bars.
A former village surrounded by vineyards and lively guinguettes, Ménilmontant has retained its spirit of a “peaceful little village” in the city, while offering a lively and cheerful nightlife. With its charming cobbled streets, small independent boutiques and stylish cafés and bars, Ménilmontant has a very special atmosphere that makes you want to stroll for hours. Are you a fan of street art? You’ll love getting lost in Rue Cascade, a veritable open-air museum. Its colorful, sometimes impressive frescoes are a real source of inspiration and an invitation to daydream.
Lovers of urban exploration will be familiar with the petite ceinture. This 32 km-long former railroad line, now completely disused, runs around the capital. It lies right between the rue de Ménilmontant and the rue des Couronnes. Here, nature has reclaimed its rights, and seems to plunge walkers and onlookers into a film set worthy of Hayao Miyazaki. You’ll also find some really cool addresses here, like the Hasard Ludique, a must-see. An enchantment for the eyes, that you’ll enjoy discovering all year round.
If you like to get up high, the Bellevilloise rooftop, with its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of Paris, will enchant you. A bucolic place, entirely planted, sometimes for a drink or dinner under the stars.
In short, Ménilmontant ticks all the boxes of the cool, lively, festive, family-friendly and green district of Paris. A well-deserved accolade!
And what do you think?