The 12th arrondissement of Paris is a peaceful, primarily residential neighborhood, yet it buzzes with life. You can stroll along the Green Corridor, the old Petite Ceinture railway that runs from Bastille to Vincennes, or, a little further down, along the Viaduc des Arts, a hub of crafts and design in Paris.
Over in Bercy sits the Accor Arena, which hosts numerous concerts, as well as Bercy Village, the charming shopping arcade. Not far away, cinema fans flock to the Cinémathèque Française, while families set off to explore the Musée des Arts Forains.
Toward the Port Dorée, a splendid palace reveals at its heart the museum dedicated to immigration and a tropical aquarium. A perfect transition between urban Paris and the tranquility of the Bois de Vincennes, linked to the 12th arrondissement. On sunny days, the lac de Daumesnil is the meeting spot for families who come to picnic, while on the water, boats are available for a ride with friends or as a couple.
The Tropical Agriculture Garden beckons visitors to uncover the remnants of the colonial exhibition, while plant enthusiasts can swing by the Parc Floral de Paris, one of the capital's botanical gardens. In short, there’s no shortage of activities in Paris 12!



Restaurants in Paris's 12th arrondissement: Where to eat in the 12th? Our top picks and favorites
Looking for a good restaurant in Paris's 12th arrondissement? Discover our favorite places, our finds, and our top picks! [Read more]



Brunches Paris 12: Where to brunch in the 12th arrondissement? Our best spots and favorites
The 12th arrondissement offers a pleasant setting for weekend brunch. From Bercy to Picpus via the Bois de Vincennes, there is no shortage of places to enjoy a gourmet and relaxing break. [Read more]



Sweet spots in Paris’ 12th arrondissement: pastries, bakeries, cafés, tearooms, and chocolateries in the 12th.
From Bastille to the Aligre Market, to Bercy and the Bois de Vincennes, a stroll through the 12th arrondissement is the perfect excuse to stop for a bite, especially something sweet! [Read more]



Bars Paris 12: Where to grab a drink in the 12th arrondissement? Our go-to spots and favorites.
From Bastille to Bercy, Paris's 12th arrondissement is the place to be for a drink. Creative cocktails, well-served craft beers, and fine wines can be enjoyed in a lively neighborhood atmosphere. [Read more]



Terraces Paris 12: Our best spots to take a break in the 12th arrondissement
The 12th arrondissement offers plenty of ideas for a stroll, whether you’re drawn to the Coulée Verte, the Aligre market, Bercy, or the Bois de Vincennes. And to make the sunny outing last, head to the terraces in the area. [Read more]



Hotels in Paris 12th: Where to stay in the 12th arrondissement? Hotels, hostels and accommodations
Here you'll find hotels, youth hostels and accommodation in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. [Read more]



What to visit in Paris's 12th arrondissement? Monuments, museums and exhibitions
Paris's 12th arrondissement reveals an often little-known heritage hidden away in the heart of the capital. Here's a selection of cultural visits you won't want to miss, including confidential museums, historic monuments and exciting exhibitions. [Read more]



What to see in Paris's 12th arrondissement? Current shows, concerts & plays!
Discover the must-see shows, concerts and plays in Paris's 12th arrondissement. [Read more]



Musée de l'histoire de l'Immigration: opening hours, collections, prices... All you need to know
Housed in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, the Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration tells the story of France in a different way... Discover this unusual cultural site. [Read more]



Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304: an immersive expedition at Bercy Village
Travel back in time and experience history differently with Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304, a virtual reality experience from Excurio, in partnership with the Centre des Monuments nationaux. Available at Eclipso in Bercy Village from April 4, 2025. [Read more]



The Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's film museum for fans of the 7th art
Get ready to discover the Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's new film museum, as soon as it opens. Bigger and better, the Musée Méliès unveils its new itinerary and many previously unpublished archives, by Georges Méliès of course, but also by more contemporary filmmakers. It's a dream come true for young and old, curious and passionate about the 7th art. [Read more]



The Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy: an unusual and enchanting museum in Paris
Enjoy a magical immersive experience in Paris at the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy, a museum that plunges you into a funfair atmosphere. A place that appeals to young and old alike! [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: discover the secrets and hidden spots of RATP in Paris
RATP is taking part in the 43rd edition of Heritage Days with a journey across the entire transport network, exploring the metro in a playful way. Animations, exclusive experiences, tours... See you in Paris on September 19 and 20, 2026! [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: the gardens program at École du Breuil in Paris
The gardens of the École du Breuil are taking part in Paris’s Heritage Days with a program focused on botany, landscape, and horticultural know-how, on 19 and 20 September 2026. In the 12th arrondissement, this visit offers a lush green interlude in the heart of one of the capital’s most distinctive sites. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 at the quirky Musée des Arts Forains – Pavillon de Bercy, Paris
In Paris, the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy is taking part in the Journées du Patrimoine on 19 and 20 September 2026 in Paris. A chance to discover this quirky, colorful venue! Your move! [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: a deep dive into cinema with the Cinémathèque Française and the Méliès Museum
A temple of film heritage, it’s only natural that the Cinémathèque française participates in the 2026 edition of the Journées du Patrimoine. On September 19 and 20, you can rediscover this building devoted to cinema. Here is the lineup of the festivities. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: family-friendly walks and activities at the Maison de la RATP in Paris
The RATP House opens its doors to us for the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, this Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Paris. Discover the program at Urban Station, the headquarters of the Paris public transport network. [Read more]



Seine cruise for Paris's 2026 Heritage Days
During the 2026 Heritage Days, discover Paris from a new angle with an educational cruise on the Seine. Don’t miss this outing on September 19 and 20, 2026, free of charge but require a reservation. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 at Paris's Gare de Lyon: go behind the scenes of its restoration
For Heritage Days in Paris, Gare de Lyon invites you to explore the secrets of its restoration during an exceptional weekend on September 19, 2026. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 at the Ministry of Economy and Finance – Bercy, Paris
The Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris throws open its doors for Heritage Days, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. A unique chance to tour Bercy from the inside and to discover more about its work. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 at the Viaduc des Arts in Paris: a must-visit for lovers of craftsmanship
The Heritage Days are also a chance to discover the Viaduc des Arts in Paris. Indeed, this remarkable site in the eastern part of the capital unveils a special program for this exceptional weekend of 19 and 20 September 2026. [Read more]



The Spot, an immersive Madagascar-like experience at the Porte dorée Tropical Aquarium
Fancy an immersive family visit? Join us at the Aquarium du Palais de la Porte dorée for a behind-the-scenes look at a scientific expedition to Madagascar, in an immersive installation. [Read more]



Science Experiences, the concept between museum and theme park at Bercy Village
Science Expériences is a unique concept combining museum and amusement park to bring science to life for children. With scientific experiments, virtual reality and video mapping, it uses the latest technologies to bring science to life for children... [Read more]



The Triporteur Race returns to Paris at the end of September 2026, a quirky parade.
The Triporteur Race returns to the Cours de Vincennes in Paris on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for its third edition. These prewar delivery tricycles take on a 28.4 km course this time, and registration is free. [Read more]



AccessiJeux in Paris: France’s largest inclusive game library coming soon to Porte de Vincennes
AccessiJeux is set to open its inclusive 350-square-metre game library in Paris’s 12th arrondissement on September 2, 2026, after a postponement tied to the heatwave. Board games, a children’s area, video games, and an accessible sensory zone will bring together players of all ages and backgrounds. [Read more]



Vincennes Racecourse: the temple of trotting and horse racing in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes
An unmissable temple of trotting in France, the Vincennes Hippodrome hosts prestigious races year-round, including the iconic Prix d’Amérique. From behind-the-scenes tours to major sporting spectacles and festive events, discover the history and inner workings of this exceptional jewel on the doorstep of Paris. [Read more]



The Léo Lagrange free outdoor pool for Summer 2026 in Paris's 12th arrondissement
A free pool for everyone this summer 2026 in Paris? Throughout the summer period, many public swimming spots will be open to the public, notably at the heart of the Léo Lagrange sports center in the 12th arrondissement, from July 4 to August 30, 2026. [Read more]



Unleash Escape Game in Paris: adventures to discover near Bercy
Based in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, Unleash Escape Game brings together several scenarios inspired by literature. The brand focuses on narrative, team-based adventures, playable in French as well as English. [Read more]



Where to swim in the Seine in Paris in 2026? The Bercy site, in the 12th arrondissement.
This summer, once again, the public will be able to swim in the Seine in Paris! Among the bathing sites, the Bercy site in the 12th arrondissement of the capital will open on July 4, 2026. [Read more]



Madness at Unleash: immerse yourself in a Lovecraftian horror escape game in Paris
Just a stone’s throw from the Accor Arena, Unleash Escape Game reveals Madness, a new Lovecraft-inspired horror room opening on June 1, 2026. A nightmarish escape experience that drags players into a dark, immersive world where madness, mystery and chills collide. [Read more]



Nautilus : The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea adventure at Unleash Escape Game
Want to dive into 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Head to Unleash Escape Game, the escape room brand just a stone’s throw from the Arena de Bercy, to discover Nautilus: The Aronnax Case, an adventure centered on the famous Captain Nemo... Ready for a journey into literature? [Read more]



The Garden House at Bercy Park: a haven for botany enthusiasts
Looking for a place to perfect your gardening skills? Head to the Maison du Jardinage et du Compostage inside Bercy Park to learn more about the art of gardening! [Read more]



Gardening workshops at the Breuil School to learn how to plant, harvest, and garden…
Looking for a workshop to learn how to tend your garden? Head to the École du Breuil to discover your green thumb! [Read more]



Memorun 2026: a charity race at Bois de Vincennes to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease
On September 19 and 20, 2026, France Alzheimer will host the fourth annual Mémorun, a weekend dedicated to sport and solidarity, held in observance of World Alzheimer's Day. [Read more]



Green Escape: The Adventure Course at Parc Floral in Paris, Season 2026
In the heart of Paris's Floral Park, Evasion Verte offers the city’s only tree-top adventure course, suitable for the whole family from age 6 and up. Check out the dates for the 2026 season. [Read more]



Collective saunas and Nordic baths, the first of their kind in France, are opening at Ground Control
Ground Control opens a groundbreaking 100 m² wellness space in the heart of the 12th arrondissement, dedicated to saunas and communal baths. This urban Nordic oasis offers a welcoming and accessible relaxation experience, blending soothing heat, refreshing cold plunges, and social interactions. [Read more]



BRUME: the women's Pilates Reformer and Hot Pilates studio with ice baths in Nation
Near Place de la Nation, a Pilates studio—offering reformer and hot Pilates—awaits fitness enthusiasts. It is 100% female-only, offering a cocoon-like environment where you can take care of your body in small groups, from the coffee shop to the cold bath for better recovery! [Read more]



Active Room: the interactive floor and quiz shop a stone's throw from Bercy
Active Room, The Floor is Lava experience in Paris, awaits you in the 12th arrondissement. Spanning over 400 m² near Bercy, this immersive interactive floor concept inspired by The Grid invites participants to take on luminous tiles in teams. The space also features a relaxation area with bar and games, as well as a quiz room, Rival Quiz, to extend the experience with friends. [Read more]
Find the locations of all these great spots by clicking the map at the bottom of the article.
Things to do in the Nation neighborhood, from Charonne to Bercy: Ideas for outings and great places to visit
Want to explore the Nation neighborhood and its surroundings, from Charonne to Bercy via the Bois de Vincennes, the 11th, 12th, and 20th arrondissements? Follow the guide! [Read more]
Things to do in the Bastille and Roquette neighborhood: Ideas for outings and great places to visit
Follow the guide to discover everything there is to see and do in the Bastille and La Roquette neighborhoods, straddling the 4th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements of Paris! [Read more]