Paris by the Numbers – 9th and 10th

My Paris by the Numbers series continues this week with the 9th and 10th arrondissements. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, there are 20 arrondissements in Paris and I’m covering each and every one over the next few months. The landmarks I have chosen in each neighborhood are the ones that appealed to us, so this won’t be an inclusive list of sites for each neighborhood.

As I have mentioned previously, theTravelsketcher and I have been fortunate to have visited Paris often as it was just two hours away by train from our home in Normandie. Alors (so), we became familiar with this enchanting city.

The 9th arrondissement, located on the right bank of the Seine, is known as the Opéra District, it includes not only the opera house, but the famous department stores Galleries Lafayette and Printemps. It doesn’t have any famous monuments, meaning it’s not a popular location for tourists. So, if you’re looking for more of a local experience, this is the place.

A stroll down Boulevard Haussmann will take you to Palais Garnier, the opera house. Construction of the building, by architect Charles Garnier, began in 1861 and it opened to the public in 1875. In May, 1896, a concierge was killed when a chandelier broke free and fell through the ceiling. Gaston Leroux, a French author and journalist, included the tragic incident in his 1910 novel, Phantom of the Opera. The Opera House is open for tours; click here for details.

The 10th arrondissement doesn’t have any famous monuments either, but it is still a lovely place to visit, alors, allons-y (let’s go)! Canal Saint-Martin is the dividing line of the neighborhood. It’s a popular spot for strolling, picnics and when we were there in September, we even saw people fishing.

There are a series of locks along the 2.8 mile (4.6km) canal. Boat rides and tours are available, click here for information.

Marché Saint-Quentin dates back to 1866 and is one of the oldest indoor markets in Paris. The steel and glass building was considered quite modern at that time. The market is filled with various vendors and has a few restaurants too.

Also in the 10th are Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, the two largest train stations in Paris. If you plan on taking the Eurostar, you’ll leave from Gard du Nord.

Jardin Villemin is one of my favorite gardens in Paris. Designed by horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barré, this hidden gem opened to the public in 1865. It is named for Jean-Antoine Villemin, a famous physician and epidemiologist. There is a playground in the garden that is popular with the locals. My sister and I had a long, uninterrupted conversation here one summer day as her children enjoyed the playground.

As you wander along the curved pathways, you’ll see a wide variety of plants and trees including plane trees, colorful planters, horse chestnut trees and even a few sequoias.

The 18th century building in the garden has been used as a Franciscan convent and as a military hospital. The building is also the site where Jean-Antoine Villemin (mentioned above) proved the contagious nature of tuberculosis.

As you stroll through the 10th arrondissement you may find Église Saint-Laurent, a 15th century gothic church. You’ll also notice pastel colored buildings and beaucoup de restaurants.

What do you think about these two neighborhoods? As we explored all the arrondissements, we found that the outer ones often have a more relaxed vibe since they don’t tend to attract many tourists. This is quite appealing to us. I think the 10th arrondissement is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. I hope to explore it more on future trips to France.

If you’re interested in what we’re currently up to these days, check out theTravelsketcher’s current posts.

As always, I would love to hear from you so feel free to share your comments.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia