Isn’t it ironic that one of the most coveted areas of Paris is called La Campagne à Paris? It translates to “The Countryside in Paris”. Here on Rue Ferrer et Siegfried, you’ll discover a village within the city.
Rue Ferrer et Siegfried is located in the 20th arrondissement in Charonne. Charonne was incorporated into Paris in 1860. This area offers a unique theatrical peek into a slice of Parisian life. It is so unique that it earned its nickname.
Look around you. Notice more locals than tourists. They are charmed by the novelty of its village-like feel. Rue Ferrer et Siegfried and nearby Rue Irénée-Blanc are darling little streets in La Campagne à Paris. Quiet and purely residential, you might wish to burrow into one of these garden bungalows for life.
This working-class housing development began in 1907. It was once considered to be on the modest side of the tracks. Now, it has matured into one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. What was once a working-class neighborhood is now trendy and gentrified.
La Campagne à Paris is built on a man-made hill. The hill was created from rubble. This rubble came from the Haussmann reconstruction of Avenue de la République and Avenue Gambetta. It was deposited in a former gypsum quarry.
In 1908, a co-operative bought the hill. The co-operative was set up to create low-cost housing. It was called La Campagne à Paris. The co-operative built ninety-two houses. Each had a front yard and lots of varied vegetation. Several different architects designed the houses between 1907 and 1928. This created interest because of the lack of uniformity.
The idea was to create affordable homes. These homes were financed by loans. Modest but steady incomes could pay off monthly installments. Bank clerks or low-level civil servants were the target residents. The homes still exist and have been exceptionally well maintained.
The street itself is named after Jules Siegfried. Jules Siegfried was a French politician. Rue Jules-Siegfried was opened as a private street in 1911. It was part of the La Campagne à Paris development. Later, it was classified as a Parisian road.
Colorful houses and pretty flowers reveal a different side of Paris. It nods to rural France. It also presents an array of the unexpected. Colorful street art keeps it from being too precious. It is both eye-popping and off the wall. You’ll need to walk up some pretty challenging steps to reach these gems. But knowing what’s waiting, you might dance your way up.
Remember this visit as well as a good reminder that Paris is not a museum city. It is beautiful and diverse. It has a riveting history. The 20th arrondissement’s little village within the city will make you ache to be a part of the community. This is your chance to escape the chaos of tourist Paris. Take a day off from big city noise. Rue Ferrer et Siegfried is a short and sweet visit. It is one you can pair well with other sights in the 20th. A green space is a happy way to discover this journey. This area will lower your blood pressure. It will reduce inflammation and anxiety in an instant.
Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this last slice of Paris. Nice guys really do finish last here in a good way.
Paris tastes like nothing else out there. It’s always good to the last bite.