The 13th arrondissement of Paris is one of the city’s most diverse and fascinating districts. Located on the Left Bank, it combines old Parisian charm with striking modern architecture, world-class street art, and a thriving Asian quarter. From cultural landmarks like the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand to hidden gems in Butte-aux-Cailles, this neighborhood offers a mix of history, creativity, and authenticity that few other parts of Paris can match.
1. Discover the Modern Landmarks of the Paris Rive Gauche
The eastern edge of the 13th arrondissement is dominated by Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand, France’s national library. Its four glass towers, designed to resemble open books, are an architectural marvel and one of the best places to experience modern Paris. Visitors can explore exhibitions, enjoy panoramic views from the terraces, or relax on the plaza by the Seine.
Nearby, the Cité de la Mode et du Design stands out with its vibrant green glass façade. This cultural venue hosts design and fashion exhibitions, creative events, and offers a lively rooftop bar overlooking the river. For a scenic stroll, cross the Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir, a beautifully curved pedestrian bridge connecting the 13th to Parc de Bercy.
2. Step Back in Time at the Manufacture des Gobelins
Founded in the 17th century, the Manufacture des Gobelins is one of the oldest and most prestigious tapestry workshops in the world. Still operated by the Mobilier National, it continues to produce exquisite woven artworks for French state buildings. Visitors can book guided tours to see the looms in action and learn about centuries-old weaving techniques.
Just nearby, the Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé, designed by architect Renzo Piano, celebrates the history of cinema with fascinating exhibitions and screenings.
3. Wander Through the Butte-aux-Cailles: A Village in the City
The Butte-aux-Cailles district feels like a small village hidden inside Paris. Its cobblestone streets, cozy bistros, and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for a slow afternoon stroll. Look out for colorful murals by famous street artists like Seth Globepainter and Miss.Tic, whose stenciled silhouettes adorn many walls.
Don’t miss the Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles, a stunning 1920s Art Nouveau/Art Deco swimming pool that’s now a protected historic monument. Around Place Paul Verlaine, you’ll find small cafés and bars that come alive in the evenings, making it a favorite local hangout.
4. Explore Cité Florale and Little Alsace
Hidden in the northern part of the arrondissement, Cité Florale is a picturesque enclave of pastel-colored houses surrounded by climbing flowers and greenery. Each street is named after a flower 🌸, giving the area an almost storybook charm. Nearby, Little Alsace at 10 Rue Daviel is another architectural surprise 🏡: a cluster of half-timbered houses that look like they were transported from an Alsatian village.
These quiet residential corners offer a refreshing contrast to the modern towers of the Rive Gauche and are perfect for photography lovers 📸.
5. Experience Paris’s Street Art Capital
The 13th arrondissement has become one of Europe’s most important street art hubs 🎨. Along Boulevard Vincent-Auriol, you’ll find monumental murals by internationally renowned artists such as Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Inti. Each work transforms an ordinary building into a colorful piece of urban art.
For an even deeper dive into the scene, visit the Galerie Itinerrance and Lavo//matik, two galleries dedicated to street and contemporary art. And if you’re exploring the Butte-aux-Cailles, take your time—every corner hides another vibrant mural or poetic stencil.
6. Relax in Green Spaces
When you need a break from sightseeing 🌳, head to Parc de Choisy, a spacious park with lawns, fountains, and tree-lined paths—a favorite among families and joggers. The Square René-Le Gall near the Gobelins area is a quieter garden filled with roses and shaded benches 🌹. Along the Seine, the Rive Gauche quays offer riverside walks and open-air bars, perfect for sunset views 🌇.
7. Savor the Flavors of Chinatown
The 13th arrondissement is home to Paris’s largest Asian quarter, centered around Avenue d’Ivry and Avenue de Choisy 🏮. This vibrant neighborhood is a microcosm of Asia within Paris, where the aromas of steaming noodle soups, sizzling woks, and freshly baked buns fill the air. Streets are lined with colorful storefronts displaying Chinese calligraphy, Vietnamese signs, and glowing red lanterns. Walking through this district is a sensory experience that combines the energy of a bustling market with the comfort of community traditions. Here you’ll find authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian restaurants, bustling supermarkets like Tang Frères, and grocery stores stacked high with tropical fruits, teas, spices, and rare imported ingredients.
The area also has a fascinating history. Built in the 1970s as part of a massive urban redevelopment project, the neighborhood quickly became home to Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants, transforming empty modernist towers into a thriving cultural hub. Today, it’s one of Europe’s largest Asian communities, offering a unique perspective on Parisian diversity.
Top restaurant picks include:
- 🍜 Lao Lane Xang – a local favorite for Laotian and Thai dishes, known for its flavorful curries and fragrant lemongrass soups. The menu is vast, the service warm, and the flavors strikingly authentic.
- 🍷 Chez Gladines – a lively Basque bistro known for generous portions, a convivial atmosphere, and its famous “pommes sautées.” It’s a perfect spot to meet friends and enjoy comfort food that contrasts beautifully with the Asian cuisine nearby.
- 🥞 Des Crêpes et des Cailles – a charming crêperie tucked away on Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles, offering both savory galettes and sweet crêpes made from fresh, local ingredients. The rustic décor and friendly owners make it feel like dining in a small Breton village.
- 🍕 La Felicità – a massive Italian food hall located at Station F, one of the world’s largest startup campuses. Inside, visitors can enjoy pizzas, pastas, pastries, and cocktails amid industrial-chic interiors and lush greenery, making it a lively meeting point for locals and tech enthusiasts alike.
But Chinatown is not only about dining—it’s also a place to shop and explore. The supermarkets Tang Frères and Paris Store are culinary landmarks where chefs and food lovers alike browse aisles filled with soy sauces, rice noodles, dumplings, and exotic snacks. Small bakeries offer fresh bao buns, mooncakes, and pandan cakes, while street vendors sell bubble tea and skewered meats. For a more immersive experience, visit during weekends when local markets spring to life, blending French and Asian specialties side by side.
During the Chinese New Year 🐉, the neighborhood bursts into celebration with lion dances, fireworks 🎆, and parades centered around Place d’Italie—an unforgettable cultural experience that draws thousands of visitors each year. Streets are adorned with red banners wishing prosperity, and traditional drummers lead processions that wind through Avenue d’Ivry. Restaurants host special banquets featuring dumplings, Peking duck, and sweet rice cakes, while families exchange good luck envelopes. Even outside of festival season, you’ll often find smaller community events such as Mid-Autumn lantern walks, cultural exhibitions, and pop-up food fairs that showcase the living, breathing spirit of Asia in the heart of Paris.
Exploring Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement offers more than just food—it’s a journey through cultures, traditions, and generations. Whether you’re sipping a hot bowl of pho, tasting durian for the first time, or watching a dragon dance weave through the streets, this district captures the soul of global Paris—a fusion of flavors, histories, and joyful encounters that make every visit memorable.
8. Seasonal Events and Cultural Highlights
Throughout the year, the 13th arrondissement hosts several events worth attending 📅. These festivities not only bring the community together but also celebrate the neighborhood’s multicultural identity, artistic spirit, and love of outdoor living. From traditional Asian festivals to citywide cultural happenings, every season has something exciting to offer.
- 🐲 Chinese New Year Parade (January/February): The highlight of winter in the 13th arrondissement, this parade is one of the largest in Europe. Expect dazzling dragon and lion dances, vibrant red lanterns, traditional costumes, and rhythmic drumming that echo through Place d’Italie and the surrounding streets. Many restaurants offer special menus, and temples host prayer ceremonies and community events. Photographers and travelers alike flock here for unforgettable sights and sounds that mark the Lunar New Year with authentic energy.
- 🌿 Rendez-vous aux Jardins (June): As spring gives way to summer, Paris opens many of its hidden gardens for this nationwide festival. In the 13th, the highlight is the rare opening of the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand’s secret forest garden, usually closed to the public. Visitors can take guided tours, learn about the architectural symbolism of the garden, and even attend small concerts or art installations in the open air. Parks like Square René-Le Gall and Parc de Choisy also host family activities, botanical workshops, and eco-friendly events.
- 🎶 Fête de la Musique (June 21): This famous citywide music celebration transforms the 13th arrondissement into a giant open-air concert hall. Streets, courtyards, and even rooftops become stages for live performances of every genre—from jazz and rock to classical and hip-hop. The Butte-aux-Cailles quarter is particularly lively, with bars spilling onto the streets, DJs spinning late into the night, and spontaneous jam sessions around Place Paul Verlaine. For visitors, it’s the perfect way to experience the local spirit of joie de vivre.
- 🏮 Mid-Autumn Festival (September): As summer ends, the 13th celebrates another major event of the Asian lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival, or “Fête de la Lune,” fills Avenue d’Ivry and Avenue de Choisy with glowing paper lanterns, mooncakes, and cultural performances. Families gather to honor the harvest moon, while the area’s bakeries sell limited-edition pastries and sweets. The festival also features calligraphy workshops, martial arts demos, and folk dances that showcase the deep-rooted traditions of the neighborhood’s Asian community.
In addition to these main events, visitors might stumble upon smaller local fairs, street art shows, and weekend markets featuring crafts and street food. Together, these festivals highlight the 13th arrondissement’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it one of the most dynamic areas to explore year-round.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to its futuristic architecture 🏗️, multicultural energy 🌏, or bohemian backstreets 🎭, the 13th arrondissement offers a refreshing and authentic slice of Parisian life. It’s a place where creativity meets tradition—where you can sip coffee ☕ in a century-old square, admire world-class street art, and enjoy dinner 🍽️ in one of Paris’s best Asian restaurants, all within a few blocks. For travelers seeking something beyond the classic tourist trail, the 13th is a must-visit.