The Butte-aux-Cailles (French pronunciation: [bytokaj] is a hilltop neighbourhood of Paris, France, [1] located in Paris' south-eastern 13th arrondissement. The name of the hill could be translated as "quail hill", but it actually originates from its former landowner Pierre Caille, who bought a vineyard here in 1543. [2] The Bièvre (from Latin 'Beaver') river, which once made this area important for the tannery and tissue trades, was covered over in 1860. [3] Its route can be traced by following a series of bronze plaques embedded in the area's pavements. [4]
Today, the Butte-aux-Cailles area draws together a young, trendy and festive Parisian population in its many small bars and restaurants. Since its incorporation into Paris along with the northern extremity of the now Paris-bordering Gentilly commune to which it belonged, the Butte-aux-Cailles has managed to retain much of its village ambiance. [1] The area is noted for its street art, [5] including work by the artists Miss.Tic and Jef Aérosol. [4]
