The 13th arrondissement of Paris, which is located in the city’s southeast, is perhaps the least-known of Paris’s 20 arrondissements, or districts. Despite this, it is a wonderful area of Paris to visit.
The left bank of the Seine is home to Gobelins, which is the other name for the 13th arrondissement. This District is home to the majority of Paris’s Asian population, which is concentrated in the Quartier Asiatique to its south-east. Businesses from China and Vietnam are concentrated in this area.
The Bibliothèque François Mitterrand and the newly constructed business district of Paris Rive Gauche are also located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris.
There are parts of the 13th arrondissement that is less well-known than others, such as the vibrant new arts and entertainment scene along the Seine. Repurposing old industrial buildings into new tourist attractions has given a new face to an area that had previously been overlooked.
The 13th arrondissement isn’t on the typical Paris itinerary for tourists. It is where the city’s main attractions are located that they usually spend their time. Tourists rarely venture into the nearby 13th district, which is devoid of monuments.
However, the fact that the 13th arrondissement of Paris is off the beaten track, makes it even more attractive to those seeking a different side of Paris. The 13th arrondissement has enough interesting things to do to warrant a longer stay.
Going to Paris soon? Make sure the 13th Arrondissement is part of your itinerary. Here’s a guide to the must-visit attractions in the Gobelins, as well as the best restaurants and fabulous accommodations.
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Guide To Paris 13th Arrondissement
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Things To Do In 13th Arrondissement
If you enjoy strolling around Paris, you’ll enjoy exploring the sights of the 13th arrondissement. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Gobelins, ranging from modern bridges to quiet neighborhoods.
Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir
One of Paris’s newest pedestrian bridges, Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir connects the blocky and equally modern Parc de Bercy with the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, a modernist design marvel located between the 12th and 13th arrondissements of Paris.
A near-miraculous span with no central support is created by combining steel and oak. The Eiffel factory built the bridge in eastern France and shipped it to Paris by water.
Metro Line 14 – Météor
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The Gare de Lyon Metro station is a popular stop for both Parisians and visitors. Not so much for its destination as it is for its contemporary appearance and quick efficiency.
Perhaps it was because the line was fully automated, and there was an element of excitement associated with boarding a driverless train and riding in the front row with a clear view of the tunnels. It’s hard to believe this futuristic route opened twenty years ago.
Line 14 used to run between Madeleine and Bibliothèque François Mitterrand in the north and Bibliothèque François Mitterrand in the south. Since then, the line has been extended on both ends, to Saint-Lazare and Olympiades, with additional extensions planned.
Residential streets in the Butte-aux-Cailles
As a result of the area’s underground limestone quarries, Butte-aux-Cailles’ picturesque streets were spared from the urban redevelopment.
As a result, the area has the appearance of a village, with cobblestone streets lined with former ateliers, charming houses once occupied by workers, and flower-filled gardens.
In the old suburbs of Paris, stone houses with mosaic-decorated facades can still be found on Rue du Moulins-des-Près. Walking through this quiet neighborhood, please be considerate of the residents’ right to privacy.
Petite Alsace and Villa Daviel
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One of Paris’ most unexpected sights is the half-timbered houses of “la Petite Alsace,” or Little Alsace“. Built in 1912, they were once the homes of workers with large families. A group of up to 12 people
The Villa Daviel, meanwhile, is situated directly across the street. This is yet another charming street, complete with shady trees and lovely flower beds. Enjoy a stroll through this picturesque area, which has a distinctly European feel to it.
Where To Eat in 13th Arrondissement
The 13th arrondissement is home to a diverse range of restaurants. Check out our quick list of the best places to eat in Paris’ 13th Arrondissement, whether you’re on a budget or looking for upscale dining.
Budget
La Felicita –(5 parvises Alan Turing)
The Big Mama Italian restaurant group owns and operates this affordable but delicious food market.
You can order at any counter you like, then sit wherever you like. At La Felicita, diners can enjoy a wide variety of Italian cuisine in a unique street art setting with ornate architecture. The majority of the staff is Italian, and they are all very friendly.
Midrange
Chez Gladines –(30 Rue des cinq Diamants)
The Butte aux Cailles district in Paris’ 13th arrondissement is home to this Basque restaurant. As far as cuisine goes, they serve up Basque favorites in a casual atmosphere with home-style cooking. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy time with loved ones.
Luxury
L’auberge du Roi Gradlon -(36 Boulevard Arago)
Chef Camille Awazu of this Parisian inn offers a Breton cuisine that has been reimagined and is a world away from the usual crêperies. The Japanese influences in the chef’s cooking set the L’auberge du Roi Gradlon apart.
As a nod to its individuality, raw stone beams and simple, elegant plates adorn the restaurant’s interior.
Where to Stay
When visiting Paris, you should consider staying in the 13th arrondissement. Here are our top three picks for hotels in the 13th, all of which are close to good food and beautiful neighborhoods.
Budget
ibis Paris Avenue d’Italie 13ème
The ibis Paris Avenue d’Italie hotel is located in the South of Paris, just 50 meters from the lively Place d’Italie. Your every need will be met in one of the hotel’s cozy guestrooms.
Every morning, guests can choose from a variety of sweet and savory dishes, for breakfast. Fresh French Madeleine cakes as well as a hot beverage and a piece of fruit are also available for purchase.
Relax with a drink at the bar in the evenings, where snacks are available around the clock.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Midrange
The Hotel Le Richemont, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, offers spacious and elegant rooms with modern amenities. In all of the rooms, there is complimentary WiFi internet access. They are also easily accessible to guests who are physically challenged.
A short distance from Hotel Le Richemont is a Metro station, Olympiades (Line 14), which provides direct access to Chatelet Les Halles, as well as the Gare de Lyon. Just a 20-minute walk away is Bercy Village, where guests can shop and eat in addition to exploring the area.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Luxury
Hôtel B55’s elegant, spacious, and luxuriously furnished rooms are much loved by honeymooners and couples on a Parisian getaway.
This opulent hotel is located 3.3 kilometers from Luxembourg Gardens and 4.4 kilometers from Sainte-Chapelle. Apart from the beautiful rooms, guests at Hôtel B55 can begin their day with a breakfast buffet.
This 4-star establishment provides room service as well as a concierge service. The hotel has an indoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi throughout the property. The Paris Expo-Porte de Versailles is located 5 kilometers from Hôtel B55, as is the Rodin Museum.
Check out the hotel rates here.
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.