Viaduc des Arts
1-27 Ave. Daumesnil, Paris, Île-de-France, 75012
The Bastille viaduct opened in 1857, at the start of the French administrator Haussmann’s modernization of Paris. The Paris to Bastille-Varenne railway line was replaced a century later by the Regional Express Network (RER) line A. The elevated railway tracks were transformed into a green walkway called the Promenade Plantée. Meanwhile, the vaulted arches below the elevated line were given over to craftspeople as the Viaduc des Arts. Today, these 41 artisan studios still form one of Paris’s coolest and most in-the-know art districts.
The Basics
You can browse the shops of Viaduc des Arts independently, or join one of the many small-group walking tours of the Bastille district that also explore this area. These tours guide you to gourmet shops (including Alain Ducasse’s legendary chocolate shop) and bustling food markets, and also typically visit the Place de la Bastille and the Port de l’Arsenal, where the Canal Saint-Martin joins the river Seine. Most tours that visit Viaduc des Arts include food tastings.
Things to Know Before You Go
Viaduc des Arts is a must-visit for shoppers, foodies, and culture lovers.
In addition to shops, the area has plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from.
The Viaduc des Arts offers a great way to learn about the city’s artisans. You can watch flute makers, glassblowers, painting conservators, violin-bow makers, and more at work.
How to Get There
Viaduc des Arts is located in the heart of Paris, in the bustling Gare de Lyon/Bercy neighborhood, on the edge of the Bastille district. The closest Paris Metro station is Bastille, which is on lines 1, 5, and 8.
When to Get There
The shops and boutiques of the Viaduc des Arts have varying hours—check ahead. Saturdays and Sundays are typically the busiest times here, and though you may have to battle some crowds, visiting on the weekend offers an appealing glimpse into Parisian life. The Promenade Plantée is open from sunrise to sundown (although times vary according to the seasons).
Promenade Plantée
After combing through the oddities and artwork of Viaduc des Arts, visitors can wander the gardens of the Promenade Plantée, an elevated park just above the shops that stretches almost 1 mile (1.3 kilometers) from Place de la Bastille to Jardin de Reuilly. The promenade is said to have inspired New York City’s High Line.
Ways to explore
Set aside at least an hour or two for visiting the Viaduc des Arts. You’ll find all kinds of artisans here—from costume designers and leather workers to tapestry weavers, paper restorers, and jewelry designers. You can peek into each workshop and see the craftspeople at work. Save time for a walk along the Promenade Plantée above, which served as the inspiration for New York City’s High Line. While this location is a bit off the beaten track among travelers, walking or cycling tours of the 12th arrondissement may include a stop at the Viaduc des Arts.
Accessibility
The Viaduc des Arts is wheelchair-accessible, as is the eastern end of the Promenade Plantée (by ramp).
Age limits
None
What to pack
Refillable water bottle, sunscreen, picnic lunch
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, as you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking. The Promenade Plantée stretches for 2.7 miles (4.5 kilometers).
Not allowed
Picking plants or flowers from the Promenade Plantée, telling the artisanal barista how much you miss Starbucks
Amenities
Benches, cafés, restaurants
Address
The Viaduc des Arts is located in the 12th arrondissement, close to Place de la Bastille and about a 10-minute walk from the Gare de Lyon train station. You’ll find plenty of ways to get here.
Driving
While it’s possible to drive to the Viaduc des Arts, navigating Paris by car is best left to professionals. You can arrange for a taxi or rideshare to drop you right along Avenue Daumesnil at the entrance.
Public transportation
The nearest metro station is Bastille (lines 1, 5, and 8). You can walk or bike from the Left Bank; plan for a 30-minute walk from the Latin Quarter, passing through Ile Saint-Louis on Pont de Sully.
Best times to visit
The Promenade Plantée is open from sunrise to sundown. Most workshop opening hours along the Viaduc des Arts are from late morning to late afternoon.
Best days to visit
Aim for a weekday morning for fewer crowds.
Best months to visit
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. (The Promenade Plantée is particularly pretty from April to June.) Avoid August, when many businesses close.
Special events
During the European Days of Crafts arts festival, Viaduc des Arts hosts open studios and meet-and-greets with artisans. It’s typically held in early spring.
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