Paris has become such a popular tourist destination that it can be difficult to know which areas of the French capital to visit. There are the standard stops of any France tour, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, but if you're looking for something different, the Belleville region of the city may the best option.
The vibrant neighborhood is an ideal destination for a variety of reasons, from its beautiful cityscape to its typically smaller crowds, but one of its most appealing aspects is its continually changing street art.
Artists flocked to Belleville in the 1980s, and over the year many of them have used the neighborhood's main street, Rue des Couronnes, as their own personal canvas. Though street art is certainly not unique to Belleville, what is a bit unusual is that while the pieces are often taken down after a week or two, it's not long before a new work of art takes its place. The Louvre may be located not too far away, but you certainly won't find anything quite like Rue des Couronnes housed in its famous walls.
It's no surprise that Belleville became a hub for local artists. The neighborhood is located in one of the highest parts of the city, which means spectacular views of the rest of Paris. You should make a point to visit Parc de Belleville, which has become well-known for its impressive display of flowers throughout the year. In fact the park's gardeners take it so seriously that they prepare their designs two years in advance.
Seeing the famous sites in Paris is an important part of tours of France, but you should also explore the lesser-known areas of the city, and Belleville is a great place to start.
