Transfer by shuttle taxi to the Butte aux Cailles in Paris

History and tour of the Butte aux Cailles in Paris

Nestled between Place d’Italie and Parc Montsouris, the Butte aux Cailles remains one of Paris’s most distinctive neighborhoods within the 13th arrondissement. Known for its tranquility and verdant surroundings, it transforms from a serene day spot to a bustling night locale, preserving the quaint charm of a bygone village. This area, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris’s city life, offers an ideal haven for leisurely exploration. Public transportation, including RATP bus lines 57 and 67, and metro lines No. 5, 6, and 7 at Place d’Italie, as well as line No. 6 at Corvisart Metro Station, makes it easily accessible.

Originally a vast woodland, the Butte aux Cailles evolved over the centuries from having windmills in the 16th century to becoming an industrial hub in the 17th century with activities like laundries, tanneries, butchers, and dye works, all utilizing the Bièvre river. However, this led to the neighborhood becoming unsanitary. The construction of the general farmers’ wall in the northern part significantly isolated it, marking its periphery from the capital. Integrated into Paris in 1860 from Gentilly, its history took a pivotal turn in 1863 when Prefect Haussmann initiated the drilling of an artesian well to water the district. Despite initial setbacks and technical challenges, the well, after resumption by engineer Paulin Arrault, was successfully dug to 582 meters deep, producing 6000 cubic meters of water daily by 1903. The completion of the Bièvre river landfill in 1910 necessitated an alternative for the surplus well water, leading to the construction of the Butte aux Cailles pool in 1924. The well was further drilled to 38 meters by the year 2000, symbolizing the area’s resilience and innovation.

Monuments and Landmarks of the Butte aux Cailles

The Butte aux Cailles is not just a historical site; it’s a living museum adorned with buildings, monuments, and remarkable places. The west side of the neighborhood boasts a structure that was the National School of Telecommunications, now occupied by Telecom Paris Tech. The street of Daviel hosts a quaint ensemble known as Little Alsace with its timber-framed houses. At No. 18, Boulevard Auguste-Blanqui, the École Estienne stands as a beacon of graphic arts and printing. Meanwhile, the St. Anne’s Church of the Butte aux Cailles, situated at 188 Rue de Tolbiac, and the Antoinist Temple, a magnificent edifice erected in 1913 at the corner of Vergniaud and Wurtz, add spiritual dimensions to the locale. Theatre The Five Diamonds, taking its name from a former jeweler’s sign, enriches the cultural landscape along the streets of Five Diamonds.

Adding to its artistic flair, one can find graffiti by Miss. Tic, a renowned visual artist, adorning café fronts, contributing to the area’s vibrant street art scene. Moreover, the Place Verlaine witnessed a monumental event on November 21, 1783, the first human flight in a balloon by the Marquis of Arlandes and Pilâtre Rozier, marking it as a site of historical significance. Despite its evolution, the Butte aux Cailles has retained its unique character, offering a blend of history, culture, and artistry, making it a must-visit for those wishing to discover the lesser-known facets of Paris.

Transfer shuttle taxi to the Butte aux Cailles in Paris

If you require luxury car services with a private driver, our team will be delighted to arrange our premium luxury shuttle service for your journey from the airport to the Butte aux Cailles. The Butte aux Cailles is conveniently situated 13.6 kilometers from Orly Airport, 32.9 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 100 km from Beauvais Airport.