Called Quartier Chinois in French, the two Chinatowns in Paris strongly demonstrate Chinese connection to Paris. These places have several things to do and see, including some incredible restaurants that you should try out.

The first Chinatown in Paris is situated in the 20th arrondissement close to Belleville. It is the less popular Chinatown and the least visited of the two among the tourist crowds. You can find the major Chinatown in Paris in the 13th arrondissement situated on the Seine’s Left Bank. Apart from being the wider known Chinatown in the city, it is the oldest one known in the whole of Europe.

Brief History of the Quartier Chinois

Given the huge number of Chinese refugees that fled to France from Vietnam, the oldest Chinatown was established in the 1970s. And apart from the refugees, there were a massive number of legal settlers who arrived in France too in search of greener pasture.

When the immigrants reached the French capital, the 13th arrondissement became an ideal base to start a new life. The high urban development buildings located there were not occupied and were cheap to afford. Therefore, people started to build a life in this part of Paris, far south of the city, away from the major districts where locals and tourists tended to frequent. 

Soon, the 13th arrondissement was filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and social spaces. Somehow, word spread, and today Chinatown is a Parisian area cherished by both the locals and tourists who visit regularly. 

Here Are Some Of The Best Things to Do and the Best Restaurants to Visit at the Paris Chinatown

Tang Freres 

This is the most popular shop in Chinatown Paris. Some Laos-Chinese brothers owned the supermarket chain shortly after settling in France. Most of its stock and products are imported from China directly. Therefore, many of their items are never seen or heard of before. It is nice to have a pleasant stroll on the aisles while you select food items or ornaments that will hold your attention.

You will find around the streets of the 13th arrondissement Tang Freres stores, and doing a guided or personal walk tour in the area will show you each of them. Additionally, you are expected to see several weird and wonderful spots for a great shopping experience. 

Hidden Buddhist Temple in Chinatown

None of the structures in Chinatown Paris is completely ‘Chinese’ because the buildings were already erected before the immigrants moved into Paris. Some people might think that this part of the city lacks the authentic temples and venues that typify Chinatowns. But they are there, just hidden inside certain buildings. Proceed to the Rue de Disque’s car park- one of the most ravishing Buddhist temples you will find in France is hidden inside the entrance.

Olso Building  

Situated in the district center, the Olso building is a firm concrete structure. There, there is a small mall that is popular for dealing with the most flashy and cheapest items for purchase. If you have a keen interest in Southeast Asian culture, spare some time to explore this place. The décor, ornaments, and clothing on display for purchase can’t be found anywhere else in the French capital. Also, the prices are matchless, with every item going for just a few bucks. 

Chinatowns in Paris have several attractions, but they can be difficult to discover because they lie inside or at the back of structures that make up the district’s infrastructures. But you can find them on your own when you walk. And if you miss your way, locals are always ready to direct you. 

Olympiades Center 

This is a shopping center that is regarded as Chinatown Paris’ biggest attraction. If you want to meet a friend or acquaintance in the district, the Olympiades shopping complex is the most central point and a helpful landmark. The said Olso building makes up a series of structures that forms the whole of the Olympiades. 

As you will observe, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines are very popular in this part of Paris while the range of food is vast. You should try out dimsum, Pho, and noodles. In addition, this is the place where you will want to be when the yearly New Year Lunar parade is held in the city. Ensure that you do not miss the martial arts performances or dragon dances.   

Other Attractions in the 13th Arrondissement 

Chinatown Paris is not far from other major attractions in the 13th arrondissement. Since you are visiting the South of Paris, it is not out of order to visit a few places if you have enough time. A little north of the Olympiades center is the grand plaza that spans more than 200 m with the Town Hall of the district constructed in the space. The Butte aux Cailles is also an exciting part of the 13th arrondissement. Its cobblestone streets are filled with art decor and galleries that make up great scenery in this part of Paris. 

On Quai François Mauriac, close to the bank of the Seine, is the French National Library. In this glass, structure are more than 15 million works of literature and documentation delicately preserved. 

Best Restaurants in Chinatown 

Lao Lanxang 1 and 2

This place is regarded as the best Laotian restaurant in Paris. Lao Lanxang is so good that there it has restaurants on both sides of the street. Both restaurants are also often filled to the rafters and feature a queue of people waiting patiently for their turn. 

The food is a blend of Lao, Vietnamese, and Thai specialties, all peculiarly tasty. Both restaurants are family-managed and have witnessed much success in recent times. Prices are decent, and portions are served generously, while the selection of Asian beers is a treat you must indulge in. You should bear in mind that you will need to make reservations to skip the long queues. Lao Lanxang 1 and 2 is located at 102 Avenue d’Ivry, Paris, Ile-de-France, 75013, France. 

Pho Banh Cuon 14

This place is a must-visit if you want to have a taste of pho in Paris. But before you visit Pho Banh Cuon 14, bear in mind that it accepts only cash. Despite the frequent queues, services are quick as orders are taken instantly, and food is served on time. The majority of the patrons come for the various available pho soups. You should try out the Banh Cuon that is also known as Vietnamese Ravioli. Thin rice noodle sheets are enfolded around a filling of wood ear fungus and pork. It is topped with fried shallots and green onions. Pour over the bowl of orange-hued fish sauce, and you’re all set to go. Pho Banh Cuon 14 is situated at 129 Avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris, Place d’Italie. 

Mondo Kiri

Concealed from the open among many Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, Mondo Kiri has a range of spectacular and worthy alternatives to the more popular Asian cuisines. In this small restaurant with just about 12 tables, the chef has an array of authentic Cambodian dishes while the affable wait staff is always on standby. Try out amok- the house specialty that is a local Cambodian dish made up of steamed curried meat or fish in a banana leaf. It is served with bai cha rice for a genuine cuisine experience. Mondo Kiri is located at 159 Avenue de Choisy, Paris, Ile-de-France.

Visiting the Quartier Chinois – Final Thoughts

Chinatown and the entire 13th arrondissement have lots of thongs to entertain locals and tourists for a day. Whether it is a chic restaurant, an art deco house or galleries, or something totally different from the usual, there is something for everyone in Chinatown Paris. Have a swell time with the culture shock in the south of Paris, a place where the entire family would love.