Today, I’m speaking from the heart as a true Parisian to tell you about my neighborhood—the place where I was born, grew up, and still live today: the 20th arrondissement. I’ve watched this area change so much over the past 30 years. Back in the day, it had a bit of a rough reputation; people thought it was “too far” out (far from what? The fancy 16th? Who knows!) and “too sketchy.” Basically, no one wanted to make the trip out here!
But over the years, my neighborhood has transformed. These days, I love to call it “the Brooklyn of Paris.” It’s vibrant, real, and full of life—a place where people from all walks of life come together. Here, you won’t find the postcard version of Paris. The 20th is authentic, buzzing with creativity, and now draws artists, makers, and young families who are looking for something real and unpretentious.
With its graffiti-covered walls, independent shops, local artisans, and hidden green spaces, the 20th shows a different side of Paris—a melting pot where cultures and influences from around the world come together. It’s a unique, welcoming place to live, unlike anywhere else in the city
A Neighborhood at the Crossroads of Cultures
The 20th arrondissement is a true melting pot where all kinds of cultures come together. Much like Brooklyn, every street corner tells a story, and the neighborhood draws its strength from this incredible diversity. As you walk through the area, you’ll come across multicultural markets like the one in Belleville, where you can find products from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It’s like the cosmopolitan heart of the 20th.
On Rue de Ménilmontant, small exotic shops mix with art galleries, creating a unique blend that gives the neighborhood its vibrant energy. Throughout the year, community events and festivals celebrate this diversity, where people from all backgrounds come together to build a place where open-mindedness and tolerance reign. The 20th is a cultural crossroads, a plural Paris that’s full of life!
The 20th: An Open-Air Art Gallery with Street Art as Its Signature
The 20th arrondissement is truly a playground for street art lovers. Here, art takes over the walls, the streets, and every corner of the neighborhood becomes an open-air gallery. Just like in Brooklyn, every graffiti, every poster, or every sticker tells a story. You might think it’s just the famous Space Invaders that are scattered throughout the city, but think again! The 20th is a treasure hunt for anyone looking to find these pixelated creatures hidden in plain sight, like a giant city-wide scavenger hunt.
But that’s not all. The neighborhood is also home to works by artists like Gregos, whose 3D portraits seem almost alive, and Tegmo, whose sculpted, reflective mirrors transform the walls into interactive objects, creating fascinating plays of light. These artists, with their unique styles, have made the 20th one of the most exciting places in Paris for street art enthusiasts.
As you walk through the streets of the 20th, you’re bound to come across giant murals, posters hastily pasted up, and tags that have been erased and reimagined. It’s as if art lives and breathes here—a more alternative Paris where walls are canvases for self-expression. In short, the 20th is an open-air museum, and every corner of the street holds a new discovery.
A Thriving Creative Ecosystem
The 20th arrondissement is truly a fertile ground for creativity, a place where artists, creators, and dreamers can let their imaginations run wild. Much like in Brooklyn, this neighborhood is a thriving hub of art, with its artist studios, galleries, and alternative theaters. Here, art is part of everyday life, in places like La Bellevilloise, a multicultural venue where concerts, exhibitions, and lively parties blend together to create a unique atmosphere. This former industrial building has become a symbol of Paris’s independent art scene, a place where creativity is expressed in every form.
Nearby, the Caserne de Ménilmontant, a former military barracks turned artist residency, continues to energize the area. This unconventional space is a true incubator of talent, a creative hub where art is made accessible to everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover surprising works by local artists, meet the creators, and immerse yourself in a world where originality reigns. The 20th is truly a Paris where art is woven into daily life, a place where every corner holds a new discovery.
Hybrid Spaces: Blending Coworking, Culture, and Community
The 20th arrondissement is also attracting more and more young entrepreneurs and creators with its unique spaces where you can work, relax, and let your creativity flow. These multifunctional places perfectly capture the spirit of the neighborhood—dynamic and forward-thinking.
Places like Ground Control Belleville (and other cool spots that keep popping up) combine coworking spaces, cozy cafés, and outdoor exhibitions, creating a truly unique vibe. La Bellevilloise also offers DIY workshops for those who want to experiment and connect through creativity. And there’s another exciting project happening right now—the old post office building on Boulevard de Charonne, which is currently being renovated. It’s going to become a vibrant community hub where people can work, meet up, and enjoy cultural events. The 20th is really a neighborhood where you can work, create, and also just enjoy life together, all in a laid-back, artistic atmosphere.
World Cuisines and Culinary Innovation
The 20th is a foodie’s paradise, with its cool bars and street food restaurants tucked away in charming little corners. This neighborhood is full of culinary discoveries. If you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll stumble upon hidden spots that mix traditional dishes with creative twists, all in a super cozy atmosphere.
Pop-up restaurants and food experiences are popping up everywhere, often in unexpected places, attracting those looking to try something new. The chefs in the 20th spoil us with original brunches, vegetarian dinners, and dishes inspired from all over the world. These small spots have a cozy, intimate vibe, making every meal feel like a special experience. The 20th is the perfect neighborhood to stroll around, find hidden gems, and enjoy delicious food in places full of surprises.
An Eco-District in the Making: Citizen Engagement in the 20th
The 20th arrondissement is a great example of how to think about a more sustainable future while keeping that lively urban vibe. Urban farming projects and community gardens are popping up all over, turning the neighborhood into a greener space. Locals are getting involved, creating spots where they can grow vegetables and build stronger connections with each other.
For instance, the gardens on Rue de Pali-Kao offer a great place where people can grow their own fruits and veggies right in the heart of the city, all while working together in an eco-friendly spirit. The area is also home to bulk stores and organic shops that focus on short supply chains and waste reduction. On top of that, artists are getting creative with recycling, turning reused materials into art. The 20th proves that you can have a vibrant urban neighborhood that’s also responsible and sustainable, where nature fits right into everyday life.
Breathe and Stroll in the Green Brooklyn of Paris
The 20th is also a great spot for nature lovers, with its parks and gardens where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Parc de Belleville, up on the heights, is definitely one of the coolest places in the neighborhood. The view here is amazing—it almost feels like being in Brooklyn with its panoramic look over Paris! From the park’s terraces, you can take in the city’s rooftops, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and the entire Paris skyline stretching out before you. It’s the perfect place to hang out with friends or family and enjoy the moment.
A little more hidden but just as charming, the Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge is a peaceful retreat, ideal for recharging. And of course, the neighborhood’s community gardens are spots where locals come together to garden and grow a little nature in the city. The 20th is definitely a neighborhood where you can feel connected to nature, even in the heart of Paris.
Gentrification and Heritage: The Challenge of Preserving the 20th’s Soul
The 20th arrondissement is going through some big changes, kind of like Brooklyn, with rising property prices and new people moving in. This gentrification, often a hot topic, brings challenges for the neighborhood, which is trying to keep its authenticity and sense of community. To do this, efforts to preserve social housing and support local businesses are super important. The goal is to blend the neighborhood’s history with modernity, without losing what makes it special. How far will this transformation go? It’s hard to say, but one thing is for sure: the 20th is fighting to stay diverse, warm, and welcoming to everyone.
At the same time, some locals have had a great idea: giving new life to old buildings. Abandoned factories, old cafés, and even old garages have been turned into stylish apartments or lofts. What’s really awesome is that many of these projects have kept the original façades, preserving the neighborhood’s history while adding a modern touch. You can still see authentic details from the old buildings, like wooden doors or exposed brick, while enjoying super contemporary interiors. This mix of old and new gives the 20th a unique personality, blending the past and present in a really cool way. These transformations are helping the neighborhood renew itself while keeping the soul that makes it so special, creating a great place to live for newcomers.
The 20th arrondissement is constantly evolving, with a creative energy that keeps surprising. Between its eco-friendly projects, village-like atmosphere, and relaxed vibe, it offers a very different side of Paris, far from the usual tourist spots. If you want to explore it, here’s how to spend the perfect day. Start with a coffee in Ménilmontant, a charming area where small terraces welcome regulars and curious visitors alike. Then, get lost in the neighborhood’s alleys, where every corner reveals a new piece of colorful street art telling its own story. For lunch, head to a multicultural bistro where you can taste flavors from all over the world and meet some of the locals. In the afternoon, nothing beats a stroll through one of the area’s parks, like Parc de Belleville, where you can take in the view of Paris and breathe in the fresh air. And to end your day, enjoy dinner at a hidden restaurant—one of those secret spots where time seems to stand still, away from the hustle and bustle. I’ll even share a secret address for your dinner, but you’ll have to discover it for yourself! The 20th is truly a neighborhood to explore, rediscover, and live in, with little surprises around every corner.
Sarah,
Your Parisian Bestie
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