This area has become the haunt of artists and others seeking cheaper places to work and live within the city. Abandoned factories have been transformed into art squats, where many alternative artists and musicians have set up their studios.

Belleville was originally a village outside the boundaries of the city, but as Paris grew in the mid-nineenth century, the village was subsumed into the captial. In 1871, the residents of the new suburb proved to be amongst the strongest supporters of the Paris commune.

As an area attractive to immigrants during the twentieth century, the modern Belleville is a thriving multi-ethnic neighbourhood.

According to popular legend, Edith Piaf was born under a lamppost on the steps of the Rue De Belleville; certainly, it was in this neighbourhood where she grew up - a plaque celebrating the early life of one of France's best-known singers can be found at number 72. Piaf's singing and speaking voice was accent de Belleville. This accent, roughly akin to London's cockney, is something of a rarity in the modern city.

Content last updated: 26/04/2007