Jardin Serge Gainsbourg walks

Originally from Sète, Georges Brassens (1921–1981) lived in Paris for around forty years and frequently referred to the city in his songs. This route takes you through Paris, passing by places where Brassens lived or worked, as well as sites that are directly or indirectly linked to some of his songs. Rich in heritage and passing through a variety of neighbourhoods, this city route is not just for die-hard ‘Brassens fans’.

In this first section of our "Brassens" walk, we first pass through the Belleville and Ménilmontant neighbourhoods, with their narrow streets, footpaths and stairways. Then, after crossing the symbol-rich Place de la République, we walk along the charming Canal Saint-Martin.

Paris’s 20th arrondissement is a working-class, lively and multicultural area. It is characterised by a high degree of social diversity and a strong artistic identity, with artists’ studios and alternative cultural venues. However, there are notable differences in atmosphere, urban layout and population between the north and south of the arrondissement. The cosmopolitan north of the arrondissement features a dense urban fabric, sloping streets, modest buildings and street art. It includes the Belleville and Ménilmontant neighbourhoods, with their relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Here you’ll find one of Paris’s major parks, the Parc de Belleville, which offers a panoramic view of the capital, as well as peaceful little gardens.

A very pleasant walk through the parks of north-east Paris, ending in Montmartre.

An original walk from metro station to metro station, covering 19 or 16 km. It offers a rather surprising exploration of Seine-Saint-Denis, which is green for much of the route as it makes the most of the numerous parks and green spaces, skirting the forts of Romainville, Noisy and Rosny. Discover beautiful monuments, remarkable trees and interesting buildings, with superb views of Paris and its suburbs.

A visit to the highest-altitude cemetery within Paris city limits, which boasts a rich variety of plant life and is home to the graves of several notable figures. A monument within the cemetery and a church outside it evoke a painful episode in the history of the Paris Commune.

This urban route crosses the 20th arrondissement of Paris from north to south in search of animal representations. From Place des Fêtes to Place de la Nation via the charming Église de Charonne, you will mainly walk along quiet streets and a few pleasant passages and alleys.

The third stage of this urban journey crosses the north-eastern districts of Paris, including the lively Belleville neighbourhood. We wind our way through the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and then climb the discreet Butte Bergeyre, which offers an original view of Montmartre. We then pass by the Rue Piat viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view. A few touches of urban heritage and street art, as well as a walk along the Canal Saint-Martin, complete the picture.

A walk through the north-eastern districts of Paris, from the former abattoirs at La Villette to the former Les Halles market, via the Porte Saint-Denis, following in the footsteps of processions that are no longer held today. It offers the chance to enjoy a pleasant stroll along the canals that characterise this part of the capital and to seek out a few depictions of animals.

During this urban walk, you will discover the extraordinary architecture and gardens of the Parc de la Villette, as well as countless artistic and historical sites that make this stroll along the Canal de l’Ourcq a unique and authentic Parisian cultural itinerary.