It's not far-fetched to say that the 10th arrondissement of Paris is a bit underrated. It's not as popular with tourists as the 7th, as luxurious as the 8th, or as lively as the 18th. You won't even find any famous landmarks here either. So as far as popularity goes, this district might just rank lower than many of the others. But it's not necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary, since the 10th arrondissement is generally peaceful, you might find it even better than all the others. At the very least, you can expect the scenic Canal Saint-Martin, lots of great foodie hotspots, and a great residential area in this part of the city!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ I, Semnoz
What's great about the 10th arrondissement of Paris is that it's far different from what the other districts have to offer. It's such a unique area that you almost couldn't believe that it's part of the bustling French capital!
The Quiet Side of Paris
What truly stands out about the 10th arrondissement is how quiet it is. It's not like a ghost town or anything like that. The area still has its fair share of hustle and bustle. There are still some crowded cafes, bustling markets, lively schools, and more here. But overall, the 10th arrondissement is fairly quiet compared to the other districts. It's not like the 7th arrondissement, for example, which is always filled with tourists because of the Eiffel Tower. Nor is it like the 8th arrondissement where people go on shopping sprees at all the luxury stores. For the most part, the 10th arrondissement is nice and peaceful.A Great Residential District
It's precisely because of how quiet it is that the 10th arrondissement is a great residential area. It's an especially suitable neighborhood for expat families. With little to no famous tourist attractions around, parents can raise their kids in peace here. And since the district is fairly near the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter, which is known as the home of many schools, their kids can continue their studies with little to no problem at all. It's also because of its neighboring area that the 10th arrondissement is perfect for students living on their own in Paris.The Scenic Canal Saint Martin
As far as attractions go, the most popular one in the 10th arrondissement is Canal Saint Martin. This scenic canal is so idyllic, it's become one of the best places for locals to hang out and just relax. Lined with tall trees and their lush greeneries, the entire spot is the epitome of “picture perfect.” You need to see it during autumn as well! The way the yellow and orange leaves frame the canal and how their bright bursts of color reflect on the water is something else. It's definitely an Instagram-worthy shot that will garner a lot of likes!The Gateway to The Rest of The World
If there's one thing you needn't worry about in the 10th arrondissement, it's public transport. After all, there's Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est here. They're both considered the city's “gateways to the rest of the world.” Why? Because the trains that depart from here travel to different French cities and even neighboring European countries. From Gare du Nord, you can take a train to Amiens, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Lille-Flandres, Cologne, Senlis, Arras, Creil, Köln, Saint-Quentin, Massy, and Germany. And from Gare de l'Est, you can easily travel to Reims, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Château-Thierry, Luxembourg, Nancy, Troyes, Berlin, Metz, Munich, Châlons-en-Champagne, Stuttgart, and the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.Where Marianne Stands
Another notable landmark in the 10th arrondissement is Place de la République. Bordering the 3rd and 11th arrondissements, this is the spot where Marianne, the personification of France, proudly stands. Representing the three values of the French Republic—“Liberté, égalité, fraternité” (liberty, equality, and fraternity)—it's widely regarded as a national monument. Even more so since the public square has also become the go-to area for political protests, demonstrations, rallies, and the like. It's there where the common people speak out against what they deem unfair and unjust about the government and society as a whole.The Humble Foodie Hotspots
Don't forget that Paris is still the food capital of the world. It's as true here in the 10th arrondissement as it is in the other district. Though what separates the area from all the others in this regard is how humble the hotspots here are. From quaint bistros and charming cafes, these aren't exactly the kinds of places where you'd expect some haute cuisine. But rest assured that the finest restaurants in the area can whip up something just as, if not even more delicious! Don't miss places like Holybelly on Rue Lucien Sampaix and its hearty American-style brunch menu, as well as Du Pain et des Idées, one of the best bakeries in Paris!What's great about the 10th arrondissement of Paris is that it's far different from what the other districts have to offer. It's such a unique area that you almost couldn't believe that it's part of the bustling French capital!
