Discover Ménilmontant: History, Culture and Urban Space

Ménilmontant brings together its former village character, the history of a Parisian industrial and working-class neighborhood, and a diverse cultural scene. These themes can help guide your choice of a hotel in Ménilmontant: historic architecture, urban art, music and seasonal events all come together in the neighborhood. The area has also inspired writers, musicians and filmmakers.

From Hamlet to Parisian Neighborhood

Ménilmontant was once a hamlet that later became a suburb. Despite urban changes, it has retained a village-like atmosphere. When it was incorporated into Paris in 1860 by Baron Haussmann, the neighborhood’s character changed too: Ménilmontant became an industrial and working-class neighborhood. This development connects the area’s earlier settlement history with the history of present-day Paris.

Those interested in architectural development can find a notable example in the Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant: construction began in 1863, was interrupted by the events of the Paris Commune and was completed in 1880. The church was already being used for services from 1869. In size, it is the third-largest church in Paris, after Notre-Dame and Saint-Sulpice. Since May 31, 2017, it has been protected in its entirety as a historic monument—including its monumental staircase and the railings that border it.

Architecture, Urban Art and Culture

The Pavillon Carré de Baudouin also brings history and artistic use together. The building has been protected as a historic monument since 1928 and serves as a venue for contemporary artistic creativity. On Rue de Ménilmontant, a fifty-meter-long wall for urban art is part of its offering. Here, protected architecture and a modern art form stand side by side.

Other cultural venues offer a range of experiences. Les Plateaux Sauvages is a cultural institution run by the City of Paris in the heart of the 20th arrondissement. It is housed in a building renovated and inaugurated in 2018, between Ménilmontant, Père-Lachaise and Gambetta. On the heights of Ménilmontant, Studio de l’Ermitage hosts concerts featuring contemporary jazz and world music. The program may change. The studio has a capacity of 250 people; this capacity may also change. Check the latest information before attending a specific concert.

Urban Space and Practical Information

An open section of the Petite Ceinture du 20e runs between Rue de la Mare and Rue de Ménilmontant. Access depends on the section’s opening hours; check the schedule if you are planning a visit. At Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens, the entrance is designed to be optimally accessible for people with reduced mobility. Confirm the practical arrangements before your visit.

Seasonal Gatherings at 88 Ménilmontant

88 Ménilmontant is a seasonal, garden-like visitor space with a bar and two food kiosks. Opening periods and offerings may vary from year to year. Since 2017, the seasonal series has been accompanied each year by cultural and social gatherings. The public can also regularly take part in workshops there, including screen-printing workshops. Topics and dates vary by season; check the current program in advance.

The neighborhood’s history, its protected buildings and its changing cultural offerings provide different perspectives on Ménilmontant. Whether you are especially interested in architecture, contemporary art, concerts or seasonal gatherings, these highlights can help you identify your interests for your stay and look for a suitable hotel in Ménilmontant.

Discover more destinations: L'entrepot, Paris 14, 5th Arrondissement, Paris 8, 7th Arrondissement, 9th Arrondissement of Paris, 1st Arrondissement, Gobelins.

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