The 11th arrondissement in Paris is said to exhibit a very local side of the city. One that is just as lively without the tourist trappings. One where residents go about their business without encountering too many tourists.
This district is situated between three of Paris’ most famous squares Place de la République, Place de la Bastille and the national square Place de la Republic. There are 154,647 residents in the district’s 3.67-square-mile area (2011 census).
A popular area in the 11th is the tree-lined Boulevard Richard-Lenoir which links Place de la République and Place de la Bastille.
It was built on top of the Canal Saint-Martin, which is home to numerous markets and playgrounds for children.
READ MORE: Guide To Paris Arrondissment
Meanwhile, fashionable and popular nightlife destinations like the Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine and the Oberkampf district are home to galleries, trendy cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Many revolutionaries and movements have come to fruition here, making the arrondissement of Paris one of the city’s most culturally diverse and dynamic areas.
Today, the 11th arrondissement (XIe arrondissement) of Paris is known as a hip and ethnically diverse neighbourhood. Additionally, students and nightlife enthusiasts alike flock to the area because it is home to many of the city’s best bars and clubs.
First-time visitors to Paris may have not heard about the 11th Arrondissement that much, but it’s worth spending a day or two here to get to know a different side of Paris.
Here’s a handy guide on the top attractions, best places to stay and superb places to eat in Paris 11th.
Things you'll find in this article
Guide To Paris 11th Arrondissement
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Things To Do In 11th Arrondissement
Compared to Paris’s central arrondissements, the 11th arrondissement does not have as many tourist attractions as the others. But there are some notable landmarks and sites to visit:
Place de la Bastille
The imposing Colonne de Juillet towers over the vast Place de la Bastille, which is shared by the 4th and 12th arrondissements.
The “Trois Glorieuses,” or “Three Glorious Days,” is a landmark that commemorates the July Revolution of 1830. The monument contains the remains of revolutionaries. Nightclubs, cocktail bars, tree-filled parks, markets, and boutiques surround the square.
Bastille Opera
This Opera House is a contemporary steel and glass structure that houses the gleaming steel of the National Opera.
The Opera Bastille, which opened its doors in 1989 and was designed by Carlos Ott, is a sight to behold both inside and out. It is possible to take a guided tour of the theatre and backstage areas, and you can also attend performances.
Saint-Ambroise
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Saint-Ambroise was constructed between 1863 and 1868 and can be found at 71 Boulevard Voltaire. A former church, Notre-Dame de la Procession, had stood where the new building now runs, about where today’s public garden now stands.
The church was built from a design by Théodore Ballu, which is in an eclectic style. A small public garden in front of the church features a sculpture honouring Catholic Aid’s 60th anniversary, which was donated by the community and sculpted by G. Chance.
Musée Edith Piaf
This museum is in a private apartment once belonging to Edith Piaf, the French singer best known for her hit songs “La Vie en Rose” and “Milord.
The Musée Edith Piaf is a great place to visit if you’re a fan of music or just enjoy a unique museum experience.
Piaf’s former home is now a museum filled with memorabilia from her career, including photos and gold records, as well as some of the singer’s dresses. Book your visit in advance because this free museum in Paris requires a reservation.
Marché Bastille
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The Bastille market in Paris is one of the city’s largest open-air markets. The Place de la Bastille comes alive with aromas, flavors and sounds on Thursdays and Sundays.
Hundreds of stalls at the market offer a wide variety of local produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and cheese. If you’re a foodie, this is the place to go for souvenirs.
Where To Eat in 11th Arrondissement
Paris 11th is a true foodie haven, with a diverse selection of restaurants. These are some of the best places to eat in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, ranging from an all-day breakfast menu to a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Budget
Muscovado (1 Rue Sedaine)
Muscovado’s menu features a diverse selection of 17 different dishes. These offerings range from delectable pastries to hearty sandwiches to a global breakfast fare that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Everything on the menu is priced under 20 euros, which is popular with the locals.
Midrange
Le Petit Keller (13 Rue Keller )
Although it has the appearance of a traditional French bistro, the cuisine at Le Petit Keller is anything but. Here, chef Kaori Endo is now serving Franco-Japanese fusion for all three meals of the day.
Then there are the chocolate quenelles with Armagnac-soaked figs and cream, served after the mackerel donburi. Not only will you feel full, but you’ll also be healthy and rejuvenated when you have lunch or dinner at Le Petit Keller.
Luxury
Septime (80 Rue de Charonne)
It is indeed tough to make even a reservation at Septine, but dining in one of the best restaurants in the world is an experience not to be missed.
Make sure you book at least three weeks before your intended dining date. Bertrand Grébaut, the chef at one of Paris’ most highly regarded restaurants, has put together a delectable tasting menu.
Where To Stay in 11th Arrondissement
Staying in a hotel in the 11th Arrondissement will provide you with a truly authentic Paris experience, thanks to its diverse and welcoming neighbourhood.
Budget
Hôtel Paris Voltaire – The Hôtel Paris Voltaire, located in the 11th district of Paris, provides guests with an elevator, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Each guestroom is comfortable and well-equipped.
Every morning, the breakfast room at Hôtel Paris Voltaire serves a continental breakfast with orange juice, hot drinks, French pastries, jam, and cheese.
Voltaire Metro Station, a 3-minute walk away, provides direct access to the Grand Boulevards and Galeries Lafayette. The hotel is also a leisurely walking distance from Place de la Bastille.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Midrange
ibis Paris Bastille Faubourg St Antoine – Ibis Paros Bastille Faubourg is only a short walk from the Place de la Bastille. Each accommodation here comes with free Wi-Fi, access to a garden and terrace for guests to enjoy.
Modern design elements are incorporated into each of the hotel’s well-appointed rooms. There are rooms on the same floor where guests are permitted to smoke. Every morning, guests can choose from a variety of sweet and savoury dishes at the breakfast buffet.
The front desk at the Paris Bastille Saint Antoine is open 24 hours. Elevators are located on each of the hotel’s floors. The Ledru-Rollin Metro Station (exit no. 2), from which guests can access all of Paris’ most popular attractions, is just a short walk from the hotel.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Luxury
Hôtel Les Deux Girafes – Located in Paris 11th, the opulent Les Deux Girafes Hotel features a fitness centre, a garden, and free WiFi access.
All its rooms are beautifully designed, well-kept and have everything you’ll need for a luxury stay. Every morning, guests can choose between a continental or buffet breakfast.
The 24-hour front desk staff is fluent in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. They are happy to assist guests with practical information about the area.
From the hotel, guests can easily access Pompidou Centre and Sainte-Chapelle, both just a few kilometres away.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Travel Tips And Resources
Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing.
What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.
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