Explore the Quartier de la Réunion in Paris

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments

One of my favorite ways to uncover the hidden gems of Paris’s neighborhoods is through the Greeters network. This wonderful initiative connects visitors with enthusiastic locals, often retired or semi-retired, who generously share their love and knowledge of their own corner of the city. Unlike the more structured guided tours, a Greeter walk is more akin to a personal introduction to an area, peppered with local insights and charming historical anecdotes. On this trip, I’ve already enjoyed two such enlightening experiences and found myself torn between them when deciding which to share. Ultimately, the winner was my exploration of the “Quartier de la Réunion” with the always engaging guide Josselyn in the 20th arrondissement.

Meeting Josselyn at the Avron métro exit, we soon found ourselves wandering through the remnants of an old grape-growing district. Several charming dead-end streets, or “impasses,” revealed their origins as the original rows of vines branching off the Rue des Vignoles (it seems a “b” mysteriously disappeared along the way!). Today, these quiet lanes are lined with beautifully tended gardens (“quartier de la Réunion – 4”), lovingly maintained and adorned by the residents (“quartier de la Réunion – 9”). In one such impasse, we had a delightful encounter with a friendly cat (“quartier de la Réunion – 7”) who graciously escorted us down the street and back again.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing discoveries was an unusual shop (“quartier de la Réunion – 10”) brimming with vintage French signs, store mannequins, and other curiosities, all meticulously arranged in every nook and cranny by its owner, Gary. Outside, a sign displaying old school rules (“quartier de la Réunion – 11”) caught my eye, prompting an older resident to approach me and emphatically assure me that these rules were not only strictly adhered to but that any transgression was met with severe consequences.

Our walk culminated in a visit to the stunning Église Saint-Jean-Bosco, which exudes a strong Art Deco sensibility (“quartier de la Réunion – 13”). This was followed by another serendipitous moment: stumbling upon an art exhibition showcasing pieces that beautifully echoed the inner emotions of individuals (“quartier de la Réunion – 14”). Afterwards, I enjoyed a wonderfully affordable lunch at the tree-lined Place de la Réunion.

I encourage you to try a Greeter walk in a Parisian neighborhood you’ve never considered before – I’m confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised!