Belleville’s Open Studios Weekend

Delightfully depicted in the Oscar-nominated animated film, Triplets of Belleville, the intriguing Parisian neighborhood of Belleville—a true cultural kaleidoscope—is a hotbed of artistic creativity. Over the last weekend in May more than 120 artists (painters, sculptors, photographers, woodworkers, performance artists and videographers) open their ateliers–studios–to showcase their work. It’s a great opportunity to both explore this diverse and lesser-visited neighborhood as well as meet and converse with the artists themselves. Hundreds of cafes, little ethnic eateries and a walk in the enchanting Parc de Belleville can make this a wonderful day outing for those looking for a little “je ne sais quois” in Paris.

Pssst: Edith Piaf was born here (under a streetlamp it is said) and a plaque at number 72 Rue de Belleville commemorates the event.

Event: Portes Ouvertes, Ateliers d'Artistes de Belleville
When: May 27 – 30
Times: 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day
Where: Belleville (10th, 11th, 19th, 20th arrondissements)