Stories
13th: Place Italie, Chinatown
Paris - 13th Arrondissement
The 13th arrondissement is probably best known by locals as having a hopping nightlife around the Seine. There's also the larger Chinatown here (most don't know about the one in Belleville in the 20th), adjacent to the village-like district, Butte aux Cailles, here on the Left Bank.
For tapestry lovers, the Manufacture des Gobelins still makes tapestries for purchase. It was founded as a dye works in the mid-15th century by Jean Gobelin.
And although the mistress of Francois Mitterand is no longer on media display, the Bibliotheque Nationale de France Francois Mitterrand is worth a visit, if not for the books, than for the glass building with its modern "bookend" architecture.
Destinations in the 13th: Place Italie, Chinatown
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6 Villa des Gobelins
This address was the home of the first Vietnamese president, Ho Chi Minh for a three year period from 1919 – 1921. Ho Chi Minh was leader during the Vietnam War. -
Butte aux Cailles
Butte aux Cailles, which translates to “quail’s hill” is a tiny area that offers endless Parisian charm. The area gathers a very vibrant, youthful population at its many lively bars and restaurants since it has recently become a more leisure area. Conversely, it still holds much of its “village” atmosphere since it was only recently annexed to the city. There is often a push and pull going on here between those who love the liveliness of it and those who miss the peace and quiet associated with the area. -
Chinatown
Also called “Little Asia,” this Chinatown is among a bustling high rise district that includes other places of interest like Les Olympiades. There are also dozens of Chinese owned supermarkets and grocery stores like the largest Tang Freres. The district sees millions of visitors during its annual Chinese New Year celebrations. -
Les Olympiades
These residential towers are unique compared to others because there are dozens of them surrounding a large, pedestrian only square that includes the Pagode shopping mall. Though it may seem small to the untrained eye, it is actually built to look like a similar square in La Defense. Each building is also named after a city that has hosted the Olympic games in the past, hence the name. -
Manufacture des Gobelins
This 15th century tapestry factory was once the royal producer for Louis XIV and a handful of other kings after him. Today the factory gives day tours that fill visitors in on its rich history. It is still in operation and produces a limited number of tapestries for the French government only. -
Paris Rive Gauche
This business district is new, so new in fact that plans go well into the next decade to develop it. It is a typical urban district and is being set to compete against Paris’ other business district, La Defense. -
Passerelle Simone de Beauvior
This romantic pedestrian footbridge over the Seine offers a scenic way to make it from the Bibliotheque to the Parc de Bercy on foot. It was named after 20th century French author, philosopher and feminist Simone de Beauvoir. -
Place d’Italie
This quaint square is where 8 streets intersect. Italie 2, a contemporary shopping mall by architect Kenzo Tange is also nestled in next to Place d’Italie. Nearly 130 stores reside here including Printemps. -
Stade Charlety
This 20,000 multipurpose stadium is mostly used for rugby matches today. Speaking of, it is home to the Paris FC and has seen its fair share of Rugby League World Cups come through. It was also the site of the May 1968 protest when nearly 50,000 people crowded and chanted during one of the city’s most important demonstrations.
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Eats and more eats!
There are so many Chinese restaurants (often run by Vietnamese owners) that it's a pleasure - not to mention a bargain - to eat in this arrondissement. In addition, don't overlook the grocery stores. Even though they may not seem as well organized as ones in the US or in France, you won't find fresher fish anywhere and at a fraction of the cost of other fish markets. The Asian residents don't put up with mediocre food.
