Little India, in the 10th arrondissement

subways :

• Gare du Nord lines 4 and 5

• La Chapelle line 2

Mainly located on Faubourg Saint Denis avenue, between two subways : La Chapelle and Gare du Nord. Also, the neighborhood overflows on the small neighboring streets.

If you want to discover Paris in another way and in all its forms : Little India is for you the best place ! This Neighborhood is also called Little Jafna. You can find this masterpiece in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. This Indian and Sri Lankan neighborhood is a true hidden treasure of the city, offering a unique cultural experience that is sure to amaze you.

The story of Little India

Little Jaffna comes from the name of the city and the region in the north of the island of Sri Lanka where the traders originated. However, locals call it the Tamil Quarter. Indeed, because the Tamils ​​of Sri Lanka are of the same culture as the Tamils ​​of South India, this is why the district was called Little India. Tamil businesses are located there. However, Tamil families live mainly in the suburbs (North).

What do we find there?

Most restaurants offer vegetarian cuisine, which is an integral part of Indian culture. Many, by their religious practices, it is forbidden to consume any product from an animal, as far as Hindus are concerned. For Sikhs, milk, butter and cheese are allowed.

The restaurants offer a variety of tasty dishes, from spicy curries to delicious biryanis. If you are looking for a place to enjoy authentic dishes, we recommend the Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant, which is very popular with locals.

Traders sell saris, henna, plastic Buddhas, jewelry, exotic fruits and vegetables, flower necklaces and of course spices. Grocery stores also sell Indian cooking ingredients that are hard to find elsewhere.

Not far from Little India, every year in late August early September (at the full moon), a great parade of floats takes place, organized by the Hindu temple of Ganesha in Paris. The neighborhood is cordoned off, and thousands of people are walking around. Many Tamils ​​come to receive the blessing of the deities parading in the floats. It is the only marked festival, it celebrates the God Ganesh (one of the most revered Gods in Hindu mythology). Indeed, during other Indian festivals, merchants “only” offer discounts on these occasions.

Brady Passage

A little further south, between the Château d’Eau and Strasbourg Saint-Denis metro stations, in the heart of a cosmopolitan and popular district, and another little piece of India in Paris. However, it is more of a Pakistani place than an Indian one, hence its nickname Little Islamabad.

In summary, Little India in the 10th arrondissement of Paris is an ideal place for those looking to experience Indian culture. With its restaurants, shops and grocery stores, this small community offers a unique and memorable experience. So, if you are looking for a place to spend a peaceful and colorful day, Little India is the place for you.