10 Best Things to do in Batignolles 


 

Known for quirky shops and charming bistro, the Batignolles district lies proudly in the 17th arrondissement. It’s a bohemian part of Paris, where sustainability and eco-conscious living is slowly becoming a way of life. 

A visit to the Batignolles is a must for any Parisian first or second timer (in my opinion), as it gives one a completely unexpected taste for the more underground culture that this city has to offer. Here are the 10 best things to do in Batignolles, Paris:

A Walk in the Batignolles: A Little Village in Paris

1. Meander Through the Square des Batignolles in Batignolles

It’s called a square, but it’s actually a very generous park space and undoubtably the most green part of Batignolles overall. Enjoy the fairytale-esc stream that runs through the park-centre, and the pond that it eventually kisses near the exit. 

Bring the kids, a picnic or just a good book! In the evenings, expect to frolic with locals before they head off to their favorite bistros nearby. 

Square des Batignolles – by Guilhem Vellut – Wikimedia Commons

2. Eat the Best Kebab in Town in Batignolles

The spot is called Bodrum Restaurant, and people come from all over Paris just to eat their famous kebab options. This long-established Turkish cafe owns the hearts of the Batignolles locals, and flies the Turk flag proudly by feeding all that walk through the doors. 

I recommend arriving well before closing time as they have a reputation for selling out of food. 

Bodrum Restaurant – by Bodrum Restaurant – Uploaded by them

3. Shop at the Marché des Batignolles in Batignolles

Back in 1846, this neighborhood was nothing more than a rural village, and the market was the only point of attraction. Still thriving, the Batignolles Market is a buzzing place to eat and shop, featuring foods and cultures from all over the world. 

Marché des Batignolles – by Sam Nabi – Wikimedia Commons

The market is covered, so you can visit no matter what the weather is doing in Paris. 

Top Food Markets in Paris

4. Catch a Show at the Salle Cortot in Batignolles

This intimate concert hall lies right on the boundary where Batignolles turns to central 17th arrondissement. The schedule is always that of classical musicians, either from around France or internationally sourced. 

Salle Cortot – by Salle Cortot – Sourced from their website

Many regard this as the “jewel of music”, due to the astounding acoustic abilities of the small space. A must for live-music lovers in Paris.

5. Eat on rue Brochant in Batignolles

Famous for being a street-food lined road in the heart of the Batignolles, this is where you can come to taste flavors from all over the world. Whether you’re a meat or vegetable lover, you’ll find a vendor with something to your liking. 

Some of the spots require booking in advance, while some are perfectly available for walk-ins. 

rue Brochant – by Thomon – Wikimedia Commons

6. Party on rue des Dames in Batignolles

Moving from street-food to nightlife, you’ll want to stroll over to the infamous rue des Dames; a road in Batignolles known for bistros, cafes, wine bars and cocktail joints that serve the public until the early hours of the morning. 

rue des Dames – by besopha – Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to a night out on the rue des Dames, it helps to remember to pace yourself. There is much to do and see, and you don’t want to peak too early on in the evening. 

7. Take a Load off in the Martin Luther King Park in Batignolles

Another generous green space in the heart of the 17th, Martin Luther King Park is a well loved and frequented public area that locals make daily use of. Here, there are playgrounds, skate parks, clean bathrooms and sports & recreational facilities. 

Martin Luther King Park in Batignolles – by KoS – Wikimedia Commons

It’s free to enter, but it does close up at 7pm each evening and reopens at 7am each morning. 

8. Visit the Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner in Batignolles

Filled with 19th century portraits, this is a great museum if you are partial to classical art and seeing what people looked and dressed like “back in the day”. I should also mention that the museum is dedicated solely to the works of Jean-Jacques Henner, and the space itself is actually his former studio home in the Batignolles. 

Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner – by Musée Henner – Wikimedia Commons

The Best Way to Visit Museums in Paris

9. Dine at Mamma Primi in Batignolles

Hey, this is a food-centered part of Paris after all, and I’d be remiss to let anyone come all the way to the 17th and not eat the best Italian food in town. 

Mamma Primi in Batignolles – by Mamma Primi – Uploaded by them

Armed with imported waiters, and typical cantina food, this is a memorable dining experience through and through. Picture freshly grated truffles, beef cheek ragout, and homemade tiramisu that has been known to make people cry from happiness (I swear). 

The Best Pizza in Paris

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Saturday — 12pm to 3:30pm // 6:45pm to 10:45pm
ADDRESS: 18 Rue Boursault, 75017 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Villiers

10. Don’t Miss Art42 in Batignolles

The first ever museum dedicated solely to street art in Paris, happens to call the Batignolles home. Featuring impressive works from some 50 street artists around the world, this collection is fantastic to see — although visiting is not as easy as just showing up on any given day. 

The museum is only open to the public every second Tuesday, with tours operating between 6pm and 8pm (self-touring is not permitted). Entry is free, but you do need to secure your spot online so that they know when to expect you. Worth it, promise!

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