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The Best Paris Street Art Scene: Discover the Most Beautiful Murals and Graffiti

I am an English Literature student from Ankara, Turkey. I enjoy travelling and experiencing what the world has to offer.

The City of Lights is famous not only for its beautiful landmarks, rich history, and an amazing night life, but also for its beautiful, astonishing street art scene. The Paris street art reflects the unique character and the diverse culture of the city, with a wide range of art styles utilized by the world famous street artists. In this ultimate guide to Paris street art, we will explore the best places to find and admire the works of street artists, the different styles and techniques they use, and the impact it had on Paris society.

Paris has become a hub for street art due to its rich artistic heritage, diverse culture, and the city’s openness to artistic expression. The city has a long history of supporting the arts, with museums and galleries showcasing the works of famous artists throughout the years. Paris is also a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world living and working in the city, bringing their unique perspectives and styles to the street art scene.

1. Styles and Techniques of Paris Street Art

Graffiti

Paris Graffiti Art

Graffiti is perhaps the most iconic and popular style of street art, and Paris is no exception from this popularity. From colorful tags to sprawling murals, graffiti can be found throughout the city, especially near Rue Oberkampf

Stenciling

Stencils in Paris Streets

Stenciling is a popular technique among Paris street artists, allowing for intricate and detailed designs. Look out for stenciled pieces featuring everything from political statements to pop culture icons. It is achieved by carving holes on a cardboard or metal piece, and spraying paint through the piece.

Wheatpasting

Wheatpaste Art in Paris Streets

Wheatpasting involves adhering printed designs to walls and surfaces using a wheat-based paste. This technique is popular among Paris street artists. The most well known artist that used this technique is Julien de Casabianca

Murals

Paris Murals
D*Face – Place Pinel 13è – Avril 2017

Murals are large-scale paintings that are often created using brushes, rollers, and spray paint. You can find murals throughout Paris, particularly in the areas mentioned above. Some of the most famous murals are Il faut se méfier des mots, Fresco by Jérôme Mesnager and Mural of Serge Gainsbourg

3D Street Art

3d Graffiti in Paris

3D street art is a relatively new form of street art that creates an optical illusion of depth on a flat surface. It is less common in Paris, but you can still find some impressive examples throughout the city.

2. The Best Places to Find Paris Street Art

Rue Oberkampf
Located in the 11th arrondissement, Rue Oberkampf is a must-visit destination for street art enthusiasts. This bustling street is home to a variety of colorful murals and graffiti pieces, featuring everything from political statements to whimsical characters and also features works of some of the city’s most famous street artists, including Seth Globepainter Jef Aerosol, Noe Two and Kashink

Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is a picturesque neighborhood in the 10th arrondissement, and it is also home to some impressive street art. From colorful murals to stencil art, you can find a variety of styles here.

Belleville
Belleville is a multicultural neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement that has a long history of street art. Here you can find murals and graffiti by both local and international artists.

Rue Denoyez
Rue Denoyez is a tiny alley in the 20th arrondissement that is known for its vibrant street art scene. It is filled with colorful murals, graffiti tags, and stencils.

Montmartre
Montmartre is a historic neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement that is famous for its picturesque streets and stunning views. It is also home to some impressive street art, particularly around the Rue d’Orsel and Rue Poulbot. Also, you can check out more information about Montmartre with our latest blog!

3. Famous Paris Street Artists

Paris has been home to many famous street artists over the years. Here are some of the most notable:
Invader: Invader is a French artist who is known for his pixelated mosaic tile designs that he places on walls throughout the world. He has installed more than 3,000 pieces in Paris alone.

Seth

Street art by Seth in Paris

Photo Credit: @Seth

Paris-based street artist Seth is well-known for his vibrant murals that bring the city’s walls to life with color and energy. His work frequently includes stylized and expressive figures, with a focus on children, animals, and environment. Seth’s ability to combine styles such as graffiti, street art, and fine art into his own signature aesthetic is what sets his work apart.

His murals have been featured in exhibitions and installations at galleries and museums across the world, and can be found in neighborhoods all around Paris, from the Marais to Montmartre. Seth has established himself as one of the most interesting and innovative street painters of our time with his contributions to the urban art movement.

C215

 

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C215 (@christianguemy)’in paylaştığı bir gönderi

C215, also known as Christian Guémy, is a well-known Parisian street artist known for his intricate and detailed stencil work that adorns the city’s walls. Portraits of famous people, such as artists, musicians, and political figures, as well as everyday people, often in vulnerable or marginalized positions, appear frequently in his work.

C215’s work is distinguished by his mastery of the stencil technique, which he employs to create images that are both realistic and impactful by employing multiple layers and vibrant colors. His work can be found all over Paris, from Belleville to the 5th arrondissement, and has earned him international acclaim, with exhibitions and installations in galleries and museums all over the world. C215’s contributions to the urban art scene have established him as one of the generation’s most talented and influential street artists.

Miss.Tic

Street Art by MissTic in Paris

Photo Credit: @MissTic

Miss Tic is a well-known Parisian street artist known for her distinct and recognizable stencil art that adorns the city’s streets. Her work frequently features strong female characters and bold, provocative statements that question societal norms and expectations.

Miss Tic’s style is distinguished by a fusion of poetry and street art, resulting in a distinct aesthetic that has earned her a devoted following. Her work can be found all over the city, from building walls to metro stations and even billboards. Miss Tic’s contributions to the urban art scene have cemented her place as one of Paris’ most prominent street artists.

Jef Aerosol

Jef Aerosol's Street Art

Photo Credit: @JefAerosol

Jef Aerosol is a famous stencil artist who lives and works in Paris. His stencils are instantly recognizable and encapsulate the essence of the city. Portraits of well-known singers, actresses, and artists, as well as regular folks, frequently appear in his work. Jef Aerosol’s work is instantly recognizable by the stark, often monochromatic visuals he employs.

His murals may be found all throughout Paris, from the walls of Le Marais to the streets of Montmartre, and he has shown and installed his work in museums and galleries all over the world. Because of his significant impact in the field of urban art, Jef Aerosol is now recognized as a legendary figure.

4. The Impact of Paris Street Art on Culture and Society

Impact of graffitis in Paris

The Evolution of Street Art in Paris

Paris street art has a long and rich history, dating back to the 1960s when artists such as Gérard Zlotykamien and Ernest Pignon-Ernest started to use the city’s walls as their canvas. In the 1980s, the rise of hip-hop culture and graffiti art brought a new wave of street artists to Paris, including the famous artist Blek le Rat. Since then, the Paris street art scene has continued to evolve, with artists from all over the world adding their unique style to the city’s walls.

How Parisians View Street Art

Most Parisians are proud of the world famous street art of their city. The French law is indulgent towards the street artists, so many people do not think that they are counted as vandalism, as they possess an artistic vision, and therefore art value.

The Role of Street Art in Contemporary Art

Paris street walls with Art

The role of street art in contemporary art in Paris is significant. In recent years, street art has become increasingly recognized as a legitimate art form, and Parisian street artists have gained international recognition for their work. Many Parisian street artists have transitioned from the streets to galleries, and their work is now shown in museums and art institutions around the world. Street art has also influenced contemporary art in Paris and has sparked new trends and styles.

Some contemporary artists in Paris have been inspired by street art and incorporate its elements and techniques into their work. Street art has challenged traditional notions of what art is and who can create it, and has provided a platform for marginalized artists to showcase their work.

Street art has also contributed to the democratization of art in Paris. It has made art more accessible to the public, and has encouraged greater participation and engagement with the arts. Parisian street art has helped to break down the barriers between art and society, and has encouraged a more inclusive and diverse artistic community.

5. Street Art Tours and Festivals in Paris

Paris Streets Graffiti

If you’re looking to get a more in-depth look at Paris’s street art scene, there are several guided tours, street art festivals and galleries available that will give you the opportunity to see some of the best street art locations in the city. Here are a few of the best:

Guided Tours Of Paris Street Art

  • Street Art Paris: This is one of the most popular street art tours in Paris. Led by an experienced guide, the tour takes you to some of the most interesting and vibrant street art locations in the city, including the Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville, and Montmartre. The guides are knowledgeable about the history and techniques of street art, and can provide insights into the works of some of Paris’s most famous street artists. The tours typically last around two to three hours and are available in both English and French.
  • Underground Paris: This tour is focused on the street art and graffiti that can be found in the city’s underground metro system. Led by an experienced street artist, the tour takes you on a journey through the metro stations and tunnels, where you can see some of the most impressive and daring works of Paris’s street artists. The tour lasts around two hours and is available in both English and French.
  • Paris Urban Adventures: This tour takes you to some of the more off-the-beaten-path street art locations in the city, including the 13th arrondissement, which is known for its large-scale murals. The guides are passionate about street art and can provide insights into the techniques and styles used by Paris’s street artists. The tour lasts around three hours and is available in both English and French.
  • Fat Tire Tours: This tour company offers a range of tours focused on different aspects of Paris, including a street art tour. Led by a local artist, the tour takes you to some of the most interesting and vibrant street art locations in the city, including the Rue Denoyez and the Canal Saint-Martin. The guides are knowledgeable about the history and techniques of street art, and can provide insights into the works of some of Paris’s most famous street artists. The tour lasts around three hours and is available in both English and French.
  • Underground Paris by night: This tour is similar to the Underground Paris tour, but it takes place at night when the metro system is less crowded and the street art is lit up in a different way. Led by an experienced street artist, the tour takes you on a journey through the metro stations and tunnels, where you can see some of the most impressive and daring works of Paris street artists. The tour lasts around two hours and is available in both English and French.

Paris Street Art Festivals

Le M.U.R. Street Art Festival

  • Festival: This festival takes place every summer in Paris and celebrates the diversity of the city’s street art scene. It features a range of activities, including street art tours, live graffiti demonstrations, and exhibitions of urban art.
  • Street Art Fest: This is a yearly festival held in the town of Evry, just outside Paris. The festival features a wide range of street art events, including live painting sessions, exhibitions, and workshops. The festival aims to promote street art as a legitimate form of contemporary art and to give artists a platform to showcase their work. It features over 50 international artists who come together to create murals and other pieces of street art in different locations around the city.
  • Art Azoï Festival: This festival is a celebration of street art, graffiti, and urban culture. It takes place in different locations around the city and features a range of activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and live painting events.
  • Le M.U.R. Street Art Festival: This is an outdoor exhibition space in the 11th arrondissement of Paris that features a new mural every two weeks. The space is curated by a team of street art experts and showcases the work of both established and up-and-coming street artists.
    Meeting of Styles: This festival is an international graffiti and street art event that takes place in different cities around the world, including Paris. It features live painting, music, and other activities, and brings together some of the best street artists from around the globe.

Paris Street Art Galleries

Lavo//Matik

Photo Credit: @LeLavoMatik

  • Galerie Itinerrance: This gallery has been at the forefront of the street art scene in Paris since it was founded in 2004. It is located in the 13th arrondissement and features works from some of the world’s most renowned street artists.
  • Le Cabinet d’Amateur: This gallery is located in the 11th arrondissement and features works from emerging and established street artists. It is known for its eclectic mix of styles and techniques.
  • Arts Factory: This gallery is located in the 11th arrondissement and features works from street artists, illustrators, and graphic designers. It has a reputation for showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.
  • Lavo//Matik: This gallery is located in the 20th arrondissement and specializes in street art and graffiti. It features works from both emerging and established artists and is known for its vibrant, colorful exhibitions.
    Openspace: This gallery is located in the Marais district and features works from street artists and contemporary artists. It is known for its edgy, avant-garde exhibitions.

So, after all of this, it is safe to say that Paris is very important in terms of its street art scene. From colorful graffiti art to intricate murals scattered all across the city, you can find all kinds of important features in Paris street art. If you’re looking for more adventures in Paris, you can check our blog on Paris Cruise Tours!

6. FAQ

Does Paris have a lot of graffiti?

Yes, Paris has a considerable amount of graffiti, especially in some areas like Belleville, the 13th arrondissement, and the Canal Saint-Martin.

What is the most famous street art in Paris?

One of the most famous street art pieces in Paris is the mural of a woman's face by artist Blek le Rat on Rue de la Roquette in the 11th arrondissement.

Is Paris known for street art?

Paris has a growing reputation for street art, and the city has hosted several street art festivals, including the Paris Street Art Festival.

Is street art legal in Paris?

While graffiti and street art are illegal in Paris, the city has designated some areas where artists can create murals legally, such as the "legal walls" in the 13th arrondissement.

What is the graffiti capital of Europe?

The graffiti capital of Europe is often considered to be Berlin, Germany, as it has a vibrant street art scene and a history of graffiti dating back to the 1980s. However, cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona are also known for their street art.
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