Situated in the 20th arrondissement not far from the busy boulevard Périphérique, the curious neighbourhood of La Campagne à Paris is a pleasant yet surprising housing development in the French capital.
What is La Campagne à Paris?
Basically, it is the name given to a picturesque little district in Paris, known for its charming garden houses… it means in English “The Countryside in Paris”. And you’re about to understand why!
Rue Irénée Blanc, Paris © French Moments
But first, let’s go back to the time of its construction.
The origins of the district
Pastor Sully Lombard founded the little neighbourhood for working-class families. The inauguration of the unusual housing development took place in 1907.
The new district spread atop a former quarry dump and consisted of 92 charming garden houses built in bricks or millstones. And it is still standing today!
Lamp post in La Campagne à Paris © French Moments
Take a stroll!
To discover the area, nothing is best than to take a pleasant stroll along a couple of streets such as:
- rue Irénée Blanc, which leads to
- rue Jules Siegfried,
- the stairs of rue du Père Prosper Enfantin and of
- rue Mondonville.
Paved streets, flowered-decked houses, little gardens, plant-covered walls… the area is full of surprises.
The most picturesque spot (and a great instagrammable place too!) is at the junction between rue Irénée Blanc and rue Jules Siegfried, at the heart of the housing development.
A peaceful street in La Campagne à Paris © French Moments
Walking on rue Irénée Blanc © French Moments
The junction between rue Irénée Blanc and rue Jules Siegfried © French Moments
The paved street of rue Irénée Blanc © French Moments
Lush front garden, rue Irénée Blanc © French Moments
La Campagne à Paris © French Moments
A peaceful street © French Moments
The stairs leading to rue Irénée Blanc © French Moments
At a bend of the street © French Moments
The low-level houses © French Moments
Recently the district was featured in the movie ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ by Laurent Tirard (2009).
Where can I find it?
The neighbourhood of La Campagne à Paris is situated to the North-West of Place de la Porte de Bagnolet. It is easily accessible by métro (line 3, station ‘Porte de Bagnolet’).
Check out the Google Map:
