Hi, I’m David Hill with New York Habitat. Today’s video tour will be spent at the park, but not just any park, the refined Buttes-Chaumont. Les Buttes Chaumont are unquestionably among the most beautiful gardens in Paris.
A little outside of the center, le parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers a real moment of calm for those who exit the Botzaris subway station. There are five kilometers of little paths waiting for park-goers, each designed by the inventive genius architect Alphand.
Paris Video Tour: Buttes – Chaumont(6:17)
Le Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The park is found on the east side of the Canal Saint-Martin. Designed by Jean-Charles Alphand, the park was filled with little round mountains (mont in French), which looked rather “bald” (chauve in French), leading to its name Chau-mont. The engineer Darcel created massive mounds up to 101 meters in height, which were later covered with vegetation by the brilliant landscaper Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps.
With a walk up the highest hill you will reach the Sybille temple, where you can will find the best view of Montmartre and its lovely surroundings in the city. In addition to the hills, the park also has the largest lake of the city.
Romantic Bridge
The park is also famous for its bridge. It was supposed to be a place of amazing views of idyllic landscape’ but, according to the poet Louis Aragon, it became a suicide Mecca. Nowadays, the bridge is protected by a wire fence.
St. Jean-Baptiste de Belleville – 139 rue de Belleville
The St. Jean-Baptiste De Belleville church has huge, beautiful towers reaching 57 meters high (187 feet high) that can be spotted from the park. Jean-Baptiste Lassus, its architect, offered a fresh look at the French XIII century style. Even the most famous architect of Paris, Viollet le Duc, who restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, congratulated this amazing structure.
La Mouzaïa
La Mouzaïa, a charming street of Paris was named after a town in Algeria. It has a quaint old fashioned style and can be found hidden between rue de Mouzaïa, rue du Général-Brunet and rue Michel-Hidalgo. Small houses were built here, full of flowers and greenery. Taking a stroll around the streets of Buttes-Chaumont, you’ll feel like you’re part of the neighborhood.
Accommodations in the Buttes – Chaumont Neighborhood of Paris
As a matter of fact, you can be a part of the neighborhood. Book a furnished apartment with New York Habitat for your next trip to Paris and you can immerse yourself with the locals and experience of the “real Paris”. Here are some Paris apartments to consider in the Buttes-Chaumont area.
This fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment in Buttes-Chaumont, Paris (PA-2163) is located just minutes from the park. The apartment is situated on the sixth floor of an elevator building and features an open, fully equipped kitchen!
A furnished studio apartment Canal Saint Martin, Paris (PA-3533) would be a great way to experience the Parisian living style. This apartment is also in close proximity to the park and features parquet wood floors, modern decorating, TV and Internet access and plenty of storage space.
Jourdain, the Promised Land
Jourdain, a neighborhood, named after the biblical river, is one of a kind. It’s a place to go stroll around Art Galleries, classic XIX century buildings and inexpensive local street restaurants. Jourdain is also famous for its many festivals, leisure cafés and very friendly, lively locals.
Marché de la place des fêtes
To the southeast of the park, you’ll find the market at the Place des Fetes. This is where one of Paris’ most famous markets is held every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.
All Parisians talk about one place to spend the evening: Rosa Bonheur! This charming café, down the street from the Botzaris subway station, offers a great view of Paris while queuing to get in. You will also enjoy the real Parisian crowd dancing and singing to French music. Afterwards, head to Jourdain, with its 1929’s Zéphyr Brasserie and then on to Belleville with Le Vieux Belleville where you can hear local accordion music.
Rosa Bonheur: 2, avenue des Cascades
La Cagnotte de Belleville: 13, Rue Jean-Baptiste Dumay
Le Zéphyr: 1 Rue du Jourdain
Le Vieux Belleville: 12, rue des Envierges
Le nouvo Cosmos: 5, rue lassus
L’Imprévu: 151, rue de Belleville
Nightlife
As the Park gets darker and slowly closes, you can grab a drink at Au Bariolé with a trendy Parisian crowd. For those night owls that don’t want the night to end, stop at La Mer à Boire, its name meaning a sea to drink.
Au Bariolé: 103 Rue de Belleville
La Mer à Boire: 1 Rue des Envierges
The Buttes-Chaumont area of Paris is so full of things to see and do. I am sure we were not able to get them all in this video, but please help us out by leaving a comment with your favorite spots in Buttes-Chaumont.
Isn’t time you came to Paris? I’m hoping this video has inspired you to get online and book a flight to Paris and we will see you soon in the City of Light’s Buttes-Chaumont neighborhood.
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