Things to do around Bercy

Since 1984, the 12th arrondissement of Paris has enjoyed the vibe that emanates from events hosted at the Accor Arena, familiarly known as simply ‘Bercy’. Accommodating up to 20,000 spectators, the stage of this key venue has been graced by the likes of Céline Dion and Madonna, to name but two. Bercy, the stage of world-class sports meetings including artistic ice-skating, judo and esports competitions, is set to do it again this summer by hosting another show of monumental scale, the Olympic & Paralympic Games. The concert hall will morph into an indoor stadium for the occasion, where spectators will watch the basketball, gymnastics and trampolining events. Get ready for a fabulous show.

The Bercy district of Paris is a dazzling mix of tradition and modernity. If you don’t believe us, visit Bercy Village. This open-air shopping centre was once the city’s wine storehouse. Nowadays, it invites you to take a stroll along a street lined with 42 old wine warehouses which are listed buildings. In the heart of this retail therapy haven, you can enjoy a window-shopping stroll, dine at one of the restaurants on Cour Saint-Émilion or watch a film at the cinema located at the far end of Bercy Village.

Entre l’Accor Arena et Bercy Village, le parc de Bercy est un havre de paix en ville. Après un spectacle, une exposition ou pour une balade en famille, prenez place dans ce parc de 14 hectares, composé de 3 jardins. Les enfants s’amuseront aux aires de jeux, tandis que les partisans de l’oisiveté opteront pour une sieste, nez au vent. Quant aux artistes en herbe, ils pourront profiter de la vue panoramique des lieux pour faire quelques photos.

The art of cinema has its very own temple here in Bercy. The Cinémathèque Française is first and foremost a feast for the eyes, created by the talented Frank Gehry (who is also the man behind the Fondation Louis Vuitton). Inside this monument, you can admire the temporary exhibitions, visit the Méliès museum, do some research at the library… And of course take advantage of the many retrospective documentaries to perfect your cinema knowledge.

Between cinema and photography there’s a fine line… and the river Seine. Cross to the left bank for a plunge into the world of photography at the Port de la Gare. Afloat on the river, Quai de la Photo is a hybrid venue that will appeal to photography enthusiasts and curious visitors, as well as hungry gourmets keen to have lunch with a view over the Bercy district. In a space exceeding 1,000 m², stroll between the temporary exhibitions, attend lectures and go away with a collection of photos from the bookshop. In summer, you can sit on the terrace overlooking the Seine riverbank. Your chance for a spot of photography chat while sipping at a cocktail.

Bring your friends or family for an alternative science tour, at Science Expériences. This immersive museum in the heart of Bercy Village plunges you into the fascinating world of biology, mathematics and space. This tour is all about learning while having fun, to encourage everyone, children and adults alike, to familiarise themselves with science. A hologram of Albert Einstein, 3D videos and experiences that stimulate the senses… You’ll be surprised by everything you can learn at this museum.

Overlooking the Seine, the National Library of France is an icon of the Bercy district. Like the Bnf | Richelieu, it is one of Paris’ iconic venues for book lovers. Surrounded by 4 glass towers, like an open book the library is an exhibition venue as well as a place to study or to read. During a visit to this monument, don’t miss the 2 spectacular 4-metre-diameter Louis XIV globes representing the earth and the night sky, displayed in one of the national library’s exhibition halls. They’re a marvellous sight.

Did you know that agnès b., a figure in the fashion world, was also an art benefactor? Take a walk in this modern exhibition centre where some 5,000 works from the stylist’s collections are on display. In addition to this cultural escape, you may want to treat yourself to one of the paintings on sale on the first floor of La Fab., or visit the bookshop to purchase a book about art.

With its gardens covering 9,000 m², Bercy Beaucoup is one of those third places that makes you feel good. Behind this project of a decidedly social nature are several associations that decided to create a facility where local players could mix with residents and anyone curious enough to discover this new way of life. At Bercy Beaucoup, you’ll find a drop-in centre, a resale shop for city gardeners in need of tools, and a host of free cultural activities, including a guinguette where people come together to party in a spirit of solidarity.

Installed in Paris’ former mail sorting office, Ground Control is a fabulously indescribable place where you can enjoy a beer on the terrace, do a spot of gardening or yoga, treat yourself to a designer item or devour the specialities of the restaurants on the premises. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. In the merry chaos of this lively place, you can soak up the exciting Paris vibe in a friendly atmosphere. With your friends, family, children or partner… You’ll always feel at home.

For an alternative dining experience, try Under the Sea, one of the immersive restaurants created by the Ephemera group. This gourmet venue invites you to try its experience cuisine, plunging you into the ocean depths as you dine in an amazing festival of colour and light. You’ll savour your seafood platter while admiring the schools of fish that dart about before your eyes. A delight for both eyes and palate.

How many restaurants do you know that serve up to 1,000 meals every day? La Felicità is one. This 4,500 m² dining space belonging to the Big Mamma chain will appeal to all. Occupying an old railway building, La Felicità has everything a trendy restaurant in Paris should have. An industrial decor like no other, a food market midway between Italy and New York and, of course, a warm and friendly atmosphere in which couples, solo diners and families all eat at the same table, surrounded by plants and bric-a-brac furniture.

In Paris, when the sun brings warmth to the banks of the Seine, stop off at the Cargo Container Bar to spend the evening in a guinguette atmosphere. This neighbourhood pop-up bar opens every year at the first sign of summer. Do not miss a chance to visit this festive place! For a bit of peace and quiet, go up to the terrace and admire the view over Bercy and the park. If you’re more into moving your body to the beat from a DJ Set, no worries, take to the dance floor.

When it comes to bars, the banks of the Seine in Bercy are highly popular. No wonder! What better place to soak up the intoxicating charm of Paris than a floating party venue? Take a merry dive into the Petit Bain. The spirit here is all about sharing, be it conversation or music, rosé on the terrace (summer only) or the vibes in the crowd at one of the concerts hosted here.

The show may be over but, in Paris Bercy, the night is still young. In the basement of the Accor Arena, the Phantom club has already become one of those key nightlife venues of the City of Light. This nightclub, which opened in March 2023, immerses you in a surreal atmosphere as electric as it gets. Under the immense, adjustable mirrors fixed to the ceiling, in a tangle of silhouettes, reflections and lights, you’re in for an intoxicating night that will leave you dizzy.