The 10th arrondissement of Paris is relatively anonymous to outsiders. It features none of the major tourist attractions that visitors flock from all over the world to see. There are few major parks or green spaces, and it’s not on the banks of the Seine.
But it’s still exceptionally popular with locals. Parisians come from all over the city to enjoy Canal Saint-Martin and the wonderful cafés and restaurants along it. It’s also a home to numerous brunch spots and cocktail bars, and is increasingly relevant as a food destination.
This article explores the 10th arrondissement, and offers several reasons why you might—or might not—wish to live here.
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About the 10th arrondissement of Paris
The 10th is one of the few Paris arrondissements in the heart of the city with no obvious tourist attractions or famous sites. But that doesn’t mean it’s void of activity and things to do.
It contains two of Paris's most important railway stations, each among the busiest in Europe. It also contains much of the Canal Saint-Martin, which connects northeastern Paris with the Seine.
Thanks largely to the Canal, Parisians know the 10th as a place to meet, eat, drink, and enjoy the evening light as it falls on the city.
Canal Saint-Martin
Where is the 10th arrondissement?
The 10th includes nearly 3km of land within the following borders:
- Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière to the west
- Boulevard de la Chappelle to the north
- Boulevard de la Villette to the east
- Rue de Belleville to the south-east, from Belleville to République
- Boulevard Saint-Martin and Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle to the south
What are the key attractions in the 10th arrondissement?
At first glance, there are very few attractions or sites in the 10th that most non-Parisians will be familiar with. Notable sites include:
- Canal Saint-Martin, a popular city waterway surrounded by trendy cafés and restaurants.
- Place de la République, a large public square which is always busy with events, concerts, protests and demonstrations.
- Popular music venues like New Morning, Alhambra, and Point Éphémère.
- Théâtre Antoine-Simone Berriau, Théâtre du Petit-Saint-Martin, Le République, Théâtre de la Renaissance, Théâtre du Gymnase Marie Bell, and much of Paris’ dramatic scene.
- Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, two vital train stations connecting Paris with European stations to the north and east.
The real draw to this neighborhood is in the secret local spots, and the opportunity to enjoy the Canal any time of the day or night.
The best reasons to live in the 10th arrondissement
The 10th is growing in popularity as a place to live, particularly among young professionals and those with active social lives. Here are some of the best reasons to live in this neighborhood.
You love Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal is the signature feature of the 10th arrondissement. People come from all over the city after work and on the evenings to sit by the water with a picnic or bottle of rosé, chat, and to watch the world go by. In a part of the city otherwise dominated by concrete, the open space and (admittedly green) water are a nice respite.
There are interesting little shops and cafés to pop into, and a few nice green spaces dotted along the waterway. More than anything, the happy moods and positive energy you encounter here on a sunny day are enough to make you fall in love with this local hotspot.
You travel often
As far as practical locations in Paris go, it’s pretty hard to beat the 10th. Particularly if you make regular trips to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or northern or eastern France, close proximity to those two major train stations can be hugely helpful. There’s also a direct train to both Orly and Charles-de-Gaulle airports, and you’re well connected to anywhere else in the city via these two hubs.
Of course, if you plan to travel south often, you’d rather be close to Gare de Lyon or Gare Montparnasse, so it depends a little on your most frequent destinations.
You love café culture
Quality coffee houses and brunch cafés are becoming more common in Paris, and can be found all over. But alongside Le Marais, the 10th has probably the best concentration of flat whites and eggs benedict in the city. New speciality shops open seemingly every week, including vegan, gluten free, and other dietary niches.
If your idea of a weekend well spent is a long, lazy brunch, or a stroll along the canal with a great coffee and a pastry, the 10th is right up your alley.
You like convenience and access
With three of the city’s main transport hubs, the 10th is an incredibly easy neighborhood to get to, and to get almost anywhere from. République, Gare du Nord, and Gare de l’Est keep you easily connected to the rest of the city.
But you’re also within easy walking distance of so many Paris sites, that you may not even need the metro very often. You’re not far from Le Marais, South Pigalle, Bastille, Oberkampf, and even the Louvre and Notre-Dame. It’s a terrific arrondissement for people who like to meet friends on foot and wander wherever they need to go.
The Louvre
Like the sound of the above? Check out the furnished apartments available to rent in the 10th arrondissement.
Why not live in the 10th arrondissement?
There are, of course, downsides to the 10th. While it’s a great neighborhood for most, there are a few factors to be aware of before moving here.
It can be busy
Parts of the 10th are among Paris’s busiest areas, especially near Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord. These areas can feel chaotic, with heavy traffic, bustling crowds, and the general rush of travellers and commuters trying to get somewhere fast.
The area around République is similarly often busy, with protests and events happening all throughout the year. If you’re looking for a serene or quiet atmosphere, certain parts of the 10th may not be the best fit.
It’s gentrifying quickly
In the past, the 10th was a relatively affordable arrondissement. Today, it’s in the 6 least expensive arrondissements based on property prices, but prices are rising quickly. Particularly around the Canal, it’s no longer easy to find cheap accommodation.
It has a mixed reputation
While some parts are indeed gentrifying, others still have a reputation for being seedy or unwelcoming. Especially near the train stations, it can feel less polished or less secure than other neighborhoods, particularly at night.
It has limited green space
The 10th has fewer parks and open-air spaces than many other arrondissements. While Jardin Villemin near Canal Saint-Martin is a pleasant spot, it doesn’t compare to the open and expansive parks found in other parts of Paris.
Experience the 10th arrondissement for yourself
The relatively short list of key attractions above might make the 10th feel like a disappointing Paris neighborhood. But if you’re living in the city and have to get around, you don’t always want to be near the big sites.
The 10th is both a lovely arrondissement to spend quality time in, and one of the most convenient to get everywhere else from. For working Parisians, this is a balance that can be hard to beat.
Dismissing the 10th as a place to live would be a major mistake. Come and experience it for yourself—particularly on a sunny evening—and you’ll immediately see what the fuss is all about.
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