Paris is a fascinating city. Away from its fancy streets, shops and neighborhoods, there is a another side of the city that most people don’t know about because it doesn’t get much advertised. I am talking about its street art. Are you looking to visit Paris away from big crowds and major touristic attractions? In this blog post I tell you about the best of Paris street art and graffiti locations where you can see some cool art work.
Table of Contents
Are there graffiti in Paris?
Yes. Urban murals and graffiti are nothing new to Paris. Street art in Paris began to gain prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, influenced by the broader global street art movement. This period saw a rise in graffiti and other forms of street expression as a means of political and social commentary. Today, many artists use this art as a way to embellish their neighborhood and showcase their talent.
The best of Paris street art and graffiti locations
Although most people don’t think of Paris as a street art capital, in the neighborhoods mentioned below, you can see how street art has become a part of the parisian landscape. Here’s a few locations where you can see some of them:
- Ménilmontant 19/20th arrondissements
- Rue Jeanne d’Arc, Boulevard Vincent Auriol in the 13th
- Oberkampf in the 11th/20th arrondissements
- Rue Denoyez, 20th arrondissement
The 13th and 19th arrondisements are often called the forgotten districts because they aren’t as touristic as some of the other arrondissements of Paris, however, just because they aren’t touristic destinations, you shouldn’t sleep on them. Most people aren’t aware that 13th arrondissement is the biggest open museum when it comes to street art and graffiti related murals. Just for that reason, whether you are into that kind of thing of not you have to come to Paris just to experience it.
Is grafiti legal in Paris?
In a short answer yes but ONLY in designated/authorized areas. However, keep in mind that Paris has strict laws regarding vandalism especially when it comes to public landmarks.
Where can you see some indoor street art?
You can see them in museums or in venues such as:
- Fluctuart a floating boat located near the Pont des Invalides.
- Art42, the first French urban museum with over 100 pieces of art works reunited under one roof.
- Le 59 Rivoli in the first arrondissement
You can also see them at select art galeries such as:
- Chenus Longhi
- BackSlash
- Chenus Longhy formerly known as Galerie Open space will be hosting the Urban Art Fair festival.
The Urban Art Fair Festival is the first international fair dedicated to urban art. Created in 2016, it takes place in the Carreau du Temple, in the heart of Paris. Othe festival includes the Color Festival Paris. For more info, visit their website here.
If you are planning a trip to Paris, feel free to check out these posts:
Where to do grafitti in Paris
The city has some strict regulations reagarding graffiti, however, there are locations where you can do it with no legal consequences. Head over to rue Noguères in the 19th arrondissement and bring along your own material.
You can get to rue Noguères by taking metro line 5 going to Bobigny. Exit at Laumière and take the avenue Jean Jaurès until you reach rue Noguères. Rue Noguères is located right after the Ibis Hotel.
Conclusion
Is street art or graffiti something that you would like to explore in Paris? I hope that this blog post on the best of Paris street art and graffiti locations will help you see Paris under a different lense.
Do you want to add something to this post, feel free to do it in the comment below. For more, you can join the discusstion on my INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST accounts.
PIN THIS IMAGE
