12th Arrondissement

The Basics

The 12th Arrondissement on the right bank of the River Seine is perhaps best known as the home of the celebrated city park, Bois de Vincennes. The 12th is also an ideal foodie destination. Take a food walking tour to discover the best culinary stops around the neighborhood; tours typically visit the must-see food market, Marché d'Aligre, and various neighborhood confectionaries.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Among the 12th Arrondissement's attractions is the Château de Vincennes, a 14th century castle offering daily tours.

• Don't miss a stop at Place de la Bastille, which was once home to the notorious Bastille prison.

• For a unique take on urban renewal, stroll the Promenade Plantée—a walkway built on an old railway line.

How to Get There

The best way to reach the 12th Arrondissement is by metro. Plan to take the 1 or 14 lines to the Paris Gare de Lyon—one of the neighborhood's transit hubs. For easy access to the west side of the Bois de Vincennes, take the 8 line to Porte Dorée stop. For a visit to Château de Vincennes, take the 1 lines to the Château de Vincennes stop.

When to Get There

Though there's really no bad time to visit the 12th Arrondissement, expect more pleasant weather if you visit in spring, summer, or fall, since winter in Paris tends to be cold and dreary. Visit during the day if you want to explore the Château de Vincennes, and for Paris lights glistening along the water, take an after-dinner Seine stroll.

Exploring the Bois de Vincennes

Located at the eastern side of the 12th Arrondissement, the Bois de Vincennes is a sprawling green space perfect for taking a break from the energetic city. Gardeners especially appreciate the Parc Floral—with its 86 acres (35 hectares) of manicured gardens—while a stroll around the Park's Lake Daumesnil is another diversion. If you're excited about dining alfresco, bring a baguette and cheese for a romantic picnic at Promenade Maurice Boitel.

Ways to explore

Join a walking or cycling tour through the Bois de Vincennes to learn about its history as a royal hunting preserve and visit highlights including the Parc Floral de Paris botanical garden; the tree-studded Arboretum de l’École du Breuil; Jardin Tropical de Paris, created in 1899 to grow tropical plants; and Château de Vincennes, a former fotress. The 12th Arrondissement is a popular neighborhood for food tours, which typically visit the Marché d’Aligre food market, Bercy Village, and other gastro stops. Tours highlighting the French Revolution stop here to see Place de la Bastille, while opera enthusiasts visit the Bastille Opera House.

Accessibility

Not all attractions in the 12th Arrondissement are wheelchair-accessible, so confirm in advance.

Age limits

There are numerous kid-friendly sights in this neighborhood, including the Paris Zoological Park inside Bois de Vincennes.

What to pack

Cash and credit cards for shopping, picnic supplies for the park

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen

Not allowed

Entering the parks outside of opening hours, handling goods at the market

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, cafés, public restrooms

Address

Set on the far southeastern corner of Paris, the 12th Arrondissement is not easy to walk to from central Paris, but numerous public transportation options visit its top attractions.

Driving

Though there are numerous paid parking garages in the 12th Arrondissement, driving through Paris can be stressful. Instead, explore the neighborhood by public transportation.

Public transportation

The best way to reach the 12th Arrondissement is by metro. Take the 1 or 14 lines to Paris Gare de Lyon—a neighborhood transit hub. For easy access to the west side of Bois de Vincennes, take the 8 line to Porte Dorée. To visit Château de Vincennes, take the 1 line to Château de Vincennes.

Best times to visit

Explore the 12th Arrondissement in daylight hours to visit Bois de Vincennes and the neighborhood’s shops and markets.

Best days to visit

Some shops and markets may be closed on Sundays, so visit from Monday through Saturday.

Best months to visit

Bois de Vincennes is at its verdant peak in the spring and fall, while in winter it’s generally too cold to enjoy the park.

Special events

Top neighborhood events include the Festival du Merveilleux in late December, the Bastille Opera House season from September through June, and special showings and exhibitions at Musée de la Cinémathèque.