Belleville

Belleville is a residential district in northeastern Paris, spreading across the 19th and 20th arrondissements. The narrow streets wind past art galleries, international eateries and street markets, while Boulevard de Belleville forms the main commercial corridor.

The area remained an independent village known for vineyards and popular entertainment until the mid-19th century. After being absorbed into Paris it became a working-class district and center of the Paris Commune of 1871, which built its final barricades here.

The name comes from Latin Bella Villa, referring to a medieval hillside settlement. Today small theaters, open studios and street music shape the district, where residents gather in public squares and celebrate local festivals throughout the year.

Metro stations Belleville, Pyrénées and Jourdain link the district to central Paris, with line 11 being especially convenient. The twice-weekly market on Boulevard de Belleville takes place on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Parc de Belleville sits at the highest point in Paris, offering open views over the city from its terraced gardens. The park was only created in the 1980s and follows the natural slope of the hill with water features flowing down through several levels.