Butte-aux-Cailles: A Parisian Village

Butte-aux-Cailles, nestled in Paris's 13th arrondissement, offers a delightful escape from the city's more crowded tourist destinations. This neighborhood, whose name dates back to 1543, has a unique and rebellious spirit. Named after Pierre Caille, who owned a vineyard here in the 15th century, it retains a village-like atmosphere with its cobblestone streets, small houses, and lack of Haussmann-style buildings. Originally a fenced-in village outside of Paris, Butte-aux-Cailles overlooks the now-underground Bièvre river. Traces of the river's path can still be found in the neighborhood through medallions and street signs. The area was once known for limestone mining and remained working-class until recently. Today, Butte-aux-Cailles is known for its thriving street art scene, with colorful murals and stencils adorning many walls. The area is also home to the Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, an Art Deco architectural jewel built in 1924. The pool is a listed National Heritage site. The Place Paul Verlaine features one of the city's few public fountains providing pure spring water. Exploring the streets, visitors will find pleasant corner brasseries, traditional houses, and charming alleyways.