shutterstock-1426919675

This 12th arrondissement neighborhood ranked among the coolest in the world!

undefined undefined 21 septembre 2026 undefined 12h00

The Editor

© Joao Paulo V Tinoco / Shutterstock

A new ranking featuring the world's 40 coolest neighborhoods dropped this week, and we were thrilled to learn that an area of the capital made the cut. This spot, which is clearly on its way to becoming the place to be (if it isn't already), is located… right in the heart of the 12th district!

No more suspense, the coolest neighborhood in Paris is none other than Aligre! And it has to be said that with its market, its bucolic charm, its abundance of restaurants and its super interesting past as a craftsman's village, it has plenty to win hearts. This neighborhood located just a stone's throw from Place de la Bastille represents the best of the capital: an accessible place, a neighborhood feel, welcoming local shops, far removed from the sometimes slightly intimidating atmosphere of museums and grand monuments of the City of Light.


A slight slip for the capital

For 9 years now, our colleagues at Time Out have been proposing an annual ranking of the most stylish neighborhoods on the planet. And if last year, the capital

He had shone with an exceptional comeback, rising to 7th place in the rankings thanks to the Ménilmontant neighborhood, but this year, unfortunately, it's a different story. Because while we're thrilled to know there's at least one cool neighborhood in Paris, it can only be found at… 30th place. And out of 40, well, that's not exactly amazing either. A spot even lower than two years ago, when Belleville Street climbed to 20th place. But we're staying positive, and we console ourselves by remembering that the capital is still the only French city in the top rankings, and that's already better than nothing!


The world is cool

And this year, it's Aligre that stands out. The former headquarters of the capital's cabinetmakers and carpenters is now distinguished by its village atmosphere, its cultural diversity, and its covered market open six days a week since 1779! At any time of day, any day of the week, generations mingle on the eponymous square, whether it's to enjoy oysters at Baron Rouge, taste a delicious Lebanese-Breton galette at Goéland d'Aligre, or to pick up fresh products at the market.

But if this ranking reveals one thing to us, it's that coolness can be found in every corner of the world, and it's up to you to travel the planet to make the most of it. Leading the way is Jongno 3-ga in Seoul. It's followed by Rabat's Ocean District, Neos Kosmos in Athens, Los Angeles's Chinatown, and finally Govanhill in Glasgow. And we're leaving you with the complete selection right here, to help you choose your next travel destination!