The 13th arrondissement

In Paris there are twenty arrondissements. They are laid out in the shape of a clockwise spiral, starting from the centre. Each arrondissement has its own maire and town house. In fact, the arrondissements exist entirely for administrative purposes, and the borders have been set with no regards to where different neighbourhoods begin and end. The numerous parisian quartiers often overlap those borders.

Nevertheless, each arrondissement is known to have more or less of its particular style. The 13th arrondissement is a quiet residential area and perhaps not the first place you think to visit as a tourist.

The Le Monde newspaper is found in the 13th arrondissement.

Line 6 of the métro is airborne for a large chunk of the journey.

But it is also well known for its large population of Asian immigrants. If you want to visit China town, catch line 7 of the métro and head over to Avenue de Choisy and Avenue d'Ivry. This is where most of the Chinese restaurants and shops of Paris are found. When I lived in Paris, I liked to come here for inspiration on how to decorate my apartment - you can find nice things here, for cheap!

The town hall of the 13th arrondissement is found on the Place d'Italie, which is a large square with a fountain in its middle. Around it, traffic circulates. The town hall is on the north side of the square, and on the south side you find a midsize shopping centre, with prices and qualities ranging from budget to luxury.

The main métro exit of the Place d'Italie.