La Butte aux Cailles
March 30, 2008 by Aimee
One of Paris’ hidden treasures, The Butte aux Cailles neighborhood is a hilly area in Paris’ 13th arrondissement, nestled in between the city’s biggest Chinatown district at Metro Tolbiac and the busy Place d’Italie. La Butte is a village-like oasis in Paris’ otherwise ultracontemporary 13th arrondissement. With its narrow cobblestone streets featuring quirky restaurants, cafes and boutiques. With it’s art deco architectural heritage, and its laidback Paris ambiance, The Butte aux Cailles is definitely a place to come if you’re looking for beyond the touristic attractions that the City of Light has to offer.
Getting There:
Get off at metro Corvisart (Line 6) and walk up Rue des Cinq Diamants until you hit the heart of the neighborhood at the Rue de la Butte aux Cailles juncture. Also, there is easy access from metro Place d’Italie. Take the axis street, Rue Bobillot until you reach the Rue de la Butte aux Cailles which is a one way street that will take you directly to L’Oisive Thé.
A little bit of history:
La Butte aux Cailles was originally a fenced-in village outside of Paris that overlooked the (now underground) Bièvre river. Limestone mining was a primary activity in the area during the 17th century, and the area remained working class until recently. The area was annexed into Paris in 1860. It was the center of an important battle in the civil insurrection known as the Paris Commune of 1871. A memorial to the commune is found at the Place de la Commune de Paris.
Bonjour Aimee -
I had always heard it was quite difficult to start a business in Paris. And that was if you are French. For a foreigner, it’s nearly impossible. How did you manage to do it so quickly?
Like Bob, I wonder how you started your business in Paris … as an American. From the Paris Daily Photo blog I learned that you are married to a Frenchman. I assume that helped. But would love to know more … Like many, I dream of living and starting a business in Europe. But not in tea. So don’t worry, we wouldn’t be rivals!