Butte aux Cailles

The Basics

The best way to explore Butte-aux-Cailles is on a walking or cycling tour, starting along the main streets of Rue des Cinq Diamants and Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, then ducking off to explore the maze of side streets and alleyways. Along the way, visit the St. Anne's Church in the Butte-aux-Cailles, admire the pretty timber-fronted houses along Rue Daviel, or take a dip at the famous Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, fed by natural hot springs.

Most importantly, take time to soak up the ambiance of local life in the quartier. Stop for a coffee in one of the terrace cafés, browse the small shops for local produce and handicrafts, or buy a bag of croissants and pains au chocolat to munch on as you stroll through the Brassaï Gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Butte-aux-Cailles is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Paris and has colorful street art—ideal for unique photo ops.
• The neighborhood is quieter and less touristy than those in central Paris.
• Wear comfortable shoes to take on the hills and cobblestones and dress for the weather.
• The narrow sidewalks and cobblestone side streets can be a challenge to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs, though the main thoroughfares and squares are accessible.

How to Get There

The hilly Butte-aux-Cailles is set in Paris 13th arrondissement between the Metro Tolbiac, Quartier Asiatique, and Place d'Italie stops. Take Metro Line 6 (Corvisart stop) or Line 5/7 (Place d’Italie stop) from the city center or there are numerous buses that connect to the neighborhood.

When to Get There

This neighborhood is particularly beautiful in the spring, when the many cherry trees blossom pink and the Brassaï Gardens is most lush. Most lively during the day when local bistros and shops bustle with locals, Butte-aux-Cailles is not particularly known for nightlife.

Highlights of Paris’ 13th Arrondissement

Set along the River Seine southeast of central Paris, this off-the-beaten-track neighborhood is a captivating mix of cultures and architectural styles. The 13th arrondissement is crowded with authentic Asian restaurants and hosts one of Europe’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. Dozens of murals have transformed the area into an open-air museum, and the ultramodern National Library looms over historic hamlet-like neighborhoods like Cité Florale and Butte-aux-Cailles.

Ways to explore

You can explore Butte aux Cailles on a walking or cycling tour, starting along the main streets of Rue des Cinq Diamants and Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, then ducking off to explore the maze of side streets and alleyways. Along the way, visit St. Anne’s Church, take a dip at the famous Butte aux Cailles swimming pool, fed by natural hot springs, or wander through the Brassaï Gardens. Another popular way to see the neighborhood is on a street art tour: Guides can show you colorful pieces by big French names such as Seth, Jef Aérosol, and Kashink.

Accessibility

Hills, cobblestones, and narrow sidewalks may challenge some wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Outside of summer, an umbrella often comes in handy for Paris

What to wear

Comfortable shoes are a must for the cobbles, and layers are helpful for unpredictable weather.

Not allowed

Some of the colorful homes are gorgeous, but it’s important to be sensitive to the people who live in them when taking photos.

Address

Butte aux Cailles is in Paris’ 13th arrondissement between Parc Montsouris and Place d’Italie, about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) south of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Driving

Paris is not a car-friendly city. Make like a local and walk, bike, use public transportation, or take a taxi or rideshare.

Public transportation

The best metro stations for Butte aux Cailles are Corvisart (line 6) and Tolbiac (line 7). You can also walk from Place d’Italie (lines 5, 6, and 7).

Best times to visit

Butte aux Cailles is not a nightlife destination, so visit during the day. The light can be particularly good for photos during the golden hour, shortly before sunset.

Best days to visit

If you’d like to browse the boutiques, plan your visit for Tuesday through Saturday, as some stores close on Sundays and Mondays.

Best months to visit

The neighborhood is particularly beautiful in the springtime, when the cherry trees blossom and the Brassaï Gardens are at their most lush.

Special events

Festivals and special events: Butte aux Cailles proudly participates in Paris’ Fête de la Musique each June, with free live performances in the streets.