Until recently, the 19th has been one of the least expensive districts of Paris without any particular interest. With the development of La Villette and the ornate park of Buttes Chaumont, this predominantly residential area has become the greenest district. Bike lanes on each side of the Villette museum and park complex, as well as the Ourcq canal provide an opportunity to leisurely discover this long-neglected eastern part of Paris.
The hilly Buttes Chaumont Park is a family favourite with its lakes, waterfalls and extensive lawns, although many of the surrounding areas are somewhat more industrial and shabby. The area has become the home of former Monmartre inhabitants and families from elsewhere due to the rising cost of properties in the city.
In the Mouzaia, around Pre St Gervais, houses with gardens can still be found at a relatively affordable price but the area is not favoured by public transport.
The Buttes Chaumont Park is definitely a focal point in the area. Areas around La Villette and Buttes Chaumont are increasing in value and the arrival of young families is regenerating the district.
The 19th is a mixture of older Haussmann style, rather badly maintained buildings, unattractive modern subsidized housing blocks and student residences around the Place de Fetes area. There is busy local commerce in most neighbourhoods and a number of urban development projects are underway that will do much to smarten up the area.
