Paris, the City of Light, can be a bit dark on cold winter days...but there is one area of the city that never lacks color and positive energy: the Indian quarter or also called "Little India" of Paris.
If you are an India lover, you can't miss this visit, shall we have a Masala Chai in the city of Love?
Little India in Paris
In Paris there are a large number of Indian neighbors scattered throughout the different neighborhoods of the city, but most of them are concentrated in the Indian quarter or "Little India" in the rue de Faubourg-Saint-Denis. In addition to this neighborhood that looks like something out of a Bollywood movie, there are also some shopping arcades that are a small bazaar of India. I will share with you everything about both places so you do not miss any detail:
Little India - Brady Passage
This is one of the few remaining covered galleries in Paris. It was inaugurated in 1828 and bears the name of the builder who financed it.
Today, one section of the passage is still glazed but the second section is uncovered and to access it you must cross the street "Boulevard de Strasbourg". It used to be a boulevard of second-hand clothes, books and antiques stores. Gradually the Parisians lost interest in this shopping area and it was not until 1970 that the galleries were revived with the arrival of Indian and Pakistani traders who chose the place because the rents were more affordable than in other areas of the French capital. A charming place full of restaurants with tables outside, Ayurvedic cosmetic stores and a supermarket where you can find all kinds of ingredients and souvenirs from India and its neighboring countries..
A quiet place to have dinner or a masala chai (spiced tea with milk) and although far away, it will bring you closer to the streets of India.
How to get there?
The nearest metro stop is "Château d'Eau" on line 4.
Little India - La rue du Fabourg-Saint-Denis
Located between the metro station "La Chapelle" and the train station "Gare du Nord", is a wide street lined with Indian stores and restaurants. In this neighborhood there is a large community of residents coming from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and some other neighboring countries.
Once you get into the main street, you can feel the essence of India at 100%. There are supermarkets where you will find all the necessary supplies to prepare typical Indian dishes, from a wide selection of spices, to a multitude of types of dhal (lentils), chadna (chickpeas), fresh vegetables, a variety of chutneys and shelves full of exotic oils such as coconut, sesame or mustard. You can also find natural cosmetics, henna and a thousand ointments that will take you a whole afternoon to discover.
All along the avenue you will find restaurants specialized in different types of cuisine, you can travel all over the Indian geography through food without leaving "Little India" in Paris. There are several stores of homemade sweets that will be your downfall, do not leave this neighborhood without tasting some Jalebi with an Indian tea. These stores also have freshly roasted spiced nuts that are a perfect snack for the afternoon stroll.
In addition to the gastronomic pleasures, in the Indian quarter there is no lack of color and golden glamour thanks to the sarees and accessories shop windows. You can find typical clothing stores, wedding clothing boutiques, fabric stores, jewelry stores and bookstores. Nor can you miss the flower stores and large sculptures of God Ganesha, Vishnu and his multitude of Gods..
How to get there?
The nearest metro stop is "La Chapelle" on line 2.
Map of Indian neighborhoods in Paris
I share the link to the website of the Embassy of India in Paris in case you want to more information about the Indian community and events in that city.
I hope you find this article on "Little India" in Paris and enjoy this experience in the heart of the French capital.
Namaste :)
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