VY161 Paris Walks - Buttes Chaumont Quartier

Saturday, 16 May

Exploring the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and surrounding areas

This walk is the first of a series of discoveries of the less obvious, hidden beauties Paris has to offer to the curious explorer. We will focus on an area many people have heard of, but rarely venture to: the eastern arrondissements, towards the Parc des Buttes Chaumont neighborhood.  

We begin with the Quartier de la Mouzaia, where we will find charming cobblestone alleys, lined with tiny, well-kept cottages, suffused with the fragrance of roses, wisteria and honeysuckle in the warmer months. Each of these villas has a particular atmosphere, and we will explore their intriguing names as well as their history.

We will visit the Parc des Buttes Chaumont with its history dating back to the Roman period and nearby explore the highest point in Paris and hear of Chappe's Telegraph.

The visit ends in a surprisingly green and peaceful place, hardly conspicuous from the surrounding streets, where we will view a hidden gem: a church, and its beautifully carved staircase and rich orthodox icons.

Due to the nature of the hilly landscape, this walk entails a more strenuous walk than usual. Please come prepared with comfortable shoes.

A 15-20 minute break will be included during this walk.

Instructor: Emmanuel Putois, Agrégé de Lettres Modernes