Things to do in Porte de la Chapelle district

Located at Porte de la Chapelle, the newly-opened Adidas Arena is making a grand entrance. See you this summer for the Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games which will bring together the future champions of badminton, para badminton, rhythmic gymnastics and para powerlifting. But in the meantime, the stadium will delight fans of ball sports. Besides football and volleyball competitions, the Adidas Arena is the year-round training ground and match venue of the Paris Basketball team. And there’s good news too for those who are more into music than sport, because the Adidas Arena occasionally morphs into a concert venue, resulting in some supercharged performances.

Neighbouring the Porte de la Chapelle, the Porte de Clignancourt is where you’ll find the REcyclerie, a key hub of eco-friendly action and social solidarity in this northern part of Paris. Installed in the former station of the Petite Ceinture circular railway, this experimental outdoor facility has become a major player in terms of renewal and socio-cultural commitment in Paris Region. It offers a city farm, community services, cultural events, repair workshops and many more activities, all under the shared principle of eco-responsibility. And to really get a feel for the industrial setting, sip at a cup of tea under the wrought-iron framework, behind the immense glass wall, to admire an amazing view over the old Petite Ceinture railway line.

Head eastwards from Porte de la Chapelle, this time to Porte d’Aubervilliers. Supported by the MU community, the Station - Gare des Mines opened in 2016 inside a former coal station dating from the 1950s. From this culture venue has emerged one of Paris Region’s most dynamic stages for alternative music. Giving pride of place to garage rock and alternative electro music, the Station - Gare des Mines is a year-round promise of energetic evenings in which riffs compete with electro-poetic flourishes. If you fancy a quieter activity, make the most of the sun to enjoy a ping-pong match on the terrace, or set the world to rights with a refreshing beer.

Built on the site of the former City of Paris undertakers, the Centquatre - Paris, just south of Porte de la Chapelle, is one of those cultural venues that makes everyone feel at home. Sports, concerts, exhibitions, kid-friendly facilities and gourmet get-togethers at huge tables, all in a merry eclectic mix that will appeal to all audiences. And if you’re looking to treat yourself to a good read, the bookshop and the Emmaüs boutique complete the picture nicely.

Near the Saint-Denis Canal, La Gare / Le Gore is a Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde type of place. Under the wrought-iron framework of the former Gare de Flandres (train station), brass instruments battle it out with a synthesiser until the early hours. If you’re mad about saxophones and swing, then La Gare is the venue for you. The stage is graced by jazz stars and newcomers, keen to offer their best renditions in a performance as crazy and sensual as it gets. Then at midnight, it’s time for the Gore. Head a few metres underground, beneath the former station, to soak up the vibe of an electro DJ set. Every day of the year (or nearly), let off steam on the dance floor, until the last night owls are chased away by the first rays of daylight.

The Parc de la Villette, a green oasis in the heart of northeastern Paris, deserves much more than a quick visit. It is traversed by the Ourcq Canal, which makes it the perfect place for local residents and passing tourists to recharge their batteries amid 55 hectares of greenery. With its scattering of museums, theatres, cinemas and artistic creations, this park built on the site of the former slaughterhouse will leave you no time for boredom, be it daytime or evening. Concert halls take over where the exhibition rooms leave off, offering vibrant shows under a marquee or within solid walls.

On a 240-metre promenade, the former cattle hall of La Villette has been transformed into a festive venue. Brought back to life in the 1980s, the Grande Halle de la Villette has retained all its industrial charm, with its metal girders and wide glass walls. No wonder it has become a listed heritage site. This multicultural facility is a social diversity hotspot with an international feel, hosting all sorts of celebrations, temporary exhibitions, concerts and cultural events intended for all audiences. A key part of your visit to the Parc de la Villette.

Adjacent to its bigger twin, the Petite Halle will appeal to vintage decoration fans and grumbling tummies. Great food in a great setting! Feast your eyes on the metal framework, Parisian-style cobblestones, bay windows and inviting decorations, and your tastebuds on the delicious antipasti and pizzas.

And there’s no shortage of outdoor areas either. Make yourself comfortable under one of the parasols, for a relaxing break in the ‘guinguette’ spirit. And the icing on the cake: La Petite Halle also happens to be a jazz club. The ideal place to swing all evening, prosecco in one hand and Diavola pizza in the other.

At the Parc de la Villette, once behind the futuristic façade of glass, concrete and steel, you’ll be plunged into one of Europe’s greatest science museums, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. From the innermost corners of the human brain to the outer reaches of the cosmos, science and technology will hold no more secrets for you. Budding scientists will love testing their knowledge at the Cité des Enfants intended for children. On the museum’s ground level, hands-on activities and experiments await them, offering a fun and gentle approach to science.

Capturing the light in a way that almost blinds you, the Philharmonie de Paris is a jewel of futuristic architecture. Designed by Jean Nouvel, who also created the Institut du monde arabe and the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, this music temple is decorated with 340,000 aluminium birds. Take a seat in the hushed auditorium and get ready for an outstanding acoustic experience… And to immerse yourself even further into the world of music, visit the Cité de la Musique, the site’s museum devoted to the 4th art.

Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats in the marquee of the Cabaret Sauvage! In the realm of musical eclecticism, this is a choice stage on the world music scene in Paris. The boards of this auditorium like no other have been trodden by the likes of Goran Bregovic, PJ Harvey and many more iconic artists. Between its red-covered walls, the Cabaret Sauvage also hosts club nights, cabaret shows and circus performances. The ring awaits you!