London’s Chinatown attracts hordes of visitors who are keen to try out the various restaurants and snap photographs of the red and gold decorations, lanterns and impressive arches.
There are others around the country that are almost as popular – including Liverpool and Manchester.
But, none of them are as large in size and population, as the Chinatown in Paris.
Despite it being the biggest in Europe, Paris’ Chinatown, tucked away in the French capital’s 13th arrondissement, is often overlooked by visitors.
It’s home to 50,000 permanent residents and stretches across 1.7 square kilometres, covering Avenue de Choisy, Avenue d’Ivry and Boulevard Masséna.
The lesser-known location isn’t like other Chinatowns and lacks the iconic red gates and lantern-adorned streets.
It’s much more of a working neighbourhood and is tailored to the needs of its residents rather than tourists.
In comparison, London and Liverpool’s Chinatowns have around 1,000 residents each and are fractions of a square kilometre.
Tucked away in the French capital’s 13th arrondissement, Paris’ Chinatown is often overlooked by visitors
It’s home to 50,000 permanent residents and stretches across 1.7 square kilometres, covering Avenue de Choisy, Avenue d’Ivry and Boulevard Masséna
Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian communities moved to the area in the mid-29th century and it has since been crafted into a hub of local restaurants, supermarkets and temples.
Paris’ Chinatown is home to Temple de l’Amicale des Teochew en Francea – a functioning Chinese Buddhist temple run by the Teochew community.
There are also cultural centres that cater to the residents too.
Everything in Paris’ Chinatown is made with the residents in mind instead of visitors and as a result, the prices are much cheaper than the likes of London and Liverpool’s hubs.
Huge Asian supermarket Tang Frères is brimming with fresh herbs, vegetables, noodles, sauces and snacks that aren’t typically on the shelves of French stores.
As for dining out, Ngọc Xuyên Saigon is a popular spot for phở.
It comes as online travel agency First Choice reports a growing demand for trips that feel more authentic and less tourist-centred.
Kevin Nelson, managing director at First Choice said ‘We’re seeing more and more customers opt for authenticity over cookie cutter trips.
Huge Asian supermarket Tang Frères is brimming with fresh herbs, vegetables, noodles, sauces and snacks that aren’t typically on the shelves of French stores
‘It’s a trend we’ve seen for a few years in the likes of destination dupes.
‘But there’s still a big market for tourists who want to see traditional hotspots but through the eyes of a local.’
For this reason, Kevin recommends skipping some of the more obvious spots in Paris on your next holiday there.
Head to the city’s surprising neighbourhood in Chinatown instead.
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Inside the biggest Chinatown in Europe – which most tourists miss
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