15 Places to Find Banksy Artwork in Paris

15 Places to Find Banksy Artwork in Paris

*Updated by Chelsea on December 2019 and  Updated by Vanessa R in October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2023

Humans have been drawing on walls for thousands of years. It is no wonder that when canned spray paint was invented in the late 1940s, a new form of wall art began to develop. Graffiti is employed by many people for many different reasons but at the heart of it all, its purpose usually lies in the conveyance of messages. Sometimes abstract and sometimes direct, graffiti is a form of communicating ideas.

Layers of graffiti in a tunnel. Photo by Paul Murphy on Unsplash

Before Banksy appeared on the scene, there was much debate on whether graffiti was a form of art or just plain vandalism. With his anonymous profile and minimal stencil art popping up in cities all over the world, including London, San Francisco and Barcelona, the ‘street artist’ slowly started to become a household name. 

Recreated Banksy artwork in Berlin. Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash

In 2018, numerous Banksy artworks were noticed around Paris. This marked the street artist’s first ‘business’ visit to the city of love and was confirmed by him (her?) on Instagram. Eight artworks have been found across the city, though it is believed that there are ten to twelve artworks that were created during this time. I have compiled a guide to find all the Banksy artworks (that we know of!) In Paris. 

1. Parisian rat couple near the Eiffel Tower

Where better to begin than nearest the place that any tourist visiting Paris would want to see: the Eiffel Tower? A 15-minute stroll from the famous landmark will find you at the first Banksy artwork on our list. Here you will come across a sweet pair of rats appreciating the beauty of the Eiffel Tower.

View of the Eiffel Tower – WikiCommons

While in this area, it is worth taking a stroll, or a jog down the Allée des Cygnes which runs along the middle of the Seine river. This is a very picturesque and unique street upon which to find yourself and should not be taken for granted!

Image sourced from theLocal.fr

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Pont Rouelle bridge
Metro Station: Passy, Bir-Hakeim

2. Businessman and dog near the Luxembourg Gardens

A half hour metro trip will get you near to the next Banksy artwork on our list, at Rue Victor Cousin. Banksy takes a stab at capitalism in this haunting work, where a business man offers a dog a bone. The Rue Victor Cousin is a short street that is enveloped by the classic beige buildings and charcoal coloured slate roofing that are synonymous with Parisian cityscapes.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Rue Victor Cousin
Metro Station: Cluny – La Sorbonne, Maubert – Mutualité, Luxembourg train station

Nearby, you will find the Luxembourg Gardens, which are definitely worth a visit.

Luxembourg Gardens – by Kosala Bandara – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: luxembourg gardens
opening hours: varies seasonally from 7am to 8:15am – 7pm to 9:30pm
Metro Station: odeon, Notre-Dame des Champs, Luxembourg train station

3. Minnie Mouse rat near Sorbonne University

The next Banksy artwork in the guide is a quick 9 minute walk from the Rue Victor Cousin. Here you will find another signature Banksy artwork where the subject depicted is a rat. This piece has been carefully placed very near the Sorbonne University which was an integral location of the ‘Mai 68’ riots.

The Sorbonne facade. Photo from Wikimédia Commons.

This rat wears a Minnie Mouse style bow on its head. The text “Mai 1968” captions the stencil work, in reference to the French uprising of 1968. The figure ‘8’ from the caption appears to have dropped down on to the rat’s head and become a symbolic mouse ears. Banksy’s message in doing this is left open to interpretation.

The Sorbonne University area is definitely worth a visit, if only for its exquisitely Parisian buildings.

Image sourced from TheLocal.fr

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Rue Maître Albert
Metro Station: Maubert – Mutualité,

4. A Champagne cork rat near Place de Vosges and the Notre Dame

A fifteen minute stroll over the Seine (and past the Notre Dame!) will land you at the next Banksy artwork in this guide, at Chez Marianne. A bit more frivolous than the previous two Banksy artworks, this Banksy rat is having some fun while flying through the air on a recently popped Champagne cork. This piece is located in the Marais District, which is a super central area of Paris.

Le Marais – by David Baron – Wikimedia Commons

There are many more great sights to see in this area, including the Musée National Picasso-Paris and Place des Vosges. A guided walking tour of this area would reveal the magic hidden in the Marais district.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Chez Marianne, 2 Rue des Hospitalières Saint-Gervais
Metro Station: Métro St Paul, Hôtel de Ville

5. The missing rat near the Pompidou Centre and the Louvre

Just a 10 minute walk away, this next Parisian Banksy artwork is somewhat of a let down. Not because of the artwork itself, but rather the fact that it no longer exists here. This piece was created as part of the greater set of works that were discovered in Paris in 2018 and went missing overnight in early September 2019.

The work was of a rat with a bandana dust mask, armed with a craft knife and was thought of as a kind of Banksy self-portrait. It was painted on the back of a street sign and was acknowledged by Banksy himself on Instagram with the caption “Fifty years since the uprising in Paris 1968. The birthplace of modern stencil art”.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Rue Rambuteau
Metro Station: Rambuteau

Not too far from this artwork, is the famous Louvre Museum. 

The Louvre and the Tuileries Garden by dronepicr – WikiCommons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
opening hours:  Wednesday to Monday – 9am to 6pm
ADDRESS: Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris – France
Metro Station: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre

6. The mourning girl at the Bataclan concert hall

From there, a 25 minute walk or 20 minute metro ride will get you to the Bataclan concert hall. Here you will find a Banksy stencil work sprayed onto a fire exit door. A girl in mourning, this artwork pays homage to those that lost their lives in the horrific mass shooting which took place inside the Bataclan concert hall in 2015. 

Image sourced from lePoint.fr

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Rue Rambuteau
Metro Station: Oberkampf, Filles du Calvaire, Saint-Ambroise

7. The scarfed horse-rider near the Bassin de la Villette

The last three Banksy pieces are a bit more spread out and it will take you around 25 minutes to reach the next one at 41 Avenue de Flandre. This artwork references a well-known portrait of Napoleon on a horse. The commentary comes in where the rider is wearing a full headscarf. In 2011, France banned the use of full-face headscarves or veils in public places. This remains a highly controversial decision.

The nearby Bassin de la Villette is the largest artificial lake in Paris.

Woman wearing a niqab. This type of headscarf is banned in France. Photo by ‏🌸🙌 فی عین الله on Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 41 Avenue de Flandre
Metro Station: Stalingrad, Riquet

8. The Champagne cork rat near Sacré-Cœur and the Moulin Rouge

To get to the next Banksy piece will take you about half an hour on the metro. It is worth it though, as there are many other reasons to visit this area of Paris – the famous Montmartre. Located at the Rue du Mont Cenis, up one of the staircases, you will find another adventurous Champagne rat flying through the air on a cork.

Image sourced from theLocal.fr

You will not find yourself at a loss with things to do, once you have checked out the Monmartre Banksy.

View of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre – pxhere

Sacré-Cœur is very nearby and well worth a visit, as is the Moulin Rouge. Opting for a guided walking tour of this area proves to be an excellent idea, offering you a unique insight into the art and history that flourished in the heart of Bohemian Paris.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 41 Avenue de Flandre
Metro Station: Jules Joffrin

9. The Migrant Girl near Port de La Chapelle

A 20 minute walk or 10 minute metro ride will get you to get to the last currently known Banksy artwork to be found in Paris. Stencilled on a wall near Port de La Chapelle, this piece depicts a homeless girl, spray painting a pink pattern over a swastika. This piece is a commentary on France’s immigration policies.

Deserted refugee camp in Calais, France. Photo by Radek Homola on Unsplash.

Many immigrants took up refuge in this area, either in unofficial refugee camps or on the streets. Banksy clearly considered the placement of this piece carefully, in order for it to make the boldest impact. Sadly this artwork has since been vandalised, in the true sense of the word, with blue paint.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Porte de la Chapelle
Metro Station: Porte de la Chapelle

10. ‘The World of Banksy’ at Espace Lafayette-Drouot

There is one more spot in Paris, where you can find Banksy artworks. ‘The World of Banksy: The Immersive Experience’ is an exhibition at the Espace Lafayette-Drouot in Montmartre. This exhibition takes places in an underground parking lot and is unassociated with Banksy himself. This makes the exhibition as mysterious as the man behind the name.  While the authenticity of the works on show is uncertain, ‘The World of Banksy’ brings Banksy to you, right here in Paris. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY UNTIL SUNDAY from 10AM-6PM
ADDRESS: ESPACE LAFAYETTE-DROUOT, 44 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Metro Station: Le Peletier

11. Banksy’s rat carrying a newspaper at the BPI’s entrance!

A mouse holding a newspaper near the Public Information Library. “Fifty years after the revolt in Paris 1968,” Banksy clarifies on Instagram. This rat is here to remind us that social conflicts also include knowledge of one’s own society and culture, rebelling, of course, but with the appropriate tools! “The cradle of modern stencil painting.”

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 12pm-10pm
ADDRESS: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Metro Station: Rambuteau Métro 

12. The dog amputated by his master, Banksy

A man in a suit is shown offering a bone to his dog in this metaphor for capitalism. But upon closer inspection, the dog has only three paws, and the man is concealing a handsaw behind his back.

It’s horrible, but the narrative seems to indicate that the guy consumes the leftover flesh of his devoted friend and offers it to him and that the dog, who is either too devoted or gullible, praises him for the care! That’s it, this scene is so gruesome that it turns your blood to ice and makes you question your reality! Visible on Rue Victor Cousin!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 12pm-10pm
ADDRESS: Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France
Metro Station: Rambuteau Métro 

13. The grieving Bataclan by Banksy!

The Bataclan’s emergency exit door is undergoing additional repair. Your spine chills as you see a woman who appears to be in deep sorrow and has a dark expression.

Banksy expresses his sympathy for the Eagles of Death Metal concert attendees and Paris with this message. Banksy is drawing in Paris for the first time, but he doesn’t appear to have forgotten this gesture! If the door is replaced (but retained) so that the staff and Parisians can move on, or if this funeral tablet lasts a lifetime in the location story, it remains to be seen.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 12pm-10pm
ADDRESS: Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France
Metro Station: Victor Hugo

14. A veiled Napoleon riding a horse, Banksy!

For this piece, Banksy amuses himself by altering Jacques-Louis David’s well-known painting Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1801). We interpret this to suggest that the war commander is completely blinded by the larger cape he intended, instead of launching the attack using hand signals. A message sent to the French government on a political level?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS:50 Bd Voltaire, 75011 Paris, France
Metro Station:Bastille

15. The city’s famous Montmartre staircase

Banksy painted a rat being launched like a cork out of a champagne bottle on one of the 18th arrondissement’s famed Montmartre staircases. This has been seen by some as a representation of the locals’ joyous mood.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 1oam-7pm
ADDRESS: Rue Foyatier
Metro Station: Lamarck – Caulaincourt

Top 10 Quick Facts about Banksy

1. Banksy’s real name is not known

Banksy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The identity of famous street artist and social critic Banksy is unclear. His true identity is still kept a closely guarded secret, which has only increased his attraction. Remaining anonymous is not just a whimsical decision made by Banksy; it’s a calculated move to stay out of trouble with the law.

By hiding his name, he is able to create controversial art without running the risk of facing legal repercussions. His work frequently walks the fine line between creativity and vandalism. His privacy is safeguarded by his anonymity, which keeps his private affairs hidden from the public and the government. This shroud of mystery has, in part, added to Banksy’s appeal and the ongoing mystery surrounding his works.

2. It is believed that Banksy is from Bristol, England

For a long time, Bristol, England, has been linked to Banksy. It’s widely believed in the art world that Bristol is his hometown, even if his exact identity is still unknown. Early works by Banksy, which became well-known for his originality and social satire, first appeared in this energetic city.

His creative path was greatly impacted by Bristol’s vibrant graffiti culture and underground environment. The identity of the artist remains a mystery, despite his origins being traced back to Bristol. On the other hand, his politically charged and thought-provoking sculptures are still visible on the city’s streets.

3. His artistic journey has been shaped by Bristol’s underground 

GualdimG, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Banksy’s artistic evolution was greatly influenced by the underground culture and vibrant graffiti art scene of Bristol. Bristol, a city with a thriving artistic scene, was the perfect place for Banksy’s early inspirations. Surrounded by a community of artists and urban expression, he became fully engrossed in the environment of street art. The rebellious attitude and street-level storytelling of the graffiti art movement left a lasting impression on Banksy’s paintings.

Initially motivated by his early works, his distinct style is defined by an appealing visual story and a bold, thought-provoking approach. As seen by his rise to fame in the street art community, Banksy’s creative growth was greatly influenced by the underground culture and graffiti art of Bristol.

4. He schooled in Bristol Cathedral School

During his schooling, Banksy attended Bristol Cathedral School, a school well-known for having helped him develop his creative abilities. Although not much is known about his upbringing, it is known that this school had a significant influence on how creative he was. His early creative growth seems to have been nurtured by the intellectual and artistic atmosphere of Bristol Cathedral School. 

5. Banksy began as a freehand graffiti artist

The earliest attempts at street art by Banksy can be seen in his freehand graffiti, which started his artistic path. However, it was his transition to stencils that truly made a positive impact on his career. Because of this adjustment, he was able to create more intricate and sophisticated pieces more quickly and efficiently.

Stencils allowed Banksy to consistently produce thought-provoking visuals, which is one of the most unique features of his art. His switch from freehand graffiti to stencils sped up his creative process and enabled him to create the distinctive style that would make him a star in the street art scene. One of the reasons his work keeps drawing in audiences worldwide is its inventive approach.

6. His art always has a thought-provoking  message

The message behind Banksy’s artwork is always clear. Through his art, he addresses significant problems such as war, poverty, and government surveillance. Through his unique approach, he calls attention to societal issues and challenges the status quo. His goal is not just to create visually appealing pieces but also to provoke reflection and conversation on the world’s most pressing issues. Banksy uses his work as a potent tool to raise awareness of important causes and speak out against injustices. It is not only meant to be decorative.

7. He is a master of audacious pranks

Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to being a master of bold pranks, Banksy is a street artist. He has a talent for staging unusual performances that defy the norms of the art world. His most well-known antics included tearing up his painting “Girl with a Balloon” at an auction after it brought in an incredible amount of money. After being torn up and retitled “Love is in the Bin,” the piece rose to fame as a piece of highly prized art. He uses these practical jokes to push limits and provoke thinking while maintaining his anonymity. 

8. Banksy’s artwork often includes the rat as the subject matter

Rats appear often and play a major role in Banksy’s artwork. It often comes up in his writings as a strong symbol of subversion and opposition to society. Banksy challenges authority and expresses rebellious feelings with this well-known rodent.

He uses rats to talk about various societal concerns, including oppression, injustice, and resistance to authority, because they are commonly depicted in real-world difficulties. This uncomplicated yet potent symbol has been linked to Banksy’s unique style. It is a cornerstone of his work and a platform for thought-provoking narratives about our world.

9. Banksy directed the documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop”

01x07x2022000, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By directing the documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” Banksy went beyond street art. This documentary explores the world of street art and offers an insider’s viewpoint on the art form. It maintains Banksy’s unique mystery while delving into the hazy boundaries between authenticity and commercialization in the art industry.

The film has received positive reviews from critics and provides an in-depth look at the intentions and lives of street artists. It demonstrates Banksy’s ability to illuminate both the issues and culture surrounding the street art movement.

10. Banksy is also passionate about giving

In addition to his work as a graffiti artist, Banksy is a passionate fighter for political and social problems. He actively participates in activism and philanthropy outside of his artistic activities. He has contributed his artwork to charitable auctions, the earnings of which are often donated to groups that assist refugees, fight homelessness, and deal with other urgent problems.

He often uses his position to draw attention to social injustices and inequality, and he has utilised his art to collect money for humanitarian causes. Beyond his artistic creations, Banksy is dedicated to these causes and actively works to improve the world, serving as an example of how art can be a potent force for social change.