We walk past it on our way to a concert at the Philharmonie, we pass through it to reach the park’s gardens, but we don’t really know it. And yet, the Grande Halle de la Villette, with its iron arches and immense glass roofs, hides one of Paris’s most unusual histories. Once nicknamed the “City of Blood, ” it will reinvent itself once again on October 30 and 31, 2026, by hosting the Grünt Festival, one of the most anticipated events on the French rap scene.
An iron cathedral built to house a cattle market
Back in the 19th century, Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann wanted to put an end to the unsanitary slaughterhouses within Paris’s city limits. The solution: consolidate everything at La Villette, then on the outskirts of the city. Between 1865 and 1867, architectJules de Mérindol, who trained under Victor Baltard, designed the cattle market—a structure of iron and cast iron measuring 245 meters long by 85 meters wide, rising to a height of 19 meters. At the time of its construction, it was the largest permanent metal structure in the capital.
Up to 5,000 cattle passed through it each day, sold and then slaughtered on site on Mondays and Thursdays, the market days. This specialized activity earned it the nickname “City of Blood.” Its intense industrial activity lasted for over a century, until the slaughterhouses closed permanently in 1974, when the Rungis market took over.
La Villette: From the “City of Blood” to a Cultural Temple Designated a Historic Monument
Rather than demolish this extraordinary structure, Paris decided to save it. Designated a historic monument in 1979, the hall was first renovated between 1983 and 1985 by architects Bernard Reichen and Philippe Robert as part of the major Parc de la Villette project launched under François Mitterrand, then renovated again between 2005 and 2007. The result: a 22,000-square-meter modular space that has become one of the capital’s most versatile venues. Record-breaking exhibitions (Tutankhamun, Napoleon), trade shows, performances, and concerts—the Grande Halle now hosts just about everything, except for cattle.
The Grünt Festival is taking up residence at La Villette
And on October 30 and 31, 2026, it’s rap’s turn to take over its arches. For over a decade, the media outlet Grünt has been documenting the French independent rap scene through freestyles and features, helping to bring to light artists like PLK, Alpha Wann, Nekfeu, and La Fève before they broke out. Since 2022, the outlet has launched its own festival, which has become a true talent incubator: Theodora, Luther, and Ptite Sœur—now headliners of the new generation—made their stage debuts there.
For its 5th edition, the lineup once again focuses on up-and-coming artists: 55ASKY, Al Walid, Asfar Shamsi, Ben PLG, BU$HI, Caballero, Darlingchouchou, Gal / Le Double, Isha & Limsa d’Aulnay, Jäde, Jaymee, Realo & Deelee S, Ruccie & Luvbfk, with a few more surprises to come. It’s the perfect way to spend two evenings discovering the artists who will shape French rap in the coming years.
Practical Information for the Grünt Festival at La Villette
🗓️ Dates: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
📍Location: Grande Halle de la Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris (Porte de Pantin metro station, Line 5)
🎟️ Tickets: 1-day or 2-day passes, starting at €55, available on the DICE ticketing platform
👉 Book your tickets for the Grünt Festival on DICE