Take a brief walk with me through Château Rouge, a neighbourhood in Paris that has become a symbol of chaos and neglect. Located in the 18th arrondissement, Château Rouge is often portrayed as vibrant and diverse, but the reality tells a different story. Overcrowded streets, unregulated markets, and a sense of lawlessness dominate the area, making it one of the most challenging neighbourhoods in the city.
Streets that persistently have the odour of rotten flesh and bustle with vendors selling counterfeit goods. A lack of proper urban management and the social tensions that have left Château Rouge feeling like a neglected outpost. This is not the Paris of postcards or romantic movies. It’s a place where the city’s inability to address issues of integration, overcrowding, and crime is on full display.