The 12th arrondissement of Paris, which includes the historic Gare de Lyon train station and the Bois de Vincennes, a massive park known as Paris’ “lungs,” is less well-known compared to the other districts.
Located in the east of the Marais, the mighty 12th arrondissement of Paris receives little attention from tourists. Once you discover this area, however, you’ll find that taking in the beauty of this little piece of Paris it is very easy to lose track of time.
The 12th is also home to the thriving Bercy neighborhood, as well as the well-known market street, Rue d’Aligre, which stretches from the city’s easternmost limits.
Apart from its popular attractions, the 12th has a slew of historical landmarks and undiscovered gems. Paris’ largest park, the Bois de Vincennes, is a must-see for its picturesque lakes and expansive zoo. The Bercy and Porte Dorée areas, on the other hand, are home to a slew of lively museums.
READ MORE: Guide To Paris Arrondissement
The best way to get to the 12th arrondissement is by taking the metro. A convenient transit hub in the area is the Paris Gare de Lyon, on the 1 or 14 lines.
For easy access to the west side of the Bois de Vincennes, take the 8 lines to the Porte Dorée stop. To see the Château de Vincennes, board the 1 line and get off at the stop for the Château de Vincennes.
The 12th arrondissement is one of Paris’s most densely populated areas, but it is also one of the city’s least popular.
You may not be familiar with it, but it has a lot waiting to be discovered by both first-time visitors and well-traveled tourists.
The 12th arrondissement of Paris has plenty to offer visitors, and this guide will point out the best attractions, restaurants, and accommodation options.
Things you'll find in this article
Guide To Paris 12th Arrondissement
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Things To Do In 12th Arrondissement
The 12th Arrondissement offers unique attractions that make this side of Paris worth visiting in addition to its iconic green space.
Gare de Lyon
To this day, Gare de Lyon is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Belle Époque architecture. Outside, it has a large clock tower that looks strikingly like Big Ben in London.
Routes to the south and east of France as well as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Spain are served by the TGV train station. Regional trains, the RER line, and the Gare de Lyon Metro station all have terminals here as well.
Le Train Bleu, a designated historic monument, is worth a visit even if you’re not departing or arriving in Paris. This historic building opened in 1901 and has recently undergone a full restoration to its original splendor.
Bois de Vincennes
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Paris’ largest public park, the Bois de Vincennes, has 2,500 acres of land. To put this in perspective, Central Park in New York City is three times the size of this park.
A 14th-century castle—Chateau de Vincennes—is the final piece of the puzzle in making it one of France’s most popular tourist destinations.
It was built by Emperor Napoleon III in the mid-19th century as part of his efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Paris.
The Bois de Vincennes is home to the Parc Floral de Paris, one of Paris’ four botanical gardens, as well as the Jardin Tropical de Paris. Lac Daumesnil’s Temple of Love is a must-see as well. Paris would be an ideal location for such a temple.
Promenade Plantée (The Planted Promenade)
Take a stroll through this 2.7-mile stretch of gardens, built above ground on an old, unused defunct railway, which is also one of Paris’ most beautiful spots.
Proménade Plantée, a symphony of cherry and chestnut trees, as well as vine-covered wildflowers and botanical plants, explode with color when spring arrives. People-watching, cuddling, or simply savoring the spring aromas can all be done on the benches along the path.
The views of Parisian lofts and terraces, as well as sculpted rooftops and balconies, are also spectacular. In addition, the park has numerous opportunities for birdwatching.
FunFair Museum – Musée des Arts Forains
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Jean-Paul Favand is a big fan of antiques and a big fan of having fun. He has filled a museum with his amazing collection, which includes restored carousels, retro fair stalls, and hundred-year-old bicycles.
In the Venetian Lounges, you can take a gondola merry-go-round ride or watch an Italian opera performed by automata.
To learn more about the Theatre of Marvels’ attractions, you can check out the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, as well as a computer-controlled orchestra and a dozen projection screens. It is only fitting that the Fairground Art Museum be named after the heyday of the American fair.
Where To Eat in 12th Arrondissement
Every neighborhood in Paris has at least one must-try restaurant. The 13th Arrondissement is no exception, and it is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. While in Paris, make sure to stop by any of the following places.
Budget
Les Argentiers Brasserie (24 Rue de Reuilly) – When you first walk into Brasserie Les Argentiers, the food appears to be typical brasserie fare. However, the food at Les Argentiers Brasserie is anything but typical.
Most customers, on the other hand, will tell you that their food is as good as it is beautiful. There’s no shortage of praise for the staff or the food, and the price is right too!
Midrange
Maguey (99 Rue de Charenton) – At Maguey, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique dining experience thanks to the restaurant’s intimate modern style and playful dishes. The chef’s creations will be different each time you visit because you select two dishes from a rotating menu.
Luxury
Le Train Bleu (Gare de Lyon) – The opulent restaurant in the Gare de Lyon will not disappoint if you are looking for a luxurious dining experience. Flambé or carve your leg of lamb under the chandeliers and painted ceilings of this magnificent restaurant.
Where To Stay in 12th Arrondissement
The 12th Arrondissement of Paris may not be well-known, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any good hotels nearby. The area has some of the most beautiful hotels, so consider booking one of the following as your temporary residence in Paris.
Budget
Campanile Hotel Paris Bercy Village
The contemporary Campanile Hotel is located in the Bercy district of Paris, just two minutes from the shops, cinema, and restaurants of Bercy Village. It offers spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped soundproofed rooms.
Each morning, guests can enjoy an American breakfast buffet, and the hotel bar is open from 17:00 to 24:00. Between 18:00 and 23:00 on weekdays, meals can be ordered. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, and the Campanile Hotel Paris Bercy Village offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
The Palais Omnisport is located approximately five minutes from the Paris Bercy Campanile Hotel. It is located only 350 meters from Cour Saint-Emilion Station, which provides direct access to the Louvre and Garnier Opera House.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Midrange
Gare de Lyon is just a 5-minute walk away from 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon, which is just 600 meters from the bustling Bastille neighborhood. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, as are lovely, well-appointed rooms.
In the hotel’s breakfast room, guests can choose from a variety of breakfast items. An ice machine and luggage storage can be found at the hotel’s round-the-clock front desk.
With the nearby Gare de Lyon Metro Station, visitors can easily access the Louvre, Champs Elysées, and the Marais district in central Paris. Visitors can also walk to Bercy in 15 minutes from the hotel.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Luxury
Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon
The Opéra Bastille is only 700 meters away from the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon, located in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. Despite their elegant decor, the hotel rooms are surprisingly cozy and inviting.
Everything you need for a luxurious stay is provided in each room. At the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon, guests will find a business center as beverage vending machines.
It is possible to get information about the area from the receptionists, who speak English and French. There is also a gym, a bar, and a restaurant in the hotel.
Check out the hotel rates here.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.
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