A Local’s Guide to the 11th Arrondissement of Paris

Last Updated on 1st March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Trendy and cool, I used to live in the 11th district of Paris as a student, and so understandably it remains as one of my favourite places in the city to this day! Lively, urban, and home to a vibrant nightlife, the 11e offers plenty of street art and off the beaten path things to do. Here’s a local’s guide to the 11th arrondissement of Paris, including travel tips and the best things to do there!

The 11e is referred to in French as the onzième. The area is also sometimes referred to as Popincourt, after one of the most popular districts within the 11th. The 11th has a population of just over 145,000 residents, making it one of the most populous areas of any European city.

Where is the 11th arrondissement?

The 11th arrondissement is located on the Rive Droite (right bank of the Seine, which is located in the Northern hemisphere of the city) in the North Eastern corner. The 11th arrondissement is one of 20 Paris arrondissements and is sandwiched between the 3rd, 10th, 12th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements.

Please note that the 11th arrondissement is more of a local’s area and you’ll run into few tourists should you opt to visit the area. This does, however, mean that the quality of food and bars in the area is exceptionally good, as is the nightlife.

Best things to do in the 11e arrondissement 

Musée Edith Piaf

The iconic singer lived along Rue Oberkampf, and today is buried in nearby Père Lachaise cemetery. Today, there is a small private museum dedicated to Edith Piaf in a tiny apartment in the neighbourhood of Menilmontant.

The museum features exhibitions housing personal artefacts of Piaf, as well as a history of the wider neighbourhood. While the museum itself is free to visit, you need to book a slot in advance. Please note that only French is spoken by the museum staff.

Saint-Ambroise church

One of the most beautiful monuments in the 11th arrondissement is the church dedicated to Saint-Ambroise. The ecclesiastical building, which is designed in an eclectic style featuring Renaissance, Gothic, and Roman design elements, is of such importance to the surrounding area that the neighbourhood around it is known as quartier Saint-Ambroise.

Place de la Bastille

Home of the birthplace of the French Revolution itself, Place de la Bastille was once home to the infamous Bastille prison, for which the public square is now named. Though no piece of the prison remains to this day, the busy square is now home to a number of famous monuments, including an opera house.

See the Cat Café

One of the more unusual experiences to have in the 11th is to visit the cat café, which is located a short walk away from Bastille. Known as Le Café des Chats, the coffee shop serves a variety of drinks and food dishes, though can get quite busy!

Place de la Republique

One of the most important squares in the 11th arrondissement is Place de La République, a pedestrian dominated space that borders the 3rd and 10th arrondissements. The square is presided over by a larger than life sized statue of Marianne, who is the embodiment of France.

Rue de Charonne

Filled with small café and bars spilling out onto the street, Rue de Charonne is the perfect place to head to on a warm summer’s evening when the days are longer and the nights warmer.

Rue Oberkampf

If you’re looking for some of the trendiest and hippest nightlife in town, then you need to look no further than rue Oberkampf, which is a central vein running through the very heart of the 11th arrondissement. Particular highlights of rue Oberkampf include scouting out street art and shopping at independent boutiques.

Marché Bastille & Marché Popincourt

Two of the largest open-air bi-weekly markets are held in the 11th arrondissement. So if you’re looking to purchase local and fresh ingredients (particularly if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation), then head to one of these markets to buy vegetables, freshly cut flowers, and the like.

Bastille Opera

There is not just the iconic Palais Garnier Opera House in the 8th arrondissement but also Bastille Opera. The modern building was constructed in the 1980s and today hosts regular shows and performances throughout the year.

Paris 11eme arrondissement Café & Restaurant Address Book

Café Charbon

This lively café is located along the ever-bustling rue Oberkampf and is popular among locals and visitors alike. Café Charbon also boasts a fairly substantial terrace, making it a great spot to eat out in the open air during the warmer months of the year.

Au Lèche-Vin

A particularly unique wine bar in the 11th is Au Lèche-Vin. While the interior of the bar is decorated with religious iconography, the toilets are decorated in a rather different x-rated nature (the images of which we’re unable to publish here!)

Le Perchoir

As one of the best rooftop bars in Paris offering a view of the Eiffel Tower, Le Perchoir in Le Marais is a must-see for all fans of the Iron Lady. But what many people don’t know is that there is actually a second rooftop bar which is part of the same chain. The bar offers delicious cocktails and fantastic views over the city.

Café Méricourt

Fans of grabbing a brunch in Paris will be delighted to discover Café Mericourt, just off Boulevard Voltaire and close by to Le Marais area of the city, making it a great stopping point for a quick coffee, brunch spot or lunch stop.

Septime

Situated in the 11th arrondissement neighbourhood of the city, the One Michelin Star Restaurant of Septime is the kind of place you’ll struggle to get a reservation at but is oh-so-worth-it if you do manage to snag a coveted spot.

Founded by graphic-designer-turned-chef Bertrand Grébaut in 2011 and has since been awarded one Michelin Star. In 2017, Septime even won a Sustainable Restaurant Award.

Where to stay in the 11th arrondissement

The People – Paris Belleville: If you’re looking for a well-reviewed and laid-back hostel in a lively neighbourhood, then you need to look no further than The People. Highlights of this hostel include custom-made bunk beds with lockers, blackout curtains and reading lights.

As well as mixed and female only dorms, for an extra fee you can rent a private room. There is a bar and restaurant on-site, and you can book an airport shuttle for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Hôtel Fabric: The stunning Hôtel Fabric is located in the 11th arrondissement and is a four-star hotel that offers one of the best quality/ratio price points of any place to stay in the city. Amenities include a spa and breakfast for an extra fee.

Housed against the backdrop of a former fabric factory (hence the name), the hotel rooms are decorated in a fun manner and the location itself is a great spot from which to explore the wider area. Check prices and availability here.

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