This area in the East of Paris not so frequented by tourists preserves its warm nature and authenticity. Here you can find a thriving cultural life and a few restaurants and bars that are worth the visit.
Les Lilas district, made famous by Serge Gainsbourg with his song "Poinçonneur des Lilas" lives to the rhythm of its large covered market, its theatre inspired by the Trianon de Versailles and its new cinema– a genuine black architectural totem recalling, with a little imagination, Stanley Kubrick’s monolith. You can also enjoy contemporary circus shows, or listen to famous jazz artists. Between neighbourhood bars, convivial restaurants, gourmet groceries where you can find freshly grinded coffee. Les Lilas has managed to jealously preserve its authenticity. A vampire has even set up home here… Sush…!
Mairie des Lilas district - Porte des Lilas straddles the towns of Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis. The town of les Lilas is located between 20th district of Paris, Bagnolet, Romainville and Pré Saint-Gervais.
Père Lachaise: 15 minutes by bicycle or by bus
République and Belleville : 10 minutes
Beaubourg : 20 minutes by metro
The Seine and the historical centre of Paris : 20 minutes by metro.
In the heart of Les Lilas, just a stone’s throw from the metro Mairie des Lilas, the concert venue Le Triton features a high level jazz programme. The atmosphere is pleasant with its restaurant and summer terrace to sip on a drink.
Enjoy the immense terrace-lounge- which is partly covered in winter at the cinema Étoile Lilas. It features particularly lively “chill” evenings. Just opposite, Cirque Électrique features the “new circus” tricks , cabaret, fun aperitifs under the big top in a very festive atmosphere away from prying eyes. A little further on, Samovar theater showcases all sorts of clowns because this unique venue in Europe proposes shows dedicated only to clown skills.
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Are you talking about art? Lilas en Scène is an amazing place for creation and rehearsal venue for living theatre. Many great artists test their shows here, but you must keep up to date to know when the shows are on. The historical venue of Garde-Chasse is a multidisciplinary place relaying theatre shows, dance, music, humour, cinema... It is one of the most beautiful venues in the East of Paris. The fresco Le Baiser lilas de Véronique which embellishes the ceiling is included in the French Supplementary Historic Monument list. The cultural centre Jean Cocteau within the Espace Anglemont hosts artist exhibitions on (contemporary art, street-art, etc.). Discover the contemporary architecture of Notre Dame des Rosaires church, built in 2011.
After such an intake of cultural visits, go for a drink and eat something in one of the restaurants in les Lilas : Scarlett and the cochon Volant makes homemade dishes relished by the many regulars. At the bar-restaurant, "l’Atmosphère" a festive atmosphere awaits you with its cosy terrace which is heated in winter and open in summer. If you are feeling in an Italian mood, the Barolo features tasty menus with Italian flavours, from traditional pizza to succulent grilled fish.
The local food market in Les Lilas, is one of the most renowned markets in Ile-de-France. Under the covered hall, a dozen or so market vendors offer an incredible large range of French gastronomy. In the rue de Paris, grilled coffee smells will tickle your nose before you enter in the Brûlerie - coffee shop, where you will find a wide variety of wines, spirits and…coffee. Many local shops (cheesemakers, greengrocers, bakeries, Corsican or Italian grocery stores or and the first organic Hallal butchers!) welcome you here.
