The 12th is an up-and-coming arrondissement. Apart from the areas close to Bastille and Nation, the 12th is mainly residential and generally calm with parks and promenades. The area close to Gare de Lyon and some of the business districts are livelier.
The recently converted Bercy district, with its Parc de Bercy, Bercy village, Cour St Emillion and Ministry of Finance, is a bustling area that offers restaurants, cafes, boutiques and a multi-complex cinema. It also harbours the fascinating funfair museum, Musee des Arts Forains. It is a popular area for Parisians and businessmen alike.
In addition to its park areas, it has a planted viaduct, forming a verdant strip leading from Bastille to Bois de Vincennes on the border of the 12th. The viaduct’s arcades have an impressive array of art galleries and cafes.
The bustling area around Nation is one of the main arteries into central Paris and often the starting point for demonstrations.
Bercy, with its parks and gardens, offers a mixture of traditional and modern, with family oriented developments.
Bastille and Gare de Lyon have mainly Haussmann architecture, although the northern area of the viaduct has a mixture of traditional and more recent buildings.
Picpus and Daumesnil become relatively calm as you head towards the outer limits of the arrondissement. They are a favourite with families due to the availability of larger apartments and the proximity to one of Paris’ largest parks, the Bois de Vincennes.
All areas offer a community atmosphere, convenient local commerce and excellent public transport.
