Port de Clignancourt
Starting at this stop, it is very important to note the small presence of tourist in this area. The area seems to be filled with fewer shops and “nice” restaurants, but with more of a suburban feel to it. There is also a significant presence of a middle eastern area here, especially with the type of restaurants in the area. Noticing the more diverse ethnicity in the area and lack of tourism, the economic status of the area seems to be poorer compared to other parts of Paris based on the quality of stores, the number of people sleeping on streets, and the lack of attractions in this area. The people around the streets also seem to not be speaking French but a middle eastern or Asian language.
- Hidden gem: One important stop to check out is the Notre Dame De Clignancourt church. It is a smaller church compared to other churches but built in the 1800s and finished in the late 1900s, it has magnificent ceilings and stain glass.
Chateau Rouge
Following a little more south of Port de Clignancourt, the shift of ethnicity and race here is noticeable. In this area, it seems to increase in tourism, but this area is very ethnic. There is a prominent community of African and/or black people in the area. The economic status of the area seems to be low based on the number of people sleeping on the street and asking for food. Going down some of the alleys of this area, there was a lot of beauty supply stores for people of color, something that is harder to find on the other side of the line.
Barbès-Rochechourat
The vendors and owners of gift shops in this area are ethnic, probably from middle eastern and African countries, yet this area is filled with a large amount of tourist. This is mainly because of the Sacre-Coeur church on Montmartre. Montmartre is known to be a “party” area by having brothels and sex shops. This area is also very known for pickpocketing because there is a lot of tourists who are unaware of their surroundings. The history, however, is very rich.
- important gem: The Sacre-Coeur church is an important statement of French history especially in competing against the Eiffel Tour. It was a loud statement against the leftist in Paris. This landmark highlights the changing structure of what controls France, religion or secularism.
Gare du Nord
This station is a drastic change from the more northern stations especially with the change in tourism. Although a metro stop, it is also a train station. This train station goes to Northern France and also Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The people in and out of this area seemed to come from all over Europe. There was a large number of people carrying suitcases, in regular clothes and seemed like residents or tourist with maps in their hands. This area is booming with restaurants and stores in this area.
- the young generation: While at the Gare du Nord area, I was able to meet a girl who worked for a volunteer organization. She explained to me that growing up in Paris, she felt as though she needed to be involved in giving back to her community. The CARE organizations give back to countries in poverty and also help with empowering woman across the world. The girl I met explained to me that she was extremely amazed that in the united states, we pay for school and health care. She explained that in Paris she does not have to pay for her education, and she does not understand how a country can force its people to pay to become educated. This was something she seemed passionate about and also, I feel as though she embodies the passion. And characteristic of the young generation in Paris.
Châtelet
A very important and booming metro spot, this stop sits at the heart of Paris. This stop was named after the Place du Chatelet. It connects to multiple metro lines and RERs. Since it is the heart of Paris, it is very touristy. This district also tends to be a younger demographic, with people in. the ages of 30 and younger. This is due to all the universities being near-by. The Châtelet is on the right side of the Seine river and it is near the Latin Quarter. The demographics in this area seemed to be filled with young-adults and tourist. The restaurants and bars seem to be a little cheaper yet more lively. A. very popular attraction here is the Centre Pompidou museum, which is a museum of modern heart
- fun fact: This museum has a library, book store, and cinema. This allows students and residents to be in the area most of the time. Most people will sit outside of the museum and gather around, listen to music, and just enjoy each other’s company. Also, in this area, there are a lot of vintage stores where you can find very retro and interesting finds. I believe its stores like these that bring the younger generation to this area.