20th arrondissement of Paris

20th arrondissement of Paris
Chabe01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	20th arrondissement
Number	20
Mayor	Éric Pliez
Population	194,994
Area	5.98
Density	32,656

20th arrondissement of Paris, located on the Right Bank of the Seine River, is one of the most populous and diverse areas of the city, with a rich history dating back to the French Revolution. The arrondissement is home to many famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, where notable figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin are buried, and the Place de la République, a major square that has played a significant role in French history, including the Paris Commune and the Bastille Day celebrations. The 20th arrondissement is also close to other popular areas, including the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Belleville, and the Canal Saint-Martin, which are known for their vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops, such as those found on the Rue de Rivoli and the Boulevard de Sébastopol.

Geography and Climate

The 20th arrondissement of Paris covers an area of 5.98 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller arrondissements in the city, and is bordered by the 11th arrondissement of Paris to the west, the 12th arrondissement of Paris to the south, and the 19th arrondissement of Paris to the north, with the Seine River forming its eastern boundary, near the Île de la Cité and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The arrondissement's geography is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the highest point being the Belleville Hill, which offers stunning views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the nearby Montmartre neighborhood. The climate in the 20th arrondissement is similar to the rest of Paris, with mild winters and warm summers, and is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, which are connected to the city via the Seine River and the Canal de l'Ourcq.

History

The 20th arrondissement of Paris has a rich and complex history, dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was a rural area with several small villages, including Belleville and Ménilmontant, which were later incorporated into the city during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The arrondissement played a significant role in the Paris Commune of 1871, with many of its residents actively participating in the uprising, including the famous Louise Michel, who was a key figure in the Commune and is now buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery. The 20th arrondissement was also home to many famous artists and writers, including Édith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier, and Serge Gainsbourg, who drew inspiration from the area's vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, which included the famous Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère.

Demographics

The 20th arrondissement of Paris is one of the most populous and diverse areas of the city, with a population of over 194,000 people, including a large number of immigrants from North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, who have settled in the area and contributed to its vibrant cultural scene, with many restaurants, shops, and cultural centers, such as the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Cité de la Musique. The arrondissement is also home to a large number of students and young professionals, who are attracted to the area's affordable housing, lively nightlife, and proximity to many of Paris' major universities, including the Sorbonne University, the Panthéon-Sorbonne University, and the University of Paris-Diderot.

Landmarks and Attractions

The 20th arrondissement of Paris is home to many famous landmarks and attractions, including the Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Place de la République, and the Belleville Hill, which offers stunning views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The arrondissement is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues, such as the New Morning and the Bataclan, which have hosted many famous performers, including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga. Other popular attractions in the area include the Musée des Moulages, the Musée de la Contrefaçon, and the Jardin Sauvage Saint-Vincent, which is a beautiful park with a variety of plants and flowers, including the famous Tulip and the Rose.

Administration

The 20th arrondissement of Paris is administered by the City of Paris, with Éric Pliez serving as the current mayor, and is divided into four quarters: Belleville, Père Lachaise, Charonne, and Saint-Fargeau, each with its own unique character and charm, and a range of local amenities, including shops, restaurants, and community centers, such as the Mairie du 20e arrondissement and the Centre communal d'action sociale. The arrondissement is also represented in the Paris City Council by several councilors, including Danielle Simonnet and Antoine Beauquier, who work to promote the interests of the area and its residents, including the famous Paris Saint-Germain Football Club and the Stade de France.

Economy and Infrastructure

The 20th arrondissement of Paris has a diverse economy, with a range of industries, including manufacturing, services, and tourism, with many companies, such as Sanofi, Total, and Carrefour, having operations in the area, and a number of major transportation hubs, including the Gare de Lyon and the Gare du Nord, which provide connections to the rest of France and Europe, including the Eurostar and the Thalys trains. The arrondissement is also home to many small businesses and startups, including those in the tech and creative sectors, which are supported by initiatives such as the Paris Innovation Center and the French Tech program, and have access to a range of resources, including the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the Institut national de la propriété industrielle.