Things to do in and around Paris’ 13th arrondissement

While originally an industrial suburb of Paris, the 13th arrondissement has become an interesting neighborhood sprinkled with charming green spaces, modern developments, and cobblestone streets. This eclectic mix makes it a unique area to explore – one can get a break from the city noise on the Petite Ceinture (a railway-turned-walkway) and in the Cité Florale (a collection of garden-filled residential streets), as well as walk around the monumental modern campus of the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand. Also interesting to discover is Petite Alsace, an area of older residences in the classic Alsatian style, as well as the Butte-aux-Cailles, a collection of streets famous for its street art. 

The 13th also has a rich immigrant history and is famous for its Asian cuisines, markets, and community life around what is generally termed the Quartier Asiatique; definitely take some time to try out the restaurants in this area!

The Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, designed by French architect Dominique Perrault

Other places to check out in the 13th include the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, located by the Seine. The biggest library in France, it hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year and offers its own mk2 cinema with specialized programs and screenings. This cinema, mk2 Bibliothèque, is currently partnered with the Centre Pompidou to provide curated screenings, retrospectives, and film festivals, along with its regular programming. See its screening schedule here: mk2 Bibliothèque / Bibliothèque x Centre Pompidou - Paris 13.

Piscine Joséphine Baker

Also notable is the Piscine Joséphine Baker, a floating pool built out onto the Seine. This aquatic space features an open-air pool (covered by a solarium in the colder months) that allows swimmers to exercise with a beautiful view of the river. Nearby is Station F, a start-up campus housed in an old industrial building; this interesting space also offers a food court and event venue.

Station F, a repurposed industrial building in the 13th

Just across the Seine is the Cinémathèque Française, Paris’ film museum. The Cinémathèque offers film series and screenings as well as regular exhibitions. See its programming here: La Cinémathèque française. 

La Cinémathèque Française, in a building designed by architect Frank Gehry

The 13th is a great place to explore what makes Paris such a unique city: its mixed urban development, its vibrant international populations, and its beautiful pockets of green space. Hopefully these recommendations can serve as a good starting point for your own exploration of the neighborhood!