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As head of the 14th arrondissement since 2014, Carine Petit takes on the role of guide in this interview, taking us on a tour of her 14th: her favorite cultural venues, her memories of unifying events and her favorite addresses, from popular balls to open-air cinema and hybrid cultural spaces.
Carine Petit: I've been mayor of the 14th arrondissement since 2014 and have lived in the district with my son for over 20 years. Deeply attached to neighborhood life, I love the human dimension of my vocation. My habits are pretty standard: I have my coffee in the same place every morning, I ride my bike, I take the bus. There's nothing exceptional about it, apart from the appreciable proximity that my mandate as mayor allows me to enjoy.
I go to the cinema a lot and see exhibitions. Whenever I can, I also go to Théâtre 14, which offers a varied and inclusive program.
The Maison-Atelier Jean Lurçat
It's Montparnasse, the artists' quarter (Giacometti, Chana Orloff, Jean Lurçat, Antoni Clavé) with galleries and studio houses that can be visited all year round. There are the Catacombs, the Musée de la Libération-Jean Moulin, the Cité Internationale - a fantastic multicultural space, both committed and accessible, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year - and alternative venues like Le Poinçon, the former Petit-Montrouge station on the Petite Ceinture. I love this arrondissement's ability to mix genres, populations and generations.
Jean-Moulin Liberation Museum
WE OFF! is a free Saturday program at several schools in the arrondissement, with creative workshops, shows and first-aid courses. The Maison des Pratiques Artistiques Amateurs (MPAA) Broussais also offers workshops and shows throughout the year.
Parc Montsouris is, of course, a must for families, with regular events. There's plenty of green space for strolling - more than in other arrondissements! And every summer, the leisure center with its free swimming unveils a program of sporting, cultural and creative activities.
Swimming at the Jules Noël stadium leisure park
Le Pavillon de la Sirène, a new, completely renovated venue dedicated to music (particularly wind instruments), where events, amateur concerts (or not) and lessons are organized; and Le Moulin à Café, an associative café offering concerts, debates and exhibitions.
The Siren Pavilion
There's also L'Entrepôt, a cultural venue with an arthouse cinema and restaurant, and a place firmly rooted in local life; and La Ressourcerie créative, which offers year-round workshops in upcycled creations and hosts a guinguette with concerts every summer in the Square du Serment de Koufra.
L'Entrepôt, a place to live with arthouse cinema
We have an ongoing animation policy that is organized on a seasonal basis. We take advantage of the development of streets for children, pedestrianized and planted with greenery, to organize activities, games and open-air shows that attract large crowds. Inhabitants take advantage of these spaces to reclaim their city and interact with one another. I like this proximity when it creates links. La Table d'Aude, organized by the Hypers Voisins collective, is a good example.
Parc Montsouris
There are so many. From 2015 to 2020, the Grands Voisins experience, a place of exchange and sociability that has left its mark on the neighborhood. But also the ball organized for Brassens' centenary in 2021, which was very beautiful.
Perhaps we're still short of places to party at night. We're working to develop new concert and contemporary art spaces that will soon find their place in the future Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district.
Model of the future Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district
I'm thinking of several suburban towns. Ivry with Le Hangar, Genevilliers with Le Tamanoir, Bagneux and its Plus petit cirque du monde, or Malakoff with Théâtre 71. These towns have succeeded in creating strong, accessible venues that have become cultural landmarks.
There are so many! Take sport, for example: Basket Paris 14 does a great job as an association, with a passionate team committed to neighborhood life, while Ring du 14, a mixed English boxing club, organizes a much-anticipated gala every year in the arrondissement.
It's a district that'll surprise you with its diversity and authenticity, if you take the time to wander around - we've designed a district map with Le Routard that brings together several itineraries. We've also got some great places to eat, from La Copine1, a solidarity canteen, to Mory Sacko's Michelin-starred restaurant Mosuke, as well as the Vaudésir bistro and the Pugliese Italian La Campagnola.
Mosuke, chef Mory Sacko's Michelin-starred restaurant
Carine Petit, mayor of the 14th arrondissement, on the Sortir à Paris terrace.
