Butte aux Cailles - anyone familiar with this area of Paris?

I should mention that this would be our second summer in Paris - we were there for two months last summer, so, we are not on a hectic five-day tour all the sites as fast as you can trip. I just want make sure it is a nice/safe place to be with metro/bus access to the rest of the city. I will be traveling by myself with four children 11 and under who LOVE Paris.

There's lots of information on the web if you google it. I just did and it does look like an interesting area. It'll be on my list for next time.

Google Maps now has Street View for Paris. You can look at 360 degree photos from any address in the city and then move up and down the streets surrounding. It's a great way to get a flavor for the neighborhood. Lots of cafes, small businesses and fruit stands. Barren streets and lots of graffiti are a warning sign - although many Parisian neighborhoods don't look their best during closing hours.

Cec. This is a great little neighborhood, just off Place D'Italie which gives you access to several Metro lines. The kids will love the huge underground mall here. On the other side of Place D'Italie is Paris' Chinatown..lots of good and cheap eats

PM me if you want to chat