Giulia BlocalBelleville, Paris, stands out as one of the best neighborhoods to discover street art in Paris, embodying the city’s spirited vibe through a diverse collection of street art. It’s a place where everything from large-scale murals to tiny street installations captures the imagination.
Belleville’s streets are a testament to the skill of many local artists, including works by some of the most celebrated and globally recognized Parisian street artists. This rich tapestry of urban art offers a window into the creative heart of Paris, making Belleville a focal point for those keen to experience the artistic pulse of the city.
- Read also: Exploring Street Art in Paris: A Comprehensive Guide to All 20 Arrondissements and Beyond!
Belleville, the Best Neighborhood to Discover Street Art in Paris
Since the 1980s, Belleville’s walls have become a go-to spot for graffiti artists across generations, now doubling as a stage for both unsanctioned street art and participatory urban art projects that engage Belleville’s multicultural community.
The street art in Belleville is always changing. It’s fleeting and free from rules, turning every find into a mix of exploration, unexpected joy, and happy accidents.
Street art spots in Belleville include Rue de la Mare and Place de Fréhel, a tiny park on Rue de Belleville, towered by a mural by Ben Vautier (aka Ben93), a prominent figure in the post-war European avant-garde, best known for his text-based paintings and his involvement in the Fluxus movement.
Grab my Paris Street Art Travel Map below (or, even better, my Paris street art books!), and join me as I venture through my favorite spots for discovering the best street art in Belleville, exploring the masterpieces that adorn its streets and the stories behind them.
My Paris Street Art Books
This book is the ultimate guide to Paris’ urban art scene, combining cultural depth with practical tools for exploration.
Paris Street Art Map: Belleville
- Belleville, the Best Neighborhood to Discover Street Art in Paris
- My Paris Street Art Books
- Paris Street Art Map: Belleville
- Street Art in Belleville: Rue Dénoyez
- Street Art in Belleville: the Belvédère
- Street Art in Belleville: Paris Commune
- Street Art by Nemo in Belleville
- More Street Art in Paris' 20th Arrondissement
- Paris Street Art Map
- Paris Off The Beaten Path: What to See and Where to Eat in the 20th Arrondissement of Paris.
- My Paris Street Art Books
Street Art in Belleville: Rue Dénoyez
Rue Dénoyez epitomizes the serendipitous development of street art in Belleville. In Rue Dénoyez, the walls are alive with a chaotic tapestry of spray-painted images, posters, stencils, throw-ups, and tags. At first glance, the street appears as a collective masterpiece, the result of numerous artists leaving their mark at different times, contributing to a perpetual narrative of change.
The diverse surfaces of Rue Dénoyez—walls, doors, lamp posts, windows—are ever-evolving. The layered artworks merge without distinct boundaries, creating a grand, shared painting. Yet, a closer inspection reveals the unique identity of each piece amidst the collective chaos.
Street Art in Belleville: the Belvédère
The pillars of Belleville Belvédère, towering over Belleville Park, proudly display an impressive piece by Seth, initially created in 2014 and refreshed in 2022, alongside unauthorized posters and smaller pieces. This is also a great panoramic spot, offering an unparalleled view of Paris.
Street Art in Belleville: Paris Commune
At Belleville Park’s base lies another significant piece of street art, “La Dernière Barricade” by QMRK (Question Mark), commemorating 150 years since the last stand of the Paris Commune with a mural that brings over 50 characters to life on a wooden fence.
The Paris Commune was a brief revolutionary socialist government in Paris from March 18 to May 28 1871, known for radical reforms like worker self-management and direct democracy. Despite its short life, it profoundly influenced global socialist and revolutionary movements.
Street Art by Nemo in Belleville
A trailblazer in Paris’ street art landscape, Nemo has been bringing to life his signature character, cloaked in a trench coat and hat, evoking the image of a classic detective, on Paris’ walls since the 1980s. He was among the first to evolve the city’s urban art from mere lettering to a form of street art that conveys poetic imagery, marking a pivotal change. This transformation shifted the city’s urban narrative from expressions of anger and political statements to an embrace of a more romantic and poetic vision.
His character, often set against various backdrops and/or paired with thought-provoking quotes or messages, is frequently seen with a red umbrella or a red balloon (a red kite, in the image above), elements that may have inspired Banksy’s iconic red balloon. In turn, Nemo’s red balloon alludes to Albert Lamorisse’s film “The Red Balloon,” shot in the Belleville district, intertwining cinema with street art in a poetic representation of the city of love.
More Street Art in Paris’ 20th Arrondissement
Mosaics by Invader in Paris 20
In Paris’ 20th Arrondissement, you simply cannot miss the mosaics by Invader. Here, you’ll find an abundance of them (just as in the rest of Paris), but my favorite is located on Passage Monplaisir.
Murals by Kashink in Paris 20
Attracted by the multicultural mix of Paris’ 20th district, Kashink lived for many years in this area, gracing it with two beautiful murals.
The first mural is a piece created in collaboration with children from the nearby rue du Clos school (affectionately called the Kashinkids). The second is the current version of a wall the artist has painted over several times, which boasts a row of Invader’s mosaics at the top (PA_0824).
Kashink’s figures transcend boundaries, allowing anyone to connect with them, regardless of their origin, social status, gender, or cultural background. These characters defy not only gender norms but also racial identification, with their skin colors ranging across the rainbow.
Mural by Seth in Paris 20
The street artist Bilal Berreni (aka Zoo Project) was assassinated in Detroit in 2013 at the age of 23. Seth paid tribute to him in the street where Zoo Project grew up.
Street Art by Mr. Hobz in Paris 20
This humorous mural by Benoît Robin (aka Mr. Hobz) transforms an abandoned house into a brothel by giving new meaning to the inscription on the façade saying “Reputable establishment since 1881.”
Abandoned for nearly 20 years, these walls once housed the old cardboard factory “Elka.” After the cardboard factory closed, the place was taken over by artists: Cartonaria 163 was born. Sets were built for theater performances, street art shows, cabaret, or fashion shows by young designers, while a diverse audience, reflective of the programming, came to explore the site. However, in 2009, the association was evicted by the police.
Le M.U.R. Square Karcher
Next to Hobz’s large mural there’s a long public wall known as “Square Karcher,” which is part of the urban art project Le M.U.R. (standing for Modulable, Urbain, et Réactif). This project offers legal and prominent spaces throughout Paris for street artists to showcase their talent. These walls transform every three weeks, serving as a stage for a new artist and continuously injecting their area with fresh artworks.
Mosaic by Le Diamantaire in Paris 20
Le Diamantaire transforms discarded mirrors into street installations shaped like diamonds. These hidden gems, quite literally, were born from waste and conveyed a powerful message: that luxury could be offered to passersby through street art.
Paris Street Art Map
Paris Off The Beaten Path: What to See and Where to Eat in the 20th Arrondissement of Paris.
The 20th Arrondissement of Paris epitomizes the essence of exploring off the beaten path. As the arrondissements of Paris are 20 administrative districts that spiral clockwise from the city’s center, the 20th Arrondissement stands as the city’s outermost frontier, offering numerous charming spots to discover in Belleville and its surroundings.
Venturing up rue Belleville, you can capture photos of the Eiffel Tower from a unique angle, while one particularly enchanting area is known as La Campagne à Paris, or “the countryside in Paris.” Nestled on a hill, this secret spot offers a Montmartre vibe, but without the crowds of tourists.
Alternative Paris: Père Lachaise Cemetery
The Père Lachaise cemetery is a verdant oasis home to the graves of luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, whose tomb is adorned with a modernist angel, and Jim Morrison, whose final resting place continues to draw fans worldwide.
Offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past and cultural heritage, Paris’ largest cemetery is characterized by winding paths and Gothic tombs creating a peaceful yet hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Beyond its historical significance, the Père Lachaise cemetery offers tranquil spaces for reflection, providing a moment of peace amidst the city’s bustling life.
Alternative Paris: La Petite Ceinture
Encircling Paris, the 32 km long abandoned Petite Ceinture railway reveals secluded green havens away from the urban rush. Conceived in the late 19th century during France’s railway expansion, this “little belt” once connected Paris’s major train stations within the city’s old fortified walls. With the rise of the metro system, the Petite Ceinture fell into disuse, officially ceasing operations in 1934.
The tracks, surrendered to nature, grew wild and untamed. In 2007, Paris began a revitalization project to reintegrate this historical line into the city’s landscape, opening it up after nearly sixty years of neglect. Today, reopened sections feature pedestrian pathways alongside the original rails, accompanied by a rich array of graffiti.
La Petite Ceinture’s Access Points in the 20th district are:
- 11 rue de la Mare
- 79 rue de Ménilmontant
The Vietnamese Restaurant Dong Huong
Belleville, the multicultural heart of Paris, is undoubtedly the place to savor the finest global cuisine. This Vietnamese eatery holds such a special place in my heart that I brought some of you here for lunch during one of my curated urban walks through Paris. This beloved Belleville canteen has been lovingly managed by the same extended family for twenty years, becoming a local legend in the process.
Café Pimpin 20
On the same urban walk, we also stopped at this cute café for a hot beverage during a cold winter morning. The place is nice and quiet, with several people reading or typing on their laptop.
Belleville stands out not just as an interesting multicultural neighborhood but as a living gallery, making it the best neighborhood to find street art in Paris.
Whether you’re an avid street art hunter or simply curious about the colorful expressions that line the city’s walls, Belleville’s street art scene is a testament to the dynamic and evolving world of urban art.
This district, rich with history, culture, and artistic innovation, invites everyone to witness the pulsating heart of street art in Paris, solidifying its status as an essential destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the best of what the city has to offer.
My Paris Street Art Books
True to the ethos of “Be Local”, this book reflects not only my perspective but also the voices of the Parisian street artists I interviewed. Their contributions infuse the guide with authentic local flavor, leading you to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems—offering a richer, non-touristy glimpse into the life of the city.
