Quartier de la Follie Merricourt

11th Arrondissment

Located in the 11th arrondissement, the Folie-Méricourt district is the 41st administrative district of Paris. It is bordered to the south by Rue Oberkampf. To the north, it is bounded by Rue du Faubourg du Temple. Boulevard de Belleville marks its eastern border. To the west, Boulevard du Temple separates it from the Enfants-Rouges neighbourhood.

• Théâtre de Belleville: this theatre replaced the Théâtre du Tambour Royal, one of the oldest in the capital. Open since 2011, it can accommodate up to 96 spectators.
• Saint-Joseph-des-Nations Church: This building was built between 1867 and 1874 according to the plans of architect Théodore Ballu. It was nevertheless sacked in 1899 by anarchists during the Fort Chabrol riot. Its style is inspired by the Romanesque art of the 12th century. Its main nave is framed by two side aisles.

Local landmarks

• Cirque d’hiver Bouglione: also known as the “Cirque d’hiver de Paris”, this 1,800-seat performance hall was built in 1852, but was not purchased by the Bouglione family until 1934. Equestrian shows, concerts, film and television shoots, the venue has known several lives over the decades.

Parks

• Square Jules-Verne: considered as the green lung of the district, this park offers several play structures for children from 1 to 10 years old, as well as a relaxation area and a baby relay. You can admire its rows of pear and ash trees during bucolic walks.
• Square Jules-Ferry: this green space opens the ball for walkers wishing to stroll along the Saint-Martin canal. It is home to a statue of the painter and sculptor Jean-Bernard Descomps. A long alley of cytises, varnish trees and Japanese sophoras will give visitors a foretaste of what they will be able to contemplate afterwards.