The Butte-aux-Cailles has preserved its village atmosphere in a city designed with by Baron Haussmann. And for a very good reason: the limestone quarries that crisscross the soil of this Parisian hill did not allow the construction of heavy buildings.
Instead, tiny houses embellish the neighborhood, to our delight.
Moreover, the Butte-aux-Cailles did not join Paris until 1860 and the only Haussmannian touch can only be found in the construction of an artesian well, Place Paul-Verlaine. Yet it’s a very light touch because the project was abandoned, too complex from a technical point of view. It was not until 1903 that spring water flowed from the well. The Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, built around this Paul-Verlaine square, is also supplied by this water source and the square’s well supplies the inhabitants.
The district is full of surprises and is worth a stroll from the Floral City (“Cité Florale”) to the Butte-aux-Cailles street (“rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles”), where one can enjoy a drink.
The Floral City (“Cité Florale”) is a small village of six tiny streets, each named after a flower. The little houses date back from 1930 and the area is absolutely charming.
The Dieulafoy street (“rue Dieulafoy”) is also a hot spot: the little colored house are picturesque, almost too perfect.
Behind the Dieulafoy street (“rue Dieulafoy”), the Docteur Leray street (“rue du Docteur Leray”) and the Abbé Georges Hénoque square (“place de l’Abbé Georges Hénoque”) are absolutely gorgeous too.
Now, heading North, the Peupliers square (“square des Peupliers”) is a set of three tiny streets. It’s easy to miss it, as it’s almost hidden.
Sainte-Anne de la Butte-aux-Cailles church is quite impressive:
The Art Nouveau Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool is startling. The pool is a listed building.
La Petite Alsace, Daviel street (“rue Daviel”) is a set of timber-framed houses:
Villa Daviel, with its tiny detached houses:
Butte-aux-Cailles street (“rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles”) and La Commune-de-Paris place (“place de la Commune-de-Paris”) are on the top of the hill. It is the hot spot of the area, full of restaurants and cafes:
September 11, 2020
