Butte-aux-Cailles: What to See, Walk, Street Art and Metro Access
The Butte-aux-Cailles, in the 13th arrondissement, is a freely accessible village-like district with cobbled lanes, Petite Alsace, a pure-water fountain and street art; metro Place d’Italie, Corvisart or Tolbiac. Originally a hill and meadows overlooking the Bièvre river, the district – named after its 1543 buyer, Pierre Caille – has kept its picturesque village feel, unlike the old neighbourhoods around it that gave way to tall concrete towers. For a full walking route including the district’s Art Nouveau swimming pool, see our Butte-aux-Cailles walking guide.
Highlights
The Petite Alsace of rue Daviel
Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Butte aux Cailles, lined with bars, restaurants, and colorful little houses. Heading up rue du Moulin-des-Prés to Place Paul Verlaine, you'll pass a public fountain giving out pure spring water for free. Continue on to rue Daviel, where the half-timbered houses of the Petite Alsace will make you feel like you've stepped into the French countryside, far from the bustle of Paris.
The Église Sainte-Anne
At the end of rue Michal stands the Église Sainte-Anne, built at the end of the 19th century. Designed by architect Prosper Bobin, it was built in the Romano-Byzantine style.
The street art of the Butte aux Cailles
The Butte-aux-Cailles is also a hub of street art. Local street artists regularly cover the neighborhood's walls with their creations. Among the best known are Miss Tic and Jef Aerosol. Be sure to stop by the shop, an unofficial neighborhood "tourist office" too, Paris Mythique, on rue des Cinq Diamants: there you'll meet Jean-François, a passionate street art enthusiast who will guide you on your urban art quest.
Practical info
Tips
- As its name suggests ("butte" means hill), getting to the Butte aux Cailles involves quite a bit of climbing and walking. Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes, and bring an empty bottle to fill up with pure water from the artesian well.
- Also, flea markets and intimate art galleries regularly pop up on the Butte aux Cailles' calendar, so it's worth checking ahead of time. Street art fans can extend the visit with our 13th arrondissement street art route.
How to get there
To get to the Butte aux Cailles, it's best to use public transport. You can reach it via metro lines 5, 6, and 7 ("Place d'Italie," "Tolbiac," or "Corvisart" stations), and via bus lines 47 ("Tolbiac" stop), 57 and 67 ("Verlaine" stop), or 62 ("Moulin des Prés-Tolbiac" stop).
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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