19th Arondissement - Buttes Chaumont: Paris

The 19th arrondissement is the place to be in the Summer. When it gets hot Parisians stay as far away from central Paris either leaving the all together and heading to the Riveria or hopping on the metro going north to Parc de la Villette in the 19th where they are privy to a host of free outdoor events. There is something or several things going here on almost every single night -- including a wildly popluar outdoor film screening series, that with the wine and cheese spreads spread out on hundreds of picnic blankets, is as close as the French get to going to the drive-in. In the 19th, what the French call 'un quartier populaire' (neighborhood of normal people) you will find the real Paris – convival, energetic, brimming with good food and interesting conversations, great cinema and no frills cafés. There are waterfront picnics and gatherings along Quay de la Seine and Quai de Loire along the water leading to the ever popular Point Ephemere (Ephemeral Point) and crossing over at Stalingrad to the Canal St. Martin which is located in the adjacent 10th. As if Parc de la Villette weren't enough, the 19th is also home of Parc Buttes-Chaumont a very well-known, stunning and beautifully-landscaped park situated on one of the nine hills of Paris.  There are great vues from Point Suicide looking out onto Montmartre (another one of the nine hills). Word to the wise: watch out for the 'drageurs' here... you might not get your pocket book lifted, but if you aren't careful you will probably get your butt pinched. © NileGuide