Things To Do
in Romainville

Romainville is a small, leafy suburb just east of Paris, offering a calm residential vibe with easy access to the capital. The town blends family-friendly streets, local markets, and multicultural influences that flavor its shops and eateries. It is well connected by public transport, making quick trips into central Paris and the broader Île-de-France region practical.

Visitors will find peaceful parks, pleasant walks, and a gateway to the surrounding suburbs and city attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrive in Romainville
morning
:

Upon arrival in Romainville, start your day with a relaxing breakfast at a nearby café. Enjoy freshly baked pastries and the soothing ambiance of the French morning. Take a leisurely stroll to familiarize yourself with the local area.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Parc des Beaumonts, a picturesque park that offers great walking paths and beautiful views of the surrounding nature. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grass or grab a bite at a quaint café nearby. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you observe residents enjoying their day.

evening
:

As evening falls, head to one of the charming bistros in the heart of Romainville for dinner. Savor traditional French cuisine paired with a glass of local wine. Take a romantic walk through illuminated streets before heading back to your accommodation.

day 2
Exploring Local Markets
morning
:

Start your day early by visiting the local market, which is vibrant and full of fresh produce. Chat with friendly vendors and sample delicious local cheeses and breads. The morning bustle truly gives you an insight into local life.

afternoon
:

After the market, spend your afternoon visiting the nearby Parc de La Villette, renowned for its modern architectural designs and interactive cultural spaces. Explore the outdoor exhibits and enjoy the scenic views along the canals. Consider renting a bike to cruise around the expansive park.

evening
:

Later in the evening, enjoy a performance at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, a fascinating museum with planetarium and cinema experiences. Absorb the inspiring exhibits that blend science with explorative fun. Wind down with a late dinner at a nearby restaurant that offers outdoor seating.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant$40-70
🧺Groceries for a week$60-120
🚆Monthly public transit pass$70-100
Coffee in a café$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Paris with easy rail and bus connections
  • Diverse, multicultural dining and markets
  • Peaceful, family-friendly neighborhoods with accessible green spaces
  • Generally more affordable than central Paris for accommodations and meals
  • Nightlife is quieter in Romainville itself; larger options require travel
  • Transit times to some central attractions can be longer during peak hours
  • Some areas may feel crowded during market days or events
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
  • "Bonsoir" - Good evening
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est... ?" - Where is...?
  • "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Je voudrais…" - I would like…
  • "Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Romainville

Visit one of these nice places.

Romainville Town Center Panorama

Characterful streets with a mix of architectural styles; early morning or golden hour light highlights details of residential façades.

Canal de l'Ourcq Towpath

Long, straight lines, reflections from water, barges, and greenery—great for wide-angle and still-life compositions.

Parc des Guilands (Les Lilas vicinity)

Open greens, paths, and vantage points suitable for landscape and candid photography amid trees and lawns.

Culinary Guide

Food in Romainville

Romainville sits in the Île-de-France culinary landscape where classic French bistro fare meets diverse influences from the region's multicultural communities.

Romainville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steak frites

A timeless French staple found in many local brasseries—griddled steak served with crisp fries and a simple herb butter.

Must-Try!

Coq au vin

A traditional braised chicken dish cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and herbs.

Couscous with vegetables and lamb

A representative North African-inspired dish frequently available in suburban bistros and markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Romainville

A weekend market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and occasional prepared foods from local vendors.

Canal-side street food stalls

Light bites such as crepes, kebabs, and sandwiches popular with locals enjoying a canal stroll.

Climate Guide

Weather

Romainville experiences an oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, and humidity can be noticeable in late spring and early summer. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for outdoor exploration, while winter requires light layering and rain gear.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Begin interactions with a polite 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) and address staff as 'Monsieur/Madame'.

Politeness and queueing

Be patient and queue in order; keep voices moderate in public spaces and on public transit.

Public behavior

Respect quiet zones in residential areas and avoid loud music in streets late at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Romainville is generally safe for visitors, but standard urban caution applies: stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, keep valuables secure, and use well-lit streets at night. In case of emergency, dial 112 (EU-wide) or local emergency numbers; healthcare facilities are readily accessible in nearby communes.

Tipping in Romainville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping etiquette

Service is often included as 'service compris' on bills; if not, an additional 5-10% is customary for good service.

Payment methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Cash is still useful in smaller venues and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with plenty of terraces and outdoor dining; occasional heatwaves. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Milder days with colorful foliage and comfortable walking weather; expect rain showers. Ideal for photography with soft light.

Winter

Cool to cold with shorter daylight hours; rain is possible. Layers and a waterproof jacket are useful, but there are often cozy indoor spots to enjoy.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming trees create excellent conditions for outdoor exploration and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Romainville at Night

Nightlife in Romainville is typically low-key, centered on cozy cafés, wine bars, and small bistros. For a more vibrant scene, head to nearby Paris or eastern suburbs such as Pantin or Bondy, where live music venues and late-night venues are more common. Expect relaxed atmospheres and casual conversations rather than large clubbing districts.

Hiking in Romainville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bois de Bondy

A forested area with gentle trails, small lakes, and shaded routes suitable for easy hikes and nature walks.

Parc forestier de la Poudrerie

A larger forested park offering looping trails, picnic spots, and a quiet natural setting accessible by transit from nearby towns.

Canal de l'Ourcq trails

Flat, scenic routes along the canal—great for extended walks or easy hikes with opportunities to stop at cafés along the way.

Airports

How to reach Romainville by plane.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Major international gateway located to the northeast of Paris; typically reachable by RER/bus and regional trains within 30-60 minutes depending on connections.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Southern Paris airport offering domestic and international flights; accessible via transit routes combining trains and buses in roughly 45-90 minutes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Romainville is fairly walkable within the town center, with pleasant streets and local amenities. For longer trips to central Paris or other suburbs, public transport (bus, metro/RER connections) is typically faster and more convenient than long walks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Multicultural communities

A diverse population with roots from North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and various European backgrounds contributing to a vibrant local culture.

Families and students

Residential families and a steady student presence from nearby schools and universities.

Working professionals

Commuters who travel to Paris or nearby business districts for work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played across parks and local clubs; community leagues are common in the suburbs.

Basketball

Indoor and outdoor courts in schools and community centers; accessible for casual play and local leagues.

Cycling

Flat suburban routes and canal towpaths provide easy cycling opportunities, with scenic routes along the Canal de l'Ourcq.

Transportation

Traffic

Île-de-France traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Public transportation—Metro, RER, tram, and buses—offers reliable alternatives. Allow extra travel time when planning connections to central Paris or busy events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Romainville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are commonly available in many bistros; look for plats végétariens or ask for a vegetarian adaptation. In some places, dairy and egg ingredients are common—inform staff of any strict restrictions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access combines local general practitioners and nearby hospitals. In the surrounding area, notable facilities include Hôpital Avicenne in Bobigny and Hôpital Jean Verdier in Bondy, with pharmacies readily available across the town for routine needs and emergencies.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide