LU111 Paris by Arrondissement - the 20th

Tuesday, June 11
                             
Today the 20th arrondissement is not known for luxury, but in the pre-industrial period, it was a haven of greenery, crisscrossed with streams, and dotted with country houses and even castles.  There were taverns too, called guinguettes or courtilles, since it was outside Paris walls.  But in the 19th century it became largely an industrial area with many workshops.  Annexed to Paris in the 1860's, Haussman disfigured the once idyllic suburb when he cut through many roads.  Largely a working class area, it was a stronghold of the Communist party and the scene of tremendous fighting during the Commune in 1871.  Our walk will take us from the lovely area called the "country in Paris" past the remains of a chateau to the villages of St-Blaise and Charonne.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. 

Those who wish may join the instructor after the tour for lunch.

Instructor: Lee Hubert, B.A. Boston University, French and English, is a longtime resident of Paris.