Take a stroll through Paris with Musement to discover the best spots to see street art in Paris.
From stencils to frescoes to collages to mosaics to graffiti, Paris has established itself as a street-art capital. Several well known international street artists, such as Jef Aérosol, Miss Tic, Philippe Hérard, and Jérôme Mesnager, got their start in the French capital. From the Marais to Oberkampf via the Saint-Ouen and Montmartre flea markets, Musement shares seven of the best places to admire street art in Paris.
1. La Butte aux Cailles
A genuine little village in the heart of Paris, the atmosphere of the Butte aux Cailles is almost bucolic. Street art abounds among the small pavilions, townhouses and charming cobblestone in this 13th arrondissement quarter. Keep an eye out for works of great artists such as Miss Tic or Jef Aérosol.
2. Le Marais
Many tourists rub elbows with trendy Parisians in this charming historic district teeming with innovative start-ups and trendy boutiques. In fact, the Marais happens to be home to one of Jef Aérosol’s most famous creations, Chuuuttt , located near the Centre Pompidou. It’s also impossible to stroll the Marais without passing one of Invader’s colorful mosaics.
3. Belleville and Ménilmontant
The 20th arrondissement is known for its vibrant nightlife at venues like La Bellevilloise. However, this area west of Paris is also famous for its street art. A true cradle of the artistic movement, the outskirts of Belleville and Ménilmontant display early works from many graffiti artists and street artists such as Mesnager, Ben, Némo, and Monsieur Chat.
4. Montmartre
A true artists’ district, Montmartre is an essential spot for a stroll under the street art banner. The maze of streets, staircases, numerous passages, and small squares render a perfect playground for artists. Enthusiasts can explore then enjoy a break in one of the bohemian cafés before setting off again.
5. Saint-Ouen
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is teeming with street art. To admire the district crowd-free, head there during the week when the flea markets are closed and even before the shops open as many of their covers display some interesting works. Saint-Ouen is also home to the Galerie Amarrage, an art gallery dedicated to street art at 88 Rue des Rosiers.
6. Rue de Verneuil
Five bis Rue de Verneuil in the seventh arrondissement is home to a wall dedicated to Serge Gainsbourg. The creative’s final home, the mansion has become a pilgrimage site of sorts. The facade is often repainted to make room for new artistic achievements.
7. The M.U.R., Oberkampf
The M.U.R., an acronym of Modulable Urbain Réactif (Modular Reactive Urban), is a space dedicated to street art in the 11th arrondissement, on the corner of Rue Saint-Maur and Rue Oberkampf. Street artists are regularly invited to exhibit work created in their studios on dedicated wall space.