Wall Murals in Paris: Street Art in the 13th Arrondissement

Wall murals have transformed the 13th arrondissement in Paris, a district often overlooked. Known for its Chinatown, quiet cobbled alleys, and new high-rises, it has also become a hub for street art.

Over the past decade, the area has turned into an open-air gallery, with massive murals bringing color to the concrete façades of post-war housing blocks. What once felt grey and heavy now feels bold, dynamic, and full of energy.

I finally took a long walk through the area the other day to see them up close. The scale and detail are striking. These murals don’t just decorate—they transform the mood of the whole neighborhood.

In this article, I’ll take you along Boulevard Vincent Auriol and the surrounding streets to discover works by Shepard Fairey, C215, Seth, and others who’ve left their mark.

A Brief Look at the 13th: Why Here?

When you visit the 13th arrondissement, you notice right away that it isn’t polished or grand. It’s a lived-in part of Paris, defined more by daily life than the picture postcard charm that you find in central Paris.

Historically, the 13th is a working-class district, shaped by industry and post-war growth. Tall housing blocks, factories, and wide boulevards.

The factories are mostly gone. But the concrete towers and empty walls stayed. The result? A raw urban canvas—ready to be used.

Street art fits in here. It’s not ornamental—it’s part of the fabric. The arrondissement’s mayor, Jérôme Coumet, embraced it early, working with Galerie Itinerrance to bring large-scale murals to life. Today, the 13th is the spot in Paris for street art that’s both curated and alive.

Tip: If you are collecting Space Invaders in Paris, you’ll find plenty on your way through the 13th arrondissement!

Murals of Paris: A Street Art Trail in the 13th

Start your walk at Place d’Italie. It’s the central hub of the 13th—where everything branches off.

Skip Chinatown to the south and the Butte-aux-Cailles to the southwest—save those for another day.

For now, head east. That’s where the murals are. Cross into Boulevard Vincent Auriol that is lined with some of the boldest murals in Paris. From here on, it’s wall after wall.

Boulevard Vincent Auriol – Open Air Gallery

Just 350 meters in, and you’re already surrounded. One intersection, 5 murals, each pulling you in differently. Here’s a selection:

“Gaze on the Boulevard” by Hush

A British artist from Newcastle. His work mixes Eastern figures with Western street codes. Delicate faces layered over sharp patterns.

“Sun-Daze” by HowNosm

This mural by HowNosm is a dense mix of red, black, and white—sharp lines twisting into a controlled chaos. Geometric shapes, surreal figures, and mechanical elements lock together, demanding a closer look.

Twin brothers Raoul and Davide Perre, originally from Germany, started in graffiti crews before taking their style to murals worldwide.

“Perdrix” by WEN2

WEN2 is from Brest in Brittany so the marine theme isn’t a surprise really. His mural takes inspiration from La Tourelle des Perdrix, a lighthouse off the coast of southern Finistère. The piece feels like a dream—an isolated, floating structure blending realism with a touch of surrealism.

“Turncoat” by D*Face

A striking turquoise and black pop-art mural by D*Face, showing a close-up of a woman’s face. Her flowing hair, wing-like detail, and bold red lips give it a comic book feel. The colors were stunning, not only because of the perfect blue sky.

D*Face, a London-based street artist, is known for his playful yet subversive pop-art style. Inspired by comics and punk culture, his work often explores themes of fame, love, and loss with a sharp, graphic aesthetic.

Rue National

On the corner of Boulevard Vincent Auriol and Rue Nationale, you hit another mural hotspot. Just turn around, and at least four pieces come into view. The most iconic? This one:

Shepard Fairey’s “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”

A modern take on the French motto, blending bold red, white, and blue with his signature graphic style. At the center, a woman’s face, framed by floral patterns, radiates strength and resilience.

Fairey, who is also the artist behind the Obama Hope poster, is known for his powerful, socially engaged artworks. This mural, created after the 2015 Paris attacks, is both a tribute and a symbol of solidarity.

Place Pinel

Just across Rue Nationale, you reach Place Pinel, another cluster of wall murals in Paris. And here, we meet an artist we’ve already crossed paths with.

“Love Won’t Tear Us Apart” by D*Face

His signature pop-art style, bold lines, and nostalgic romance imagery take on a darker twist than on “Turncoat” that we’ve seen on Boulevard Vincent Auriol.

Evelyn Nesbit Mural by BToy

This mural by BToy brings Evelyn Nesbit back into the spotlight. Once a famous model and actress in the early 1900s, her life was filled with both glamour and controversy. The portrait was chosen by local residents of the neighborhood.

BToy, a Barcelona-based artist, is known for her layered, stencil-based portraits of strong women from the past.

She blends realism with a painterly touch, giving forgotten icons a new presence in urban spaces.

Rue Jeanne d’Arc

From Place Pinel, leave Love Won’t Tear Us Apart behind and walk through the small park.

Ahead, you’ll spot the next Paris mural from a distance—probably the most famous one in the 13th. It rises high above the buildings, impossible to miss.

Bambin in Shorts by SETH

This is one of the most famous murals in the 13th—and the biggest. Spanning two massive buildings, it’s impossible to miss.

SETH, or Julien Malland, is one of the most recognized street artists in France. His work often features children, painted in soft, almost dreamlike tones, interacting with their surroundings in poetic ways. Instead of faces, he often turns them away, leaving their emotions open to interpretation.

If you want to see more of his work, head to Butte-aux-Cailles, where several of his murals are hidden in side streets. He was also a key figure in the street art expo at the Petit Palais, proving his impact reaches far beyond the streets of Paris.

Rue de Patay

If you feel like exploring a bit more, head to Rue de Patay. Here, you’ll find another mural that stands out—both in meaning and execution. Installed in 2022 by C215, it’s a powerful tribute to Ukraine, blending his signature stencil work with a message that lingers long after you’ve walked away.

Street Art in Support of Ukraine with Artist C215

This last mural I want to show you today is from C215, one of France’s most renowned street artists. He created this mural in 2022 in support of Ukraine, featuring a quote from Volodymyr Zelensky:
“I really don’t want my photos in your offices, because I am neither a god nor an icon, but rather a servant of the Nation. Instead, hang photos of your children and look at them every time you need to make a decision.”

Wrap up: The Ever-Changing Walls of the 13th

The 13th arrondissement has turned into an open-air museum, where concrete blocks become canvases and the streets feel alive with color. From Boulevard Vincent Auriol to Rue de Patay, each mural tells a different story—some personal, some political, all impossible to ignore.

This walk only scratches the surface. New pieces appear, others fade, and the city keeps shifting. If you’re up for more, wander through Butte-aux-Cailles or keep an eye out—Paris has a way of turning the unexpected into art.