Buttes-Chaumont and Villette: parks, culture and great places to explore the 19th arrondissement
Between the Buttes-Chaumont and La Villette parks, the 19th arrondissement boasts large green spaces, cultural venues, and charming neighborhood spots. A selection published by Sortiraparis on September 28, 2026, highlights ideas for walks, family activities, and several events announced for the fall. The events listed below are those announced as of that date.
From parks to quiet alleyways
For an outing in the fresh air, three green spaces stand out: the Buttes-Chaumont park, the Villette park, and the Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge park. The first is ideal for walking, jogging, or picnicking; the last, less well-known, offers another option for relaxing on the grass.
The neighborhood can also be explored by venturing away from the main thoroughfares. La Mouzaïa and Butte Bergeyre are among the residential areas that this selection suggests exploring on foot. These walks offer a change of scale, from vast parks to the more secluded streets of the 19th arrondissement.
The visit can also take a heritage turn. The Church of Saint-Serge de Radonège, described as barely visible from the street, is one of the points of interest near the Buttes-Chaumont park. In La Villette, the Grande Halle recalls another era of the site: the building once housed a vast slaughterhouse and now hosts exhibitions.
La Villette, an outing to share with the family
The City of Science and Industry and the Children’s City offer tours focused on experimentation and discovery. The selection includes areas specifically designed for children aged 5 to 10. Nearby, the Children’s Philharmonic offers a fun introduction to music for children as young as 4.
Outside, the Parc de la Villette offers the opportunity to extend your outing into the pedestrian gardens or around its playgrounds, including the Jardin du Dragon (Dragon Garden). Little Villette is also presented as a family-friendly space with free activities available on weekends. Opening hours and access conditions are not specified here.
To vary the activities, the selection also mentions the cinemas of the Bassin de la Villette, including the MK2 Quai de Seine and Quai de Loire, as well as the possibility of renting boats without a license to navigate on the basin.
A stroll along the waterfront and gourmet breaks
The Ourcq Canal offers another way to explore the area. The botanical book barge L’Eau et les Rêves combines books, plants, and a small café-restaurant, according to the venue’s description in the selection.
For dining, several options are recommended near the Buttes-Chaumont and La Villette parks. Ora Farmhouse, located in the Pavillon du Lac, is highlighted for its brunch and vegetarian cuisine. For a quicker bite, Vandal is a sandwich shop near the park. Le Bistrot Sauvageon rounds out this selection of neighborhood restaurants.
For a drink, Rosa Bonheur des Buttes-Chaumont is a casual outdoor café located in the park. The selection also mentions nightlife venues around La Villette, notably Mia Mao, dedicated to electronic music. These addresses and their specific terms and conditions should be checked directly with the establishments.
Some events announced for autumn 2026
Among the upcoming events mentioned in the September 28th selection, the Science Festival is scheduled to take place at the Cité des Sciences on October 3rd and 4th, 2026, while the Vivaces Festival is set to be held at the Jardins Passagers on October 10th. At the Galerie du 19M, an exhibition dedicated to hats from Maison Michel is scheduled to run from September 23rd to December 13th, 2026.
The area offers a diverse range of activities, from walks and cultural visits to family outings and relaxing breaks by the water. For temporary events, dates and access conditions may change; it’s best to check the information provided by the venues before traveling.
Source: Live news from Sortiraparis.com – Family (www.sortiraparis.com)
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