Summary
The 10th arrondissement has been little-known to tourists but houses hidden gems such as the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. This edgy working-class area is just a stone’s throw from the bustling city center of Paris and is increasingly attracting young professionals and artists.
This district was the target of terrorist attacks on November 13, 2015, that left 130 people dead and more than 300 injured. The Place de la République became a living memorial where people gathered to mourn. The square is built around a beautiful monument topped by a statue of Marianne, a representation of French liberty.
The 10th arrondissement is a hip neighborhood, known for its cafes, progressive inhabitants, and a mix of cultures. You’re as likely to see a model posing along a canal as a hipster stopping into the local greengrocer. It’s an area that has been in decline but is finding its artsy, contemporary side and is worth a visit to walk the streets and see the iconic train stations.
The area may be more typically Parisian than some of the more tourist-frequented areas, and there is plenty to see and do while soaking up that Parisian atmosphere.
Canal Saint-Martin Neighborhood
Locals come in droves to the banks of the photogenic Saint-Martin Canal to picnic, strum guitars, and bask in the sun. The area along the canal is lined with cafes and quirky boutiques. On Sundays, two streets running parallel to the canal, Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes, are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists—perfect for renting a bike and seeing the city from a fresh angle.
Consequently, you can also tour the canal by boat. Small canal boats will take you cruising for two and a half hours along the calm waters of the canal, bordered by 100-year-old trees and spanned by iron footbridges.
Place Sainte-Marthe
The district, with its village-like atmosphere, has been home over the years to working-class families. Like many areas in the 10th, it is a vibrant multicultural district with interesting shops, bistros, and an artsy vibe.
Moreover, it’s the kind of place where you’ll sit outdoors at a cafe and watch the comings and goings in the square. In the evening, this quiet neighborhood gets a bit busier, providing a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploring.
New Morning Jazz Club
New Morning, located at 7 rue des Petites Ecuries, is a legendary music club in Paris, known especially for jazz and blues. Opened in 1981, it has hosted famous jazz musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, as well as folk and rock icons like Prince and Bob Dylan.
The club can accommodate about 250 people, making it the perfect spot for an intimate concert or dancing night. The nearest subway stop is Château d’Eau, providing easy access for visitors.
Gare de l’Est (Paris East Train Station)
Paris train stations are worth a visit just to admire the architecture. The Paris East Train Station (Gare de Paris-Est) exemplifies the Belle Époque generation of railway buildings, with the west wing constructed in 1847, followed by the east wing in 1854.
This beautiful station was the site of the first departure of the romantic Orient Express in 1883. Today, it provides train transportation to major cities in Central Europe, such as Zurich, Munich, and Vienna. Inside, visitors will find shops, cafes, and the ticket office, making it a convenient stop during your travels.
Gare du Nord (Paris North Train Station)
Gare du Nord is much busier than Gare de Paris-Est, as it is the busiest railway station in Europe. This major hub serves trains to Northern France and international destinations in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.K.
The station was designed by German-born French architect Jacques Hittorff and built in the early 1860s, showcasing the Beaux-Arts (neoclassical) style of architecture. The elegant arched stone façade is adorned with statues, with nine statues representing different cities associated with the original train company. The central statue represents Paris, while the other eight depict London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Warsaw. Additionally, there are 14 smaller sculptures representing various French cities served by the railway.
The L’Etoile du Nord restaurant, led by Michelin star chef Thierry Marx, presents an excellent dining option. Located in the entrance hall of the Gare du Nord, the ground floor Brasserie and Zinc Bar offers a view of the busy station, while the adjacent Le Fournil bakery opens early at 5:30 a.m. for fresh croissants and coffee.
