Introducing La Chapelle

A vibrant, multicultural north Paris enclave, La Chapelle is attracting a mix of artists and young professionals heralding the first generation of gentrification.

Here, Indian tea and spice merchants, sari emporiums, halal butchers and African weave shops vye for sidewalk space and a DIY spirit is flourishing. Empty lots have been transformed into improvised community gardens, and design ateliers, artists studios and chic shops are springing up next to micro-breweries and buzzing dive bars.

Rue des Gardes’ string of artisanal shops selling homewear, womenswear and jewellery are at the epicentre of the neighbourhood renaissance, local favourites include highly covetable handcrafted rugs and placemats by Lily Latifi and minimalist sculptural dresses at Ken Okada.

Nearby, Paris’ first microbrewery, Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or, takes inspirations from the flavours of the neighbuorhood, sourcing local ginger, hibiscus, hot pepper and dates, while at En Vrac, customers at the friendly, hip restaurant turned wine shop refill bottles from tanks of local wines.

Wandering through La Chapelle you’ll come across gems like Chez les Libraires Associés, a treasure trove of rare books in a grand private home, and the tiny 11th century church of Saint-Denys de la Chapelle, where legend has it Joan of Arc spent a night in prayer.

Exotic dining options abound - perennial favourite, Les Trois Frères has spent three decades honing excellent Algerian couscous recipes, while the elegant La Môme serves the city’s most authentic Moroccan fig lamb tagine.