Butte aux Cailles: the guide to the village district of Paris

A village in the heart of Paris

I know Butte aux Cailles well! It is a historic neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement in the western part. It feels like a village far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. This place is part of the administrative district of the White House. It used to be a hill that reached a height of 62 meters. Today, it dominates the western part of the modern district of Avenue d'Italie.

To better understand why this neighborhood is so unique, here are the key elements that contribute to its special identity.

• Preserved architecture: no Haussmann-style buildings here! This gives Butte aux Cailles an old-fashioned charm. With its cobblestone streets and human-scale houses, it looks like a village.
  
• Peaceful atmosphere: far from the noise of the main roads, this neighborhood offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere; it is the ideal place to stroll and discover hidden corners - a true haven of peace in our capital.
• Presence of greenery: from shared gardens to green facades, nature invites itself everywhere. This creates a pleasant living environment that contributes to the village-like aspect of the neighborhood. It's a real breath of fresh air!
• Art everywhere: the street art on the walls is a testament to the artistic vitality of the neighborhood. It contributes to its unique identity, transforming the streets into open-air galleries; in short, it's an explosion of color and creativity!
  
• Community spirit: in Butte aux Cailles, the residents know each other and mix with each other. This creates a feeling of belonging and a conviviality reminiscent of the atmosphere in villages. Exchanges and local initiatives are encouraged.

Butte aux Cailles is truly a village in the heart of Paris. It is a good place to live and to take a stroll.

The name “Butte aux Cailles” dates back to 1543. At that time, Pierre Caille, a winegrower, became the owner of a hillside planted with vines overlooking the Bièvre; this history has shaped the neighborhood and its particular identityover the centuries. So, how about a stroll through this village in the heart of Paris?

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Art de vivre and unusual heritage

The Butte aux Cailles swimming pool, located on Place Paul-Verlaine, is a little more than just a municipal swimming pool; it is a true Art Deco architectural jewel. Designed by Louis Bonnier, it was built between 1922 and 1924. Its red brick facade immediately catches the eye and its artesian well bears witness to the ingenuity of the time. It almost looks like a film set!

Since you are in the neighborhood, I recommend that you stroll through the streets of Butte aux Cailles. You will discover absolutely magnificent works of street art decorating the walls. To do this, start from the Place d'Italie or Corvisart metro station. Then let yourself be guided by the colorful frescoes of Miss Tic and Jef Aérosol; their creations are both poetic and committed. They transform the neighborhood into a true open-air art gallery, a must for guided tours of the neighborhood, believe me! In short, whether you are an architecture lover, a street art enthusiast or simply looking for an original stroll, the Butte aux Cailles has many surprises and discoveries in store for you around every corner.

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Memory of a rebellious neighborhood

Historical epics

La Butte aux Cailles, what an incredible neighborhood! It is steeped in history. Its role during the Paris Commune in 1871 is particularly noteworthy. Its spirit of resistance and its commitment make it an emblematic place of the rebel tradition, it is a bit like the rebellious soul of Paris, you see?

Over time, the former tanneries of the Butte aux Cailles have been transformed into social housing, an urban and social evolution of the neighborhood. Between the Revolution of 1848 and the First World War, ragpickers and leather workers settled there, shaping its history and identity.

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Preserved urban planning

The absence of Haussmann-style buildings and the presence of garden cities give the Butte aux Cailles a special charm. These specific architectural choices are one of the special features of this district of Paris. That is what makes it so original!

Little Alsace with its half-timbered houses and Villa Daviel with its small houses lined with trees illustrate the unique architecture of the neighborhood - these concrete examples bear witness to the desire to preserve a human-scale urbanism far from the large housing estates that can be found in other neighborhoods of the city; these are must-see places during a stroll through Butte-aux-Cailles. Unlike many Parisian neighborhoods, Butte aux Cailles is distinguished by the absence of Haussmannian architecture, and this contributes to its unique atmosphere. It almost feels like a village, don't you think?

Key facts

Did you know? In 1783, the first manned hot-air balloon landed on the Butte aux Cailles — a little-known historical event that left its mark on the history of this place. Crazy, isn't it?

The drilling of the artesian well, initiated by Prefect Haussmann, had a major impact on the urban development of the Butte aux Cailles. Given that the water captured has supplied the swimming pool since its construction in 1924 and that it still contributes to the public fountain on Place Paul-Verlaine, where it gushes out at 28°C and is drinkable, this makes the neighborhood unique in Paris. A swimming pool fed by a natural spring in the middle of Paris, who would have believed it?

A coveted setting

Dynamics of the real estate market

The real estate market of the Butte aux Cailles is constantly evolving. The evolution of prices per square meter in this neighborhood cannot be compared to the general trends of the real estate market of the 13th arrondissement. Indeed, in the neighborhood of the Caille-aux-Cailles, the demand is much stronger than in the 13th arrondissement. The average selling price per m² is around €10,000/m², but some exceptional houses can be negotiated at prices exceeding €15,000/m².

Here are the factors that explain the growing real estate attractiveness of this popular district of Paris. I love this corner of Paris!

• Privileged location: located in the 13th arrondissement near Place d'Italie, Butte aux Cailles enjoys a strategic location; it offers easy access to public transportation and amenities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
  
• Unique living environment: the neighborhood is appealing for its village atmosphere, atypical architecture and quality of life. It attracts people looking for a calm and authentic environment far from the hustle and bustle of the capital; it is a true haven of peace.
• Rich cultural offerings: the presence of numerous artists' studios, art galleries and performance venues contributes to the neighborhood's appeal. This neighborhood attracts a population that is sensitive to culture and creativity, thus promoting artistic effervescence.
• Preservation of heritage: Butte aux Cailles has managed to preserve its identity and its old-world charm with its cobblestone streets, old houses and green spaces. It is a neighborhood that attracts lovers of history and authenticity—a true testament to the past.
  
• Sustained demand: the scarcity of available properties and high demand contribute to rising prices. La Butte aux Cailles is therefore a dynamic and attractive real estate market for investors - a safe and profitable investment.

Butte aux Cailles is therefore a neighborhood where it is good to invest thanks to its many assets and undeniable charm.

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Social mix

Butte aux Cailles is characterized by a harmonious cohabitation between long-standing residents and new populations, creating a friendly and dynamic atmosphere. This contributes to the richness of the neighborhood and its very special identity; it's the Paris I love!

The renovations carried out in the neighborhood have had a significant impact on the commercial fabric with the arrival of new brands and new local shops, but these economic transformations contribute to energizing local life and meeting the needs of the inhabitants while preserving the soul of the village.

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Practical advice

The easiest way to discover the Butte aux Cailles is by metro (Corvisart or Tolbiac stations); it's direct and easy to get to. Then, for the atmosphere, I recommend going there towards the end of the day - the terraces start to come alive and the neighborhood takes on a really warm atmosphere. If you prefer, a beautiful sunny day is perfect for a stroll. RATP buses also serve the neighborhood, in particular line 57 (Moulin des Prés-Tolbiac or Verlaine stops), line 62 (Moulin des Prés stop) and line 67 (Moulin des Prés and Verlaine stops).

If you want to have an authentic experience, here are three places that I love: first, an old-fashioned bistro with Parisian charm: La Butte aux Piafs at 31, bd Auguste Blanqui; then one of the best couscous places in Paris: Chez Mamane at 27, rue des Cinqs Diamants; and finally an independent bookshop, the Librairie du Désordre, at 31, rue de la Butte-aux-cailles, a perfect place to stroll around and discover new novels... In short, imagine yourself strolling through this charming neighborhood, exploring the little cobbled streets, then stopping to enjoy a glass of wine on a sunny terrace, before pushing open the door of a bookshop to unearth a literary gem. So many simple pleasures that make the charm of the Butte aux Cailles. These places will give you ideas for unusual outings that are truly Parisian.

La Butte aux Cailles, a concentration of history, art and authenticity in the heart of Paris. Stroll through this charming neighborhood; start planning your next walk today: the magic of the Butte awaits you!