An emblematic district of the capital, Paris’s Chinatown, is a lively and bustling place, presenting itself as an authentic glimpse of Asia. Blending cultures from every corner of the continent, Chinatown will take you on a journey through its bustling streets, following the aroma of Asian restaurants. Let yourself be transported and discover what this very special district, which I know so well, has to offer.
Table of Contents
First, here are the places mentioned placed on a map:
What to See in Chinatown in Paris?
Visiting The District’s Temples
The Temple of The “Autel du Culte de Bouddha”
37 rue du Disque, 75013 Paris
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Belonging to the Association des résidents en France d’origine indochinoise, this Buddhist temple is located at the back of a parking lot and boasts a facade that doesn’t exactly look the part.
Nevertheless, this does not detract from the profound nature of this place and its atmosphere of sharing and mutual aid.
In addition to communing before the altar of Bodhisattva Guanyin, the goddess of compassion, locals come to the temple to take Chinese lessons, and for help with administrative formalities.
The Temple of L’Amicale des Teochew
44 avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
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This is a Taoist temple belonging to the Amicale des Teochew. The temple once again serves as a place of exchange and sharing.
It comprises two separate halls, the first of which serves as a meeting place. Here you can drink tea, read a book and chat.
The second room houses the temple. Here you’ll find statues of the 18 immortal guardians of the Law, as well as 3 Buddha statues placed on the altar, accompanied by the Buddhist triad – the 3 Buddha bodies.
Tip: remember to remove your shoes and headgear when entering.
Sight-Seeing The District’s Street-Art
The 13th arrondissement is a hotbed of urban culture, so it’s no surprise that Chinatown is one of street artists’ favorite playgrounds.
Thanks to this highly recommended guided tour (in French) of the street arts in the 13th arrondissement, you’ll discover all these works with commentary by a passionate guide.
From French artist Stew to Portuguese artist Pantonio, Chinatown’s frescoes will hold no secrets for you.
Visiting the Towers of Italie 13 and The Olympiades
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The result of an abandoned real estate project, Italie 13 was originally intended to house around fifty high-rise apartment blocks. In the end, only 30 were built.
The empty units attracted a large number of Indochinese refugees, and the Chinatown district quickly grew around the project.
What you’ll find here is a Paris far removed from clichés. Its immense towers blend into the “village in the city” that is the Olympiades, one of Italie 13’s flagship sights.
These pagoda-roofed buildings are home to a huge number of businesses.
Its one-of-a-kind architecture, far from blending into the landscape, has made Chinatown one of the most popular spots for urban photographers.
The Arche de La Fraternité
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Symbolizing the Chinese character “mén” (門) which means “door”, this architectural work celebrated in 2020 on the occasion of Chinese New Year was imagined to represent the entrance to the district.
It also symbolizes friendship between people.
Using the anamorphic technique, the work can only be appreciated at a precise angle where the two parts of the “door” meet to form the Chinese character.
What to Do in Chinatown in Paris?
Drinking a Bubble Tea
Originating in Taiwan, bubble tea has become a true institution of Asian culture, and in recent years the bubble tea phenomenon has taken hold of France, with new shops opening every day.
To help you find your way around, here’s my selection of the best bubble tea shops in Chinatown:
Bubble House
45 avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
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For as long as I can remember, the Bubble House has been a fixture in Chinatown. It offers authentic bubble teas in a variety of flavors. The menu remains rather classic but has very good quality.
I highly recommend the taro bubble tea, with its comforting roundness and creaminess.
The shop is small but has an upper floor with a cozy atmosphere and tasteful decor, so you can sip your drink in peace while admiring the Avenue de Choisy from above.
The Alley
52 avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
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Open more recently, The Alley offers original bubble teas topped with a cheese foam that adds salinity to the drink that, let’s face it, doesn’t skimp on sugar!
I highly recommend the Snow Strawberry Lulu, with its chunks of fresh strawberries, peach-flavored oolong tea and, of course, its lightly salted cheese foam.
Xing Fu Tang
63 avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
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Straight from Taiwan, Xing Fu Tang is the place to go for 100% authentic bubble tea.
Already in its home country, Xing Fu Tang is considered to be the best producer of artisanal bubble tea.
Come and taste the authentic Zhen Zhu Nai Cha, the classic and emblematic milk and brown sugar bubble tea, with its homemade tapioca pearls.
Drinking Tea at L’Empire des Thés
101 avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
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It’s time to rinse your mouth after all that sugar! And there’s nothing better than L’Empire des Thés, which offers a wide range of carefully selected leaves hailing straight from China.
Choose from a range of floral, fruity and even spicy teas, as well as traditional teas (black, green, etc.).
Over 200 references are available, as well as a large selection of accessories.
Reading at You Feng Bookstore
66 rue Baudricourt, 75013 Paris
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A bit of reading now at You Feng, a bookstore specializing in Asia since 1970.
It offers a very wide choice of books from all parts of Asia, particularly China.
You’ll find books on Confucianism, Buddhism, philosophy, martial arts and calligraphy, as well as novels and children’s books in French and foreign languages.
This bookstore is also the perfect place for those wishing to learn languages, as You Feng also offers numerous manuals for learning Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese.
Window-Shopping at Tai You
44 avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
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Tai You is a small shop inside the Olympiades, selling mangas, figurines, goodies, and above all, k-pop albums, as well as a whole range of merchandising: photocards, pins, posters, accessories, jewelry and lightsticks featuring your favorite Korean bands.
A must for fans of Japanese culture and K-pop.
Grocery-Shopping at Tang Frères
48 avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
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The district’s most famous store, to the point of becoming a chain, Tang Frères is an Asian supermarket that’s a real goldmine for lovers of Asian cuisine and products.
You’ll find exotic fruits and vegetables like mangosteen, longan and durian, as well as everything from porcelain tableware and Japanese drinks to Vietnamese snacks and Cambodian desserts.
And if you’re really hungry, there’s a Tang Gourmet snack restaurant right next door! You’ll find ready-to-eat dishes, on the spot or to take away, featuring the most popular Asian recipes, from starter to dessert.
Don’t miss the rotisserie, offering crispy, fragrant dishes ranging from the famous Peking duck and crispy pork to Peking piglet.
Admiring Chinese New Year’s Festivities
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Every year at the beginning of February, the Chinese New Year is celebrated. What better place to attend the festivities than in Paris’s Chinatown?
On the program for these few days? Street entertainment, conference debate, open-air concerts, exhibitions and, above all, the oldest parade in Paris.
You’ll be able to admire the magnificent traditional outfits, as well as the sublime costumes worn by the members of the parade.
Watch out for firecrackers!
Where to Eat in Chinatown in Paris?
Tian Tian Wang
82 rue Baudricourt, 75013 Paris
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The best place to try 100% authentic Sichuan food, Tian Tian Wang is a small restaurant in Chinatown that’s sure to get your taste buds dancing with its spicy cuisine.
Try out the lamb skewers, typical of the Sichuan region, and the star of the restaurant’s menu.
You can even sing your heart out in the private karaoke room in the basement (reservations are required).
Comme au Vietnam
195 avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
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Comme au Vietnam is a small, family-run restaurant offering authentic, 100% homemade cuisine.
Decorated with a variety of plants, you’ll enjoy spring rolls, banh cuons and bo buns in a tropical setting. The green mango salad with shrimp is well worth the detour!
The bistro-style restaurant has a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Sweetea’s
109 avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
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The best address for a Korean brunch, Sweetea’s offers a tasty and authentic South Korean menu.
Try the famous Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki (rice cakes in a spicy soup), bulgogi (Korean barbecue) or kimchi pancake, and finish with a generous slice of toasted brioche bread accompanied by fresh fruit and ice cream!
Isshin Ramen
84 rue Baudricourt, 75013 Paris
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Head for Japan at Isshin Ramen, for Tonkotsu-style noodles!
In a sumptuous setting worthy of a Miyazaki movie, come and taste authentic Japanese dishes.
The menu is straight to the point:
- 5 starters (including the takoyaki, which I recommend)
- 3 dishes with rice (the tori katsudon is worth the detour)
- 6 choices of ramen with 10 different toppings.
Mollé Patisserie
99 avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
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Time for dessert! Mollé Pâtisserie is undoubtedly the best address for authentic Chinese sweets. The long queue in front of the store bears witness to this.
Based on the same model as pastry shops in China, you’ll need a tray and tongs to pick out the bread and buns you’d like to try.
An authentic experience in an authentic patisserie.
You’ll find classics like pineapple buns, sausage buns and dried pork buns, as well as more unusual delicacies like durian cake or dried pork shells, which are pulled pork buns with a smooth cream inside.
Where to Sleep in Chinatown in Paris?
AMHotel Italie
96 avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
AMHotel Italie is located in the heart of Chinatown. It offers modern, comfortable and well-equipped studios, so you can remain independent during your stay and discover the city at your own pace.
If you want to immerse yourself in Chinatown culture for several days, this is the hotel for you.
Price: Starting at €122 / night
Hôtel Novex
8 rue Caillaux, 75013 Paris
Hôtel Novex welcomes you just a few minutes away from Chinatown (4-minute walk from the Place Vénétie). Guest rooms are functional, with private bathrooms.
Price: Starting at €95 / night
Amiral Hotel
98 avenue d’Italie, 75013 Paris
Located outside Chinatown, but just a ten-minute walk away from the Place Vénétie, the Amiral Hotel lets you stay close to the area without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the town.
The guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. In the morning, a continental breakfast is served in the hotel’s dining room, or in your room, as you wish.
Guests have access to a private parking lot, an indoor swimming pool, a lounge bar, a garden, and a lovely terrace.
Price: Starting at €131 / night
Ibis Styles Paris Massena Olympiades
82-84 rue Regnault, 75013 Paris
Just a ten-minute walk away from the Place Vénétie and close to the Porte d’Ivry metro station, the Ibis Styles Paris Massena Olympiades hotel will allow you to enjoy Chinatown during your stay while being just a stone’s throw from the rest of Paris.
The comfortable, sober rooms offer quality services and modern amenities.
The hotel serves a buffet breakfast in the dining room or in your room, on request.
Price: Starting at €155 / night
Ibis Paris Avenue d’Italie 13ème
15 bis avenue d’Italie, 75013 Paris
The Ibis Paris Avenue d’Italie 13ème hotel is the furthest from Chinatown (~15 minutes away from Place Vénétie), but it has the advantage of being just a two-minute walk from Place d’Italie.
So, you can stroll through Chinatown during the day before going out for a drink in one of the Place d’Italie bars or go shopping in the Italie 2 mall.
The hotel’s guest rooms are particularly comfortable and elegantly decorated, and a hearty buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s dining room.
You can also enjoy a drink in the hotel bar, as well as a variety of snacks at any time of day. A private parking lot is also available.
Price: Starting at €129 / night
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
