Chinatowns in Europe

Paris Chinatown, France: spoiled for choice

A man riding his bicycle past shops at the Chinese quarter in the 13th district of Paris, the largest Chinatown in Europe. For visitors adventurous enough to wander off well-worn tourist tracks, and who relish the possibility of redefining the unforgettable Parisian meal, the Quartier Chinois' vibrancy awaits discovery, with something for all five senses. [Photo/icpress.cn]

Located in the southern part of the city center's 13th arrondissement, the Quartier Chinois (Chinese Quarter) is known as Europe's largest Chinatown. Furthermore, the City of Light also has another smaller and more recently established in the Belleville area to the north, as well as others dotted around the city, so visitors are spoiled for choice.

Birth of Paris Chinatown 13 arrondissement

People flock into the Chinatown before the New Year celebration parade, Feb 9, 2014. [Photo/icpress.cn]

Paris Chinatown 13 arrondissement was born in the 1970s and 80s. When the migrants arrived in Paris, 13 arrondissement was a Chinatown waiting to be born. The high rise buildings constructed by the Gaullist government’s urban development program were shunned by Parisians. To the migrants, it meant cheap rent and an empty social space waiting to be shaped so they settled there.

The most famous shop in Paris Chinatown 13 arrondissement is "Tang Freres" owned by brothers from a Laos Chinese family. Tang Freres is not just a Chinese shopping place but a major institution in this Chinatown attracting the other French population and tourists.

Because of the way Paris Chinatown 13 arrondissement was developed, you cannot find any distinctively Chinese styled buildings. It does not mean that the traditional Chinese institutions (clan associations, temples, martial arts schools, Chinese schools…) are absent; they are just hidden beneath the physical façade.

The Chinatown is visibly at its most “Chinese” during the Chinese New Year. Being the major event celebrated, the streets are decorated with banners and New Year goods are displayed outside almost every shop. There are Lion dance performances, lighting of fire crackers and many performances to usher in the New Year. There is even a big Chinese new year parade put together by the residents and business owners attracting both the locals and tourists.

(Source: chinatownology.com)

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