The 10th arrondissement gets a bad rap on most of these travel websites, because it is not at all postcard Paris for tourists, even though it is rapidly rising in the "Boboland" index, which does not really concern most people here.
In any case, the rue du Faubourg Saint Denis is not chic, is not about to become chic, and quite possibly will never be chic. In spite of that, I consider it to be worthy of a visit for its remarkable ethnic mix, and also because it is a historical Roman road that dates from the first century. It is practically just a footnote that it also became the main entrance of French kings into the city, coming from Saint Denis.
Anyway, I made one of my photo reports about it, from Kurdistan to Kandy -- with a few Parisians mixed in as well: http://tinyurl.com/fbgstdenis
Just a tad gritty, but still Paris
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This was so much fun. I bet people are glad to be able to spend time outdoors again, just hanging out on the street with friends.
VERY COOL! I am trying not to be aggravated at the men only Turkish tea room (glad to know we still can't get out of the Dark Ages), but then there were those gorgeous Red and Gold Indian saris etc... for us girls at the end of the photos! I want one! (Wrong of me to imagine throwing one on and daring to enter a men's only lair???)
Fun trip. Thanks, Kerouac.
Thanks for sharing, K.
Very interesting.
That was such a treat! I've been in parts of the 10th at various times but now want to go back and see it more in depth (and eat at all those fabulous places!).
Thank you for sharing. The pictures were great. I have been to Paris, but not explored the 10th before and it is on the list for my next trip for new areas to see and explore.
Thanks Kerouac I just rediscovered a street I had been to and couldn't find again:
Passage de l'Industrie which didn't have anything for hairdressers that we don't have but it was a fun street to shop on. FYI: I think they would sell to anyone, in the states you have to show proof of a license to shop at these places but you didn't have to there.
Most of the products are imported from the U.S. anyway.
Great pictures.
We returned to Julien a few weeks ago for a great lunch after walking through the neighborhood. Food and service were great, and of course the decor is exceptional. Not snooty.
As always, I love your pictures. In February we were in the 13th and wandered the same area you had done a post on. We have walked through the 10th on previous trips, but not in depth. After viewing your pictures, I am eager to get back and do some more exploring.
I love these parts of Paris. This year it was parts of Belleville and Menilmontant, the latter in particularly going BoBo very quickly I am told.
We are planning to up the number of trips in order to see more of these parts of the city.
Thanks for the photos!
Thank you for the wonderful photo essay. Got hungry reading the menus.
Always appreciate your rambles off of the main tourist track.
Thanks
Wonderful!
I was in Passage Prado today and dined in one of the restaurants you photographed (though not because you photographed it). L'Ile aux Cerfs specialises in cuisine from Mauritius. It has a limited menu so you know that whatever they make is done well. The food is excellent and the most expensive plate is 8.50 euros. And for those who like fast service the food arrives within 2 minutes of placing your order. No kidding. It is freshly cooked, steaming hot and delicious.
Thanks for continuing to flesh out Paris for us.
It seems quite convenient to have the passage full of barbers near the passage full of hairdressing equipment.
Another great travel/photo documentary. Thanks Kerouac, it's a part of Paris I've never seen, for sure. Maybe we'll get a little more adventurous in the fall.
Thanks for this. I remember my husband and I stumbling through St. Denis and being thrilled at the ethnic food there. This time I'll get to experience it more thoughtfully!
I love your reports....can't wait to return to Paris some day! (I love checking out my own city, but it's nothing - and I mean nothing - like Paris. But it is fun, nonetheless). Thank you for sharing.