The Goutte d'Or

Located in the southern part of the 18th arrondissement, the Goutte d'Or district forms a rectangle bordered by Boulevard de la Chapelle, Boulevard Barbès, Rue Ordener, and the railway tracks of Gare du Nord. A highly cosmopolitan neighborhood, it remains vibrant and gradually transforms over time while maintaining its distinctly popular atmosphere.

A Cosmopolitan Neighborhood

In the past, the name "Goutte d'Or" derived from the color of wine that was produced in this area until the 19th century. Attracting single people from the provinces who sought work in the capital, the early developments in the neighborhood consisted of small apartments and furnished hotels. This type of housing subsequently facilitated the settlement of migrants from Belgium, Poland, Italy, and Spain who arrived in large numbers. In the latter half of the 20th century, the Maghreb and Sephardic communities were charmed by this welcoming land, followed by an African population, which notably settled in the Rue des Poissonniers. Portuguese, Yugoslav, and Chinese communities also later established themselves here, giving the Goutte d'Or its multicultural character. With 36% of its residents born abroad, it is the most diverse neighborhood in the capital.

In addition to attracting migrants from all corners of the world, the district also stands out for its youthful population: one in four residents is under twenty years old! Although vibrant, the neighborhood faces significant economic and social challenges, which explains the prevalence of social housing and the presence of street vendors and various small-scale illegal activities. Therefore, it's advisable to be cautious while wandering the streets, especially around the Barbès metro station, as it is a hotspot for pickpockets.

A Major Commercial Hub

The ethnic diversity that characterizes the Goutte d'Or, as well as the presence of major discount stores like Tati, has turned this neighborhood into a popular commercial axis. Crowds flock here to find exotic foods that are hard to come by elsewhere in Paris: various products from Africa are sold in numerous shops, both wholesale and retail. The Dejean Market (located near Château Rouge metro) or the Barbès Market (held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings under the elevated metro of Boulevards Rochechouart and de la Chapelle) are brimming with jewelry, fabrics, as well as fish, meat, spices, and condiments that evoke the scents of African and Maghrebian lands.

In the heart of the neighborhood, Rue Doudeauville is one of the most bustling and vibrant streets, active until late at night. If you want to savor Cameroonian, Senegalese, Congolese dishes, and more, then Goutte d'Or is the place to go! The neighborhood is teeming with small, authentic restaurants that offer very affordable prices.