In the 13th arrondissement, a few steps from the Tolbiac metro station, the discreet Square des Peupliers is a tiny residential enclave that feels more like a village than the heart of a big city. It’s the perfect place for a short but surprisingly exotic stroll in the heart of the capital.
A micro-neighborhood in the heart of the 13th arrondissement
In the heart of the Maison-Blanche neighborhood, Square des Peupliers is unlike any other street in Paris. This triangular-shaped pedestrian street, approximately 142 meters long and only 3 meters wide, was opened in 1926 on land that had become difficult to develop after the Bièvre River was filled in.
Located between Rue du Moulin-des-Prés and the surrounding buildings, this small paved cul-de-sac is distinguished by its stone or brick townhouses, each with a private garden bordered by wrought iron fences. Wisteria, ivy, and other climbing plants adorn the facades, adding a touch of greenery that is rare in this part of the capital.
This micro-neighborhood has a unique history. The land on which it was built once belonged to the village of Gentilly, and the presence of the canalized Bièvre River made it impossible to construct heavy buildings, favoring the emergence of small houses with an almost village-like charm.
Today, Square des Peupliers retains this peaceful and intimate atmosphere. With no cars, it invites you to take a leisurely stroll. The cobblestones, vintage street lamps, and colorful shutters take us far away from the hustle and bustle of Paris, even though we are still in close proximity to the Tolbiac and Maison Blanche metro lines. A few steps away, there are other picturesque streets, such as Rue Dieulafoy and avenues lined with pastel-colored houses, which extend this impression of a small enclave frozen in time.
Accessible all year round, free and open to all, this secret corner of the 13th arrondissement confirms that the capital is full of small streets with varied atmospheres, capable of surprising even the most seasoned Parisians.
📍Square des Peupliers – Between Rue de Tolbiac and Rue du Moulin-des-Prés, 75013