Exploring Belleville

A couple of weeks ago, I spent the day with a friend of mine exploring Belleville.  It was one of the last days of chiller weather before the sunshine and warmth finally found its way to Paris.  Walking around the 19th and 20th arrondissements with stops in cafes for coffee kept us warm and energized and it was a really great day overall.

We started by meeting for coffee at a cafe near the end of Canal St Martin.  The canal empties out into the Bassin de la Villete, which is a very serene pool like area of water that almost appears as if it is another larger and much more calm canal.  There are large areas on both sides of of the bassin, perfect for picnicking and playing petanque (French bocce ball) or ping pong.  Once we got to the top of the bassin we crossed to the other side to check out a gallery space that had just opened.  It was still in preparations for more gallery spaces to open, so we just peeked around a bit and decided to come back again once it was up and running.

Next, we explored Parc des Buttes Chaumont, a beautiful mostly man made park situated in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.  It was an amazing park, very hilly, and great views (especially from a look out tower high at the top of the park).  After having walked this much we were famished and needed to refuel so we decided to stop for lunch at Rosa Bonheur, a very hip and trendy cafe/bar in the east side of the park.  In the summer this park is filled with locals and lots of young Parisians.  Rosa Bonheur is their clubhouse and I could definitely see why as even on a chilly day in early May the inside cafe and outside picnic tables were full of twenty somethings.

An empty statue podium provides a perfect photo opportunity.

After exploring the rest of the park apres lunch we decided to warm up once again with another cafe (espresso).  Then it was onto more of Belleville and another stop for an amazing view at the Parc de Belleville.  Wandering beautiful Parisian streets and looking at gorgeous views and interesting street art will make you thirsty and at this point we deserved a beer.  Then off again to hear my friend play in his ukulele open mic night with some of his friends. 

View from the top of Parc de Belleville

 Oh, Paris!

 Who knew a open ukulele night could be so much fun?!?

I was especially excited when I heard that my friend's group would be preforming Oh Paris!

 

This was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.  Sitting in a cozy bistro listening to music and having something to eat while the wine kept flowing for hours.  Oh, I nearly forgot, then we went to this old French guy's apartment for more wine and a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower and its hourly sparkling light show.

Oh, Paris indeed!


xx