Arrondiessement 20

District 20 is the second most populated district with 197,067 residents according to the 2009 census.  Of this population 74.7% of them were born in Paris and 16.3% are non-European immigrants.  Being on the upper left corner of Paris makes it one of the less touristy districts but it has one large gem right in the heart of it, the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.  If you are staying in district 20 your options for two star hotels are a bit limited but you can stay at the ibis hotel for only €35 a night for a double room.  You can find this hotel on the outskirts of this district, which admittedly might be a little bit dangerous so I don’t recommend it, but it’s located at 2, Avenue Leon Gaumont.  And for your grocery needs I would head towards the center of the district to the closest Dia.

Eggs: € 2,53

Milk: €1,42

Steak: € 13,65

Tourist Attractions:

The main (and possibly only) tourist attraction in this district would be the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.  Resting place of Jim Morrison (of The Doors), the famous writer Oscar Wilde and a lot of other famous dead people; this cemetery is one of the wonders of Paris in my opinion.  There are few gravestones in this cemetery, mostly just large mausoleums.  In a way it seems like the place where the dead go to compete for the biggest memorial.  If you have the time I would spend at least a few hours in it because it is so incredibly peaceful and beautiful.  It’s also on a hill so wear good shoes when you go.

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

Fontaine Gambetta is a fountain in the center of a central round about in district 20.  If you are coming off of the Gambetta metro station it will practically hit you in the face when you come up from underground.  It’s probably one of the most unique fountains I have seen so far because it doesn’t quite fit in with the Napoleonic architecture that seems to dress the city that we love. 

Today’s Business Shout Out!

This shout out is for the Fanprix!  It’s a grocery store that you can find on practically every corner of district 20.  Seriously, I think I saw one on nearly every street but it’s a nice reliable store to shop at and they have quite the selection compared to some of their competitors.

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

I would have to say that the most interesting thing I found was Oscar Wilde’s grave.  I heard that you are supposed to kiss his grave but there is a glass case protecting it and a sign that says not to defile. However, you can see the kisses where people have stood on top of the grave next to it to kiss the actual stone.  I just kissed the glass.  I also found Jim Morrison’s grave and he gets a lot of tourists heading his direction but he kind of has an unfortunate plot space because he is partially hidden behind a large mausoleum.  Still, He probably had the most flowers left on his place of rest. 

Oscar Wilde's Grave

Jim Morrison's Grave

District 20 rest in Peace.  Au revoir!