Paris , Lower Belleville - - info paris .com, tourist and purchase guide

This page in

Lower Belleville
District

75019 Paris

Subway :
Belleville (lignes 2 et 11), Couronnes (ligne 2), Ménilmontant (ligne 2)
Bus : lignes 26, 96.

What to see in the area

Historical background: Middle Ages – 18th century: The area of Lower Belleville was integrated into Paris as of 1702, but it is haunted by its rural and manufacturing past. A village existed in this area from the Middle Ages onwards, but took the name of Belleville only in the 18th century (Belleville might have been a reference to “Belle Vue”, or “pretty view”, from the days when open-air dances were held there (the “guinguettes”).)

19th century: The area became increasingly popular towards 1830 due to an expansion northwards of the workshops situated in an around Faubourg Saint-Antoine and the city urbanisation being carried out under Baron Haussmann. The entire Belleville area was integrated into Paris in 1860. Even today, the geography of the area is as it was towards the end of the 19th century. At the time, Belleville was split, with a rebel community on one side of the then-major road, rue de Belleville, which is now the frontier between the 19th and 20th arrondissements. Given the number of workshops and small industries located in Lower Belleville, the population at the time was largely working class and thus very involved in the 1871 Commune Uprising.

20th century: In 1936, it was here that the Metallurgists’ Union set up its headquarters.

During the 20th century, successive immigrant communities have established themselves in the area (e.g., Armenian, Greek and Jewish communities). Nowadays this is one of the most densely populated areas in Paris.

The wide diversity of cultures can be seen in the wide variety of shops and the open-air market which is held every Tuesday and Friday mornings and extends from the metro station Belleville to that of Ménilmontant.

Nowadays: Over the last few years, the area has seen changes. A few craftsmen try to resist the increasing cost of real estate in the area, but, generally, the workshops have been converted into residential or “green” areas. The Rue d’Oberkampf is typical of the transformation which has taken place since the 1990s; the population is younger and wealthier, and frequent the up-market bars now established in the area. Nevertheless, Lower Belleville remains well-known for its diverse population and conviviality!