Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Montreuil, France

Stylish and artistic, Montreuil is an eastern suburb of Paris, located just north of the Bois de Vincennes. Historically, this area was characterized by industry and agriculture, and many residences are found in refurbished warehouses and mills. It is a neighborhood where visitors can explore flea markets for vintage finds and experience the charm of the remaining old walled peach orchards.

At night, you can enjoy vibrant gatherings alongside some of the most fashionable Parisians. Additionally, access to the heart of Paris is convenient via Metro lines 1, 3, and 9, as well as Line A of the RER commuter train. While the entirety of Paris is within reach, this article will focus on attractions and cultural landmarks just a short distance from Montreuil.

Let’s examine the top activities to enjoy in Montreuil:

1. Puces de Montreuil

Situated on Avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, Montreuil hosts one of the city’s most charming flea markets every Saturday and Monday. Most items for sale are second-hand, appealing to those who appreciate eclectic bric-a-brac, vintage clothing, and retro gems. Moreover, the market is off the usual tourist path, ensuring a more authentic experience.

As you explore, you will encounter an array of antiques, including cutlery, art deco ceramics, bicycle components, and varied collectibles.

2. Château de Vincennes

Emerging prominently within the Vincennes district, this formidable medieval fortress ascends to 52 meters. Upon its completion in the 1300s, the keep was recognized as the tallest fortified structure in Europe and served as a seat of French royalty before the establishment of Versailles. Historic events unfolded here, including the marriages of two kings, Philippe III and Philippe IV, as well as the deaths of several monarchs.

Eventually, this site gained notoriety as a prison, holding notable figures such as Fouquet, Mirabeau, the Marquis de Sade, and Diderot. Visitors can explore the towering upper floors, the Royal Chapel, and the 14th-century study of Charles V.

3. Murs à Pêches

Between the 1600s and 1900s, one-third of Montreuil was adorned with orchards that provided fresh fruit to Paris. These gardens also fostered the cultivation of new peach, cherry, and strawberry varieties. The innovative structure of the gardens involved using local gypsum plaster on walls to enhance heat retention at night.

Although the ease of importing fruit from outside farms saw a decline in local plantations, many of these iconic Murs à Pêches (Peach Walls) have been diligently restored, particularly in the Saint-Antoine sector, where 40 hectares of walled gardens can be enjoyed. Visitors are encouraged to check with Montreuil’s tourist office for guided excursions.

4. Bois de Vincennes

The vastness of this park, located immediately south of Montreuil, may come as a surprise. It is the largest park in Paris, encompassing one-tenth of the city’s area. Similar to the Bois de Boulogne in the west, it was originally designated as a royal hunting ground and underwent landscaping under Napoleon III during the 19th century.

The park features hundreds of hectares of lush green spaces and woodlands, complemented by smaller gardens and recreational areas. Within its bounds, one can find the Paris Velodrome, the Hippodrome, the Paris Zoo, and even an urban farm complete with livestock.

5. Parc Floral de Paris

This botanical garden situated on the northern edge of the Bois de Vincennes is one of four official botanical gardens in Paris. Established in the early 1960s, the park was inspired by the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which is reflected in its loose Japanese aesthetic.

The centerpiece is the stunning Vallée des Fleurs, which undergoes an annual thematic transformation. Notable events include a spring tulip display and an autumn competition for dahlias. In addition, the park hosts numerous cultural events such as the Paris Jazz Festival and Festival Classique au Vert, alongside delightful amenities for children including a playground, mini-golf, and a miniature train.

6. Musée de l’Histoire de l’Immigration

Even if you do not enter the museum, the Palais de la Porte Dorée, located on the outskirts of the Bois de Vincennes, is a must-see. This official “monument historique” is an art deco palace constructed for the 1931 Colonial Exposition. The grand portico features an impressive relief showcasing wooden ships and exotic animals.

The museum galleries delve into 200 years of migration history in France, detailing the challenges faced and accomplishments achieved by immigrants since the early 20th century. The building is also home to a vibrant tropical aquarium in the basement, inhabited by colorful fish, turtles, and caimans.

7. La Montreuilloise Brewery

Established in 2014, La Montreuilloise Brewery is part of the craft beer movement that has gained traction across France. This brewery, located near the Murs à Pêches, employs organic and eco-friendly practices in the production of blonde, brown, amber, and seasonal beers. The brewery’s products are increasingly found in the trendiest bars throughout Montreuil, recognizable by their distinctive labels.

For residents or visitors staying in Paris for an extended period, the brewery offers workshops, allowing participants to brew their own beer, which will be bottled 13 days later.

8. Coulée Verte René-Dumont

From the Robespierre Metro station in Montreuil, it is just a ten-minute walk to the eastern endpoint of this innovative urban project, known as the Promenade Plantée, which opened in 1993. This park follows the route of the former Vincennes Railway, transforming the old viaducts into lush installations adorned with trees, shrubs, sculptures, and flowerbeds.

This green corridor allows for a pleasant walk from Montreuil to the Opéra Bastille in the 12th Arrondissement, offering several playgrounds and opportunities to descend to the gardens below.

9. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Located in the 20th Arrondissement just west of Montreuil, this cemetery is the final resting place of many influential figures. Visitors can download or acquire a map of the cemetery’s graves from local retailers. Notable interments include renowned authors such as Balzac and Proust, artists like Delacroix and Ingres, alongside the famed singer Édith Piaf.

Many visitors are particularly drawn to the gravesite of Doors frontman Jim Morrison and the striking art deco monument dedicated to Oscar Wilde. While not every name may resonate with every visitor, many graves feature impressive mausoleums and intricate tomb designs.

10. Palais Garnier

Take Metro Line 3 to visit what may be the most illustrious opera house worldwide. Constructed in a lavish eclectic style during Napoleon III’s reign in the 19th century, most performances here are held by the Paris Opera Ballet. While last-minute attendance is often not feasible, remaining informed about performance schedules allows for advance planning.

In the event of unavailability for a particular performance, visitors may still marvel at the grandeur of the auditorium and Grand Foyer during a self-guided visit throughout the day.

11. Passage des Panoramas

Among the countless elements that define Paris are the elegant shopping arcades that emerged in the 19th century. They developed as the city transitioned from its medieval structure to the expansive urban design seen today. Shopping galleries like the Passage des Panoramas, located near Bourse on Line 3, were precursors to modern shopping malls, enabling visitors to shop, dine, and enjoy tea or coffee sheltered from the elements.

The Passage des Panoramas holds the title of the oldest arcade, completed in 1800 and first illuminated by gaslights in 1817. Emile Zola featured this arcade in his work “Nana,” and it retains a strong 19th-century ambiance showcased through its stamp shops and crêperies, alongside the Belle Époque decor of its restaurants.

12. Musée des Arts et Métiers

Only a 15-minute journey from Gallieni on Line 3, this museum will captivate aspiring inventors, engineers, and history enthusiasts alike. Featuring over 2,500 machines, devices, and experiments that have significantly influenced science and culture, this museum originated with the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, a foundation established in 1794 to document and preserve significant inventions.

The display is categorized into seven sections: Communication, Construction, Energy, Materials, Mechanics, Scientific Instruments, and Transport. Highlighted exhibits include Foucault’s original pendulum, Pascal’s calculational device, early flight models, and Bartholdi’s design for the Statue of Liberty.

13. Opéra Bastille

Initially criticized for its aesthetics upon opening in 1989, this contemporary opera house now ranks among the world’s premier performing arts stages. Any reservations regarding the building’s appearance soon dissipate once inside the main auditorium, celebrated for its excellent acoustics and unobstructed sight lines even from the most affordable seats.

During the day, guided tours lasting 90 minutes are offered, revealing detailed insights into the building’s history, architecture, and stage operations. For those keen to keep tabs on upcoming opera performances, monitoring the venue’s website can facilitate invaluable planning for a Paris trip.

14. Louvre

Reaching the Louvre from Montreuil requires a bit of effort, as it is accessible via Line 1. Travelers can transfer at Nation or opt for a bus or leisurely walk to Vincennes. However, any inconvenience in transit is negligible once inside the world’s largest museum.

Having served as a royal residence before Louis XIV established Versailles, the Louvre transitioned from a private gallery to a public museum following the Revolution, enriched by confiscated art from aristocratic families and religious institutions nationwide. The breadth of archaeological and significant artistic collections is immense, and those on brief visits should prioritize famous works such as da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People.”

15. Centre Pompidou

More than 40 years after its construction, this remarkable high-tech cultural center continues to inspire. The building broke conventions in the 1970s by situating all heating, plumbing, and electrical systems on the exterior. Inside, several national institutions, including a large public library, the largest modern art museum in Europe, and the IRCAM center for music and research, coexist.

For visitors, the primary focus is the museum, which spans various movements of modern and contemporary art, showcasing illustrious figures such as Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee, Chagall, and Francis Bacon among its extensive collection.