Cobbled streets, a medieval church, secret parks, and kitchen gardens – hilly Charonne is full of hidden gems. Set off to discover the traces of old Charonne, a former village that became part of Paris in 1860. The village used to be surrounded by vineyards, for which it was an ideal location, being situated on the southern slope of Belleville hill and watered by a number of springs. The walk crosses from one side to the other of Rue de Bagnolet, the 20th district’s main artery. Pick up some fascinating facts about the area’s not-so-distant past while enjoying a stroll along the cobbled streets or through some little-known parks and gardens. Your efforts will be rewarded at the end of the walk as you discover the “Campagne à Paris” (countryside in Paris). When you come out of the Philippe Auguste metro station, walk up Rue Pierre Bayle. At the end, turn right into the appropriately-named Rue du Repos (rest) which runs alongside the wall of the Père Lachaise cemetery.
