A day in Paris’ Bercy neighborhood

Although in the space of thirty years Bercy has become a modern business district where concrete, glass, and asphalt reign, the neighborhood is also full of some surprising sites and hidden gems to discover. Paris ZigZig has planned out a full day through the neighborhood, outlining a few of the many cultural, historical, and trendy sites to be found in this area in the midst of transformation.

10 am – La Boulangerie Bo

© Frenchisbeautiful / Instagram

Behind the typical facade of a boulangerie of yesteryear sits the atypically-named Boulangerie Bo, one of Paris’ most renowned bakeries.  It’s no wonder we don’t hesitate to start our day with one of the many sweet treats that this organic bakery offers us. Our top choice? Their delicious cheesecake soufflé.

Boulangerie Bo – 85 bis, rue de Charenton, 75012

11am – A walk or a jog in le parc de Bercy

Rose garden in le parc de Bercy (Photo by Moonik, Wikimedia Commons)

A few minutes from the bakery, head now to le parc Bercy, one of the capital’s lesser-known parks. Nestled between AccorHotels Arena and le Cour Saint-Émilion, this park offers surprising possibilities.  Feel free to do a little jogging, or just simply walk around in the many themed gardens that this amazing green space has to offer.

Parc de Bercy – 128 Quai de Bercy, 75012

1pm – Lunch at Pedra Alta

© Ssolleum / Instagram

Although Pedra Alta is a large restaurant chain, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.  This Portuguese restaurant brings a hearty taste of the Iberian Peninsula to eager diners in just a few bites. A traditional canteen specializing in seafood, Pedra Alta serves authentic cuisine, in gargantuan proportions, for surprisingly low prices. An unbeatable price-quality ratio!

Pedra Alta Bercy – 13, place Lachambeaudie, 75012 

3pm – A stop by l’Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité de Bercy

“Le Christ et la Samaritaine”, by Jacques Stella  (Photo: Mbzt, Wikimedia Commons)

This small parish in the 12th arrondissement is one of the only churches in the capital to house works from the pre-revolutionary period, most places of worship having been completely looted during these years of insurrection.  Cross the street towards the central median where the church is located to discover these amazing and rare works.

l’Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité de Bercy – Place Lachambeaudie, 75012

16h – A visit to the Musée des Arts Forains

(Photo: Laika ac, Wikimedia Commons)

Although Paris has more than 200 museums, none are quite like le Musée des Arts Forains.  This museum, housed in former wine cellars, celebrates the artistry of the fairground world.  Works here are not only hung on the walls or placed on pedestals, but are everywhere in between, plunging you into a completely unexpected, almost surrealist world.  Time flies as visitors get lost in the magical atmosphere of this unique museum.  The only drawback is that you must reserve your visit.

le Musée des Arts Forains – 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012

6pm – A drink at Ground Control

Ground Control (Paris) – © Ground Control

After a short walk around Bercy Village and the Cour Saint-Emilion, head towards Ground Control, a former SNCF sorting center turned industrial-style, eco-friendly eatery.  Here you will find dozens of food counters and beers at reasonable prices.  Above all, with 1500 m² of terrace space and 4500 m² of interior space, you are always sure to have a place to sit.

Ground Control – 81 Rue du Charolais, 75012 Paris

Cover Photo of Bercy Village by Véronique PAGNIER, Wikimedia Commons.

Original article : Une journée dans le quartier de Bercy