Ten cool things to find in the 19th arrondissement of Paris

We’ve just published two podcast episodes about the 19th arrondissement of Paris.

The first was with Ben McPartland, the presenter and producer of the Talking France podcast, which is made by The Local France news website here in Paris. He loves the 19th and spends 80 percent of his time in this very district. We met for a beer by the Bassin de la Villette and he shared his thoughts.

And then, we published my 20-minute chat with Lina, talking about the things we found visiting the district throughout this week.

You can listen to them both here, then scroll down to find the ten things I recommend the most.

The Earful Tower podcast episodes

Video guide to the 19th arrondissement

Our visit in video format! Don’t miss these videos by subscribing on YouTube (you can do it in one click via this link).

Ten cool things to find in the 19th arrondissement

Food and drink

1. La Rotonde Stalingrad: This is a very happening place, both day and night. Great energy, lovely food, and the building itself dates back to the French Revolution when it was a toll gate to the city. I snuck up to those square windows at the top for the view. Address: 6-8 Pl. de la Bataille de Stalingrad, 75019 @larotondestalingrad

2. Paname Brewing Company: The excellent bar/brewery helmed by Australian Michael Kennendy. In the warmer months you can have a drink on the pontoon out the front, otherwise snag a spot by the windows to truly appreciate the beauty of the canal. Address: 41 bis Quai de la Loire, 75019 @panamebrewingcompany

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3. The “Mardi” cafe

This café is known for excellent coffee and Swedish-style cinnamon buns. Stamp of approval from Lina (who is Swedish!)
29 Rue de la Villette, 75019 Paris
http://www.instagram.com/mardi_cafe_paris

4. Le Passage à Niveau
A restaurant on the Petite Ceinture with its own herb garden and mushroom cultivation. Note: I still haven’t eaten here, but went in and had a look, and loved the idea.
2 bis Rue de l’Ourcq, 75019 Paris
https://www.instagram.com/lepassageaniveau/

5. Lao Siam
This Southeast Asian restaurant has been in the game for 40 years, is recognized by the Michelin Guide, and is a local favourite (I had the “Crying Tiger” beef dish).
49 Rue de Belleville, 75019 Paris
http://www.laosiam.fr

Visit the big parks

6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (Address: 1 Rue Botzaris).

This is a dramatic park built on an old quarry with steep hills, a lake, and a hilltop temple.

7. Explore La Villette (Address: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès). This is more than just a big park… it has everything from canal-side picnic spots to Imax theatres and science musuems, playgrounds for the kids, and cultural spaces like the Zenith concert hall (and the Philharmonie – see below).

8. Philharmonie de Paris: This concert hall was wonderful. Brand new, glistening, shining, resplendent. You can get in for a show as cheaply as for €10 and it’s worth it just to see the design inside. Get a good show, and you’re in for a treat! Address: 221 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 @philharmoniedeparis

More things to find in the 19th arrondissement

9. The floating bookshop! The name is the Péniche L’Eau Et Les Rêves (The barge of water and dreams) and it specializes in books about gardening and plants. There’s also a very charming cafe/restauant in the hull. (Many more pictures of this magical place – and a full blog post – here). Address: 9 Quai de l’Oise, 75019

Ride a boat on the canal

10. Want to see the canal up close and personal? You can rent an electric boat and explore it on the water. They’re easy to drive and make for a fun way to see the area. Address: 37 Quai de la Seine, 75019 Paris

La Villette (Address: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès) and the  

And that’s it!

Some of these places even made it into my 100-page 2026 PDF guide to Paris, which you can buy here. Or of course, you can get it free when you’re an Earful Tower member. (Already a member? Here’s the link to the unlocked guide on Substack and Patreon).

Want to see our take on Paris with your own eyes? The Earful Tower Tours are legitimately some of the best-rated walking tours in all of France, and my team and I are excited to show you around this magnificent city. Book a tour now, you are guaranteed an excellent time. And who doesn’t want to have an excellent time?

See you soon for the 18th arrondissement.