It has buildings representative of practically every phase of late XIX and early XX century design. Once rich in artists who drew inspiration from its many green areas and picturesque streets, it is now given over to residential and professional buildings.

In spite of cumbersome tracks (the Place de L’Europe straddles these tracks leaving the Gare Saint Lazare), the daily life here is really pleasant, and this area has many comfortable and airy apartments. It was from here that Monet painted the Gare St. Lazare and Manet the trains; the surrounding buildings have remained surprisingly un-disturbed since the XIX century. There is also a great covered market on the Rue Corvetto, where fresh produce and hand cut meats are sold in a carnival like atmosphere on Sundays, and from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

The Rue de Rome is the stringed-instrument center of Paris for classical musicians and some of the finest luthiers and supply stores are to be found here. Farther up toward the place de Clichy, in the back streets around Rue de Bucarest, Place Dublin, and Rue de Parme, the music shops cater more to the electric and rock and roll crowd. Little studios abound in back courtyards everywhere: there is even a major digital recording studio on the Rue de Liege, but it is well hidden in a modest building right next to the Liege metro station. None of this is too surprising really, as the Conservatoire Régionale de Musique is nearby on the Rue de Madrid.

The Rue D’Amsterdam is probably the busiest section, as it provides the main traffic connection between the Gare St Lazare and the Place de Clichy. Electrical appliance shops, kitchen stores and general merchandize are the stock in trade here. The back streets are quiet, tree lined, and home to some very good local restaurants.