Letter From Paris: Inspire Yourself in Belleville

I thought I knew Paris, but I didn't know how cool Belleville was until I moved to the 20th Arrondissement.  Since then, I have spent a lot of time wandering around in Paris's secret world, which is my hood and the 19th.  One must clock the time up here to discover the houses, yards, streets, artists, architects, and creators--the micro-neighborhoods within neighborhoods--that one finds down small streets and alleys.  Many Parisians don't know this part of their city, because they don't spend any time here.  But I make happy new discoveries every time I go out exploring. 

This weekend you, too, can sneak a peak into this young, creative, Parisian-Belleville energy by visiting the artists' studios.

Check it out:

Les Portes Ouvertes 

Ateliers d'Artistes de Belleville

For more info and to download the map:  les portes ouvertes

May 28, 29, 30, & 31, 2010
2 P.M. - 9 P.M.

And in the 20th, I have run across cool gallery/shop/squat Sin Glin Glin:

Loved the show and the design eye here.

The Expo Mister Pee is intriguing to me.   Funky fun images and energy coming from them. Great website, too.  You absolutely must click on the link above!  The show is ending on May 30th.

A bag I could happily fill up and carry--or give as a gift.

Sin Glin Glin

10 rue Jouye Rouve, Paris 20è

Metro: Belleville

Get out and see what these artists are up to--and inspire yourself! 

Unless otherwise indicated, photos by Beth Arnold.  

                                                                            ---Beth Arnold in Paris