Pantin: A Trendy Suburb of Paris

Located just northeast of Paris, Pantin borders the 19th arrondissement and is easily accessible by Métro or RER (the regional train system). Thanks to the recently expanded RER E, it’s now quicker than ever to get from Paris proper to Pantin. This is good news for locals and tourists alike, as Pantin has much to offer in the way of  fashionable spots, green spaces, and artsy hangouts. 

A brief history of Pantin 

Once an industrial area, Pantin has been transformed into the “Brooklyn of Paris,” with multiple parks, bike and walking trails, and artists’ studios. To keep the spirit and history of Pantin alive, the town has revamped the old industrial buildings, converting them into affordable lofts, studios, and office spaces. 

Historically a working-class neighborhood, Pantin has long been home to immigrants and artists, though its rise in popularity also means a rise in rent. However, it remains more affordable than Paris, and in recent years, the town has worked hard to create safer community spaces, family-friendly attractions, and modernized buildings. 

Today, Pantin is known for its street art, creative communities, and even the ateliers of some luxury brands. The chic town offers an escape from Paris while still remaining connected, and it’s the perfect spot to catch a breath of fresh air or explore art exhibits without venturing too far from the capital. 

Luxury brands located in Pantin 

While several major French companies have moved their centers of operations to Pantin, luxury brands have been making Pantin their own for decades. But perhaps this isn’t so surprising: the former industrial buildings of Pantin provide more space and cheaper rent than similar spaces in Paris.

Chanel has had a history of moving out of Paris, having set up their 19M gallery on the cusp of the 19th arrondissement, near Aubervilliers. One of their global Research and Innovation Centers, where scientists, researchers, and artisans craft the next lines of Chanel’s skincare and beauty products, is located in Pantin. 

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Since 1992, Hermès has also largely moved out of Paris and into Pantin. Starting with leather workshops, they quickly ran out of space and bought up more land to include creative workshops, showrooms, and offices. In 2014, this area, named the Cité des métiers d’Hermès, was awarded the Silver T-square Prize. Since 2010, the Fondation d’entreprise Hermès has hosted an artist residency program at several sites, including Pantin, where selected artists have the opportunity to work alongside manufacturers.  

With these and other luxury brands moving their offices and ateliers outside of Paris, Pantin has the potential to become the headquarters of other couture brands in the future. 

Artistic spots 

Pantin supports its large population of street artists, whose colorful works are scattered across the town. Although wandering around to find different street art is one way to appreciate it, one particular spot gives an unobstructed view of these works: the Centre national de la danse. Besides putting on contemporary dance performances, the Centre has a restaurant on the top floor, which provides a perfect view of the street art below.  

For those looking to appreciate indoor art exhibitions, the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Pantin is worth checking out. Once a 19th-century boiler works, this contemporary art gallery is ideal for those who want to visit an art gallery without the Paris crowds. 

And for the musically inclined, the Philharmonie de  Paris – Cité de la musique doesn’t disappoint. Located within Parc de la Villette, Cité de la musique is comprised of outdoor and indoor venues dedicated to music, along with a music and dance conservatory for students. At the Philharmonie, their four concert halls and museum exhibition showcasing instruments from the end of the 16th century to today are sure to delight. Currently, the temporary exhibition “Video Games and Music” is running until November 1, 2026. Special areas for children, called the “Philharmonie des enfants,” allow them to explore music and sound in fun and interactive ways. As summer approaches, outdoor concerts and music festivals will abound in La Villette. 

Fun for the whole family 

Connecting to the 19th arrondissement and split by the Canal de l’Ourcq, the iconic Parc de la Villette offers endless outdoor activities, concerts and music venues, and exhibitions, as well as makes it easy to reach places like the Cité de la musique. Catch a movie or participate in a virtual reality journey in the reflective Géode, the one-of-a-kind cinema. 

The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie is also accessible from La Villette and is a hotspot for families interested in subjects like space, animals, the climate, gardening, robots, math, and more. Dedicated spaces for babies and children ages 0-10 allow them to invent, learn, and play in five immersive worlds. 

For the athletes among us, Pantin is easily accessible by bike, thanks to the trail along the Canal de l’Ourcq. It’s straightforward to ride from the start of the canal in the 19th arrondissement to La Villette or the heart of Pantin, for those who prefer a more leisurely, scenic route than the train. But the bike trail continues beyond Pantin: I’ve ridden the 15 or so kilometers from Pantin to the quiet, lush Parc Forestier de la Poudrerie. The bike path along the water is safe and easy, making you feel as if you’ve entered a world far from the Parisian hustle and bustle. Whether you’re a local or tourist, various bike and walking trails make it simple and inexpensive to explore Paris’s surrounding regions. 

The “new Brooklyn” 

As Pantin has flourished as a trendy, working-class town, more Parisians and immigrants have escaped the crowded and expensive city to settle in the artsy suburb. Attracting creatives and corporations alike, and providing safe, easily accessible shopping centers, museums, and green spaces, Pantin has a bright future ahead.