Things To Do
in Bobigny
Bobigny is a diverse, working-class suburb northeast of central Paris and the administrative center of the Seine-Saint-Denis department. It blends residential neighborhoods, light industry and green corridors along the Canal de l'Ourcq, giving visitors a picture of everyday life outside Paris proper. The town has strong multicultural influences visible in its markets, restaurants and community events, and it serves as a convenient base for exploring eastern Paris and nearby parks.
While Bobigny is not a major tourist hub, it offers accessible transport links, local museums and green spaces for short urban escapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Bobigny Town Hall, an architectural marvel built in the 1960s. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, where you can admire the beautifully landscaped green spaces. Take time to visit the nearby Church of St. Joseph, known for its striking modern design and stained glass windows.
After lunch at a local café, head to the Musée de l'Histoire de l'Immigration to learn about the rich cultural history of the region. Engage with the exhibits that showcase the stories of immigrants who have shaped Bobigny. Conclude your afternoon with a leisurely walk along the Canal de l'Ourcq, enjoying the serene views.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional French bistro, savoring regional dishes made from fresh ingredients. Afterward, catch a performance at the Espace Michel Simon, a local theater that hosts a variety of shows. End your evening with a relaxing stroll through the illuminated streets of Bobigny, soaking in the night ambiance.
Start your day early by visiting the Bobigny Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with local vendors. Sample fresh baguettes, cheeses, and pastries as you wander through the stalls. Engage with the friendly vendors and learn about their products, immersing yourself in the local culture.
After the market, take a cooking class that focuses on traditional French cuisine, where you'll learn to prepare classic dishes using market-fresh ingredients. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow food enthusiasts as you chop, sauté, and bake together. Savor your culinary creations during a communal lunch, celebrating the flavors of France.
In the evening, visit a nearby wine bar to taste exquisite French wines paired with local cheeses. Engage with the knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the selection process. End the day with a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, absorbing the lively night scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) in a café | $3-4 |
| 🚇Single metro/tram ticket (single) | $2 |
| 🚕Taxi start plus short ride | $5-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / private room per night | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to central Paris with good public transport links
- Multicultural food scene and affordable dining options
- Access to green spaces and canal-side recreation
- Lower prices than central Paris for accommodation and meals
- Not a classic tourist destination — limited monuments and attractions
- Parts of the department have higher crime rates; some areas feel industrial
- Less nightlife and cultural infrastructure than central Paris
- Public services and cleanliness can vary by neighborhood
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Où est la station de métro Bobigny–Pablo Picasso ?" - Where is the Bobigny–Pablo Picasso metro station?
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Bobigny
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, picturesque towpaths with reflections, bridges, street art and activity; great for golden-hour shots and urban landscape photography.
Large park offering open lawns, wooded areas and elevated viewpoints — good for nature, family and wide-angle landscape photos.
A busy transit hub that captures urban life, commuters and the contrast between modern infrastructure and local streets.
Vibrant market scenes, colorful produce and multicultural storefronts make for lively street photography and portraits (ask permission for close-ups).
Food in Bobigny
Bobigny Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
North African stews and couscous are widely available at family-run restaurants and tasty for groups; try a lamb or vegetable couscous near the market area.
Must-Try!
Popular quick meal served at many shops — well-seasoned meat, salads and sauces on flatbread; inexpensive and widely available around transit hubs.
Classic French crêpes, croissants and pain au chocolat from local bakeries make great breakfasts and snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly markets and covered market stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and prepared foods — a good place to taste local produce and buy inexpensive snacks.
Along the Canal de l'Ourcq and nearby routes you’ll find cafés, seasonal food stalls and takeaway options popular with walkers and cyclists.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Bonjour' on entering shops or speaking to service workers; a polite 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' is customary. At smaller establishments a simple 'merci' on leaving is standard.
People generally respect queues and personal space; keep voices moderate on public transport and avoid loud phone conversations.
Bobigny is multicultural — be respectful of different customs and dress norms. When photographing people, ask permission first.
Safety
Tipping in Bobigny
Ensure a smooth experience
In France service is commonly included ('service compris') in restaurant bills; leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not required. Tip taxi drivers or hairdressers a few euros for excellent service.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; keep some cash for small market stalls, bakeries or cash-only vendors. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring ideal for walking the canal and visiting markets; occasional rain showers — pack a light waterproof layer.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours; canal-side cafés and outdoor activities are popular. Expect more people in parks and occasional heat waves — bring sunscreen and water.
Cooler weather and colorful foliage in parks; pleasant for cycling and strolling. Layers are useful as temperatures can shift during the day.
Chilly, damp winters with temperatures around freezing on cold days; fewer outdoor events and shorter days — pack warm clothing and an umbrella.
Bobigny at Night
Hiking in Bobigny
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat walking and cycling route that stretches many kilometers toward Paris and beyond; ideal for long walks, photography and waterside refreshment stops.
Looped paths and green spaces suitable for walking, light hiking, birdwatching and family outings within a short distance of Bobigny.
Shorter neighborhood trails and green corridors good for morning walks, dog walking and short nature breaks without leaving the town.
Airports
How to reach Bobigny by plane.
Major international airport about 20–30 km northeast of Bobigny; reachable by RER and regional trains plus shuttle or taxi (travel time varies by route and traffic).
Secondary international airport to the south of Paris, reachable by tram, bus and Orlyval connections via central Paris or direct bus services; allow longer transfer times.
Smaller airport close to Bobigny used mainly for business and private flights; visible from parts of Seine-Saint-Denis and useful for private aviation rather than commercial routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Bobigny has a large and diverse immigrant population with strong North African, Sub-Saharan African and other communities contributing to its cultural mix.
Historically a working-class area with many households tied to local industry, services and the Paris metro workforce.
Relatively high proportion of young people and families, reflected in active schools, sports programs and youth centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular locally, with many youth clubs and community pitches producing talented players; local matches and training are common in parks and municipal facilities.
Basketball has a strong following in Seine-Saint-Denis with community courts and indoor clubs encouraging participation among youth.
Handball and multi-sport offerings at municipal gyms and centers are popular for organized amateur sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bobigny.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in some traditional places; look for international restaurants, bakeries, markets and vegetarian-friendly cafés. Ask for 'sans viande' or 'végétarien' and many places will adapt dishes.
Because of the local demographics, halal meat is commonly available at many restaurants and shops; ask or look for signage if this is important to you.
Specialty vegan or gluten-free restaurants are rarer in Bobigny than in central Paris, but supermarkets and some cafés offer plant-based and gluten-free packaged items; for full vegan dining, consider travelling a short way into Pantin or Paris.