Rue de Mouzaïa
75019 | Paris
A little piece of country-side tucked away in the 19th arrondissement of Paris …
If the thought of weaving your way up and down tiny paved laneways, void of cars with the odd local chatting over their fence while their well fed cats laze about in the sunlight, purring heavily in their tranquil surroundings sounds appealing, this secret hideaway, may be the place for you.
Escaping the crowds and tourists for a day or even half a day, will make you feel blessed that you discovered Rue Mouzaia and its surrounds in the 19th arrondissement district of Paris.
The Paris streets come alive with much gusto and excitement on Saturdays. It can be exciting rubbing shoulders with the locals and observing Parisians enjoying their weekend. Shopping to be done, brunch to be had, friends to meet, but if you want to slip away and avoid the jostling, especially along Rue de Rivoli, when the amount of people can be overwhelming at times, you might find a little respite here, off the beaten path.
Arm yourself with two regular 1.70 euro metro tickets, one to get there and one to get back. A short metro ride from the centre of Paris and no map required.
This is all you will need to escape the hustle and bustle and discover this tranquil suburb, where you can admire leafy alleyways and cute cottages that you will not find in the busy Latin Quarter or the Marais district.
The only danger you will find here is the cats!
Let me explain myself.
The pedestrianised alleyways are called Villas. The first I explored was Villa de Fontenay. I was so excited about my discovery, with not a soul around and completely mesmerised with so much beauty to photograph. Consumed in my creative thoughts, I pulled out my camera and started snapping away. I didn’t realise that a very smoochy, friendly cat had decided to curl his body around my legs and nearly tripped me up! Ha ha!
Why is Rue Mouzaia and the surrounding ‘villas’ so different and unique to the rest of Paris?
The area, which was once outside of Paris, was heavily mined for its gypsum. In later years when it was developed for the working class, the ground was not stable enough to allow for more robust buildings.
It was often referred to as “Carrières d’Amérique” because it is said that the white gypsum was shipped to America to construct the White House.
As a result, what you will find along the cobbled laneways that sprout off from the main artery, Rue Mouzaïa, are the quaint and unusual two storey cottages, lining the pedestrianised streets, or Villas, with creepers and flowers, spilling over fences and the odd friendly cat or two.
Occasionally, you may notice a curtain, surreptitiously peeled back and a weary nod from an elderly inhabitant, probably confused, assuming that you must be lost wandering around their charming neighbourhood.
If you can deal with friendly cats, leafy lane-ways and unusual, old fashioned charming cottages with their own unique and personal touches, you will love the area of Rue Mouzaia.
Place des Fêtes metro station is one of the deepest in Paris, has a long escalator and an unusual Art Deco façade.
A market surrounds the station and nearby square operating on:
Tuesdays and Fridays
7:00am-2:30pm and
Sundays
7:00am-3:00pm.
If you have found this information interesting or useful, please leave a comment or follow me on facebook for daily tips, photos and anecdotes, your feedback encourages me to keep this site up to date. Merci!
Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Closest Metro: Danube or Place des Fetes
From Danube Metro:
Distance: 300 metres – Directions MAP
Follow my map from Danube Metro to Rue Mouzaia, then work your way up and down between Rue de Bellevue via each ‘Villa’ or laneway, check map.
From Place des Fetes Metro:
Distance: 500 metres – Directions MAP
Follow my map from Place des Fetes Metro to Rue Mouzaia and work your way up and down between Rue de Bellevue via each ‘Villa’ or laneway, check map.
What you will need:
2 x €1.70 standard metro tickets, to get you there and back
Camera with plenty of memory or plenty of film and batteries
This is a multicultural area and you will find the inhabitants and shop keepers very warm and friendly.
More Paris Adèle Secrets:
Belle Époque BrothelsLavish brothels dotted around Paris during the Belle Epoque were easily identifiable, some relics exist today, if you know what to look for.
Square de MontsourisA hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-DieuA secret garden in an unusual location, right in the centre of Paris that thousands of tourists pass by each day without knowing it exists.
La GalcanteVintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.
Lavirotte Building and Square RappExquisite Art Nouveau building with one of the most beautiful doors in Paris & a tiny square that offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
Passage de l’AncreWho would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
Rue CrémieuxA tiny paved street, that oozes charm, lined with pretty colourful houses that will take your breath away, still one of Paris' best kept secrets.
Musée des Arts ForainsTransport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
Villa Olivier-MétraPretty cottages with colourful shutters line this serene leafy path with quaint personal touches added by residents who have a playful sense of humour.
Bibliothèque Sainte-GenevièveA remarkable and historic reading room with its spectacular ceiling, books lining the vast long walls and rows of green reading lamps.
St. Sergius Orthodox Theological InstituteHidden away on a leafy hill is the oldest Russian Orthodox Theological Institute in Western Europe.
Restaurant Foyer de la MadeleineLurking deep in the cellars of L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is one of Paris' best kept secrets, Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine.
An Angel in ParisSoaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
Bibliothèque RichelieuMillions of books line the walls of this historic library under monumental ceilings and finally, it is open to the public.
The Secret PassageThis lush and adorably sweet top secret passageway is a pure delight. Let me show you where to find it and how to gain entry. But sssh ... it's our secret.
Passage BoudinCreeping vines, colourful flower boxes and an unusual semi-circular building that would be more at home in the Mediterranean is just some things you will find.
Cité FloraleA secret micro village hidden away, in a small pocket, off the beaten path in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Discover why it is called the Floral City.
La Butte aux CaillesA secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
Rue de MouzaïaOff the beaten path, Rue de Mouzaia will make you feel blessed that you discovered this secret hideaway and it’s surrounds in the 19th arrondissement.
Rue des ThermopyleApart from locals taking a short-cut, or Parisians on a quiet stroll, what you will find here is a wisteria filled, rustic cobbled pathway.
Square Saint-Gilles Grand VeneurHidden away behind the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais is a little known secret square with a surprising artistic connection.
Salvador Dali SundialMany people pass this hidden gem by Salvador Dali tucked away on the Left Bank of Paris unaware that they only need to look up.
Dear Adele,
How I thoroughly enjoy your postings.I am so grateful for the day I found you on Facebook.
I have been to Paris twice now, each for four days , and how much I wish I was going back to
see the Paris you share..At 75 years young I’m not sure it will happen.
I stayed in the Cutadins Apartment Hotel, so was able to walk around..on the bus tour saw door!!
and was hooked!
You are a gift that keeps on giving,
Take care,
Ann