Bercy Village

The basics

Wine tasting is still popular in Bercy Village, but it’s also a beautiful spot for a walking tour. Be sure to look for the old railroad tracks still embedded in the cobblestone streets, once used by trains from regions like Bordeaux to transport loads of wine barrels to the city.

With its historic architecture around the Cour St-Émilion, tranquil Parc de Bercy landscaped park, and plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars, Bercy Village is a delightful mid-sightseeing pause. There also are dozens of shops selling art and handicrafts, artisan foods, fashion, and gifts to browse.

Things to know before you go

• This eclectic shopping district is mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

• With shops spanning fashion and home décor to gourmet goodies, there’s a little something for everyone at Bercy Village.

• The area has a large, well-kept park for kids to run off some steam and grownups to relax in the shade.

• The paved Cour St-Émilion and shops ringing the historic courtyard are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Bercy Village is set in the city’s 12th arrondissement along the Rive Droite of the River Seine. There are three entrances to the shopping area: Rue François Truffaut, Rue des Pirogues de Bercy, and Place Gabriel Lamé. Rue François Truffaut is closest to the Cour Saint-Emilion stop along metro line 14, which connects to locations across the city.

When to get there

Though the architecture is charming any time of day, the biggest attraction at Bercy Village is the shops that are open daily from late morning through evening. The area also has a respectable nightlife scene, with restaurants serving until past midnight. Remember that most of the shopping district is outdoors, so choose a clear, mild day to visit.

The top shopping districts in Paris

Paris is one of Europe’s best cities for shopping, and the city is stuffed with designer boutiques, flea markets, and everything in between. The Faubourg Saint-Honoré district is the heart of Parisian fashion and design, Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards are where the city’s grand department stores and covered arcades are concentrated, and St.-Germain-des-Prés is thick with chic ateliers and vintage shops. For one-of-a-kind quirky treasures, dig around the stands at the Saint-Ouen flea market on the city's north end.

Ways to explore

Plan several hours for a shopping tour of Bercy Village, where you’ll find international brand names in fashion, beauty, and food. There’s also a multiplex UGC cinema, an indoor climbing center, a games bar, and more than a dozen restaurants, cafés, and fast food options.

Make a day of it and combine shopping with a walk or cycle through Parc de Bercy, a guided tour of the quirky Museum of Fairground Arts (Musée des Arts Forains), or a visit to the Frank Gehry-designed La Cinémathèque Française.

Accessibility

Most shops and restaurants are accessible for wheelchair users, and there are accessible restrooms. The Cour Saint-Émilion metro station has elevator and escalator access. Note that the village does have some cobblestone streets.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Shopping bags, bank cards and cash, reusable water bottle, umbrella, photo ID

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, a light jacket or cover-up, loose or slip-on clothing (if you plan to try on clothes before buying)

Not allowed

Greeting shop assistants with bonjour when entering is standard etiquette—it can be seen as rude if you forget.

Amenities

Paid parking, restaurants, cafés, public restrooms, drinking water fountains (at Parc de Bercy), free Wi-Fi hotspots, motorbike helmet lockers, centralized VAT refund services (select stores)

Address

Bercy Village is located in Paris’s 12th Arrondissement and can be easily reached by car or public transport from central Paris.

Driving

The shopping mall is about a 20-minute drive from central Paris, depending on traffic. Head southeast along the Right Bank of the River Seine to the south side of Parc de Bercy and follow signs for the village. There is paid parking on-site.

Public transportation

While bringing a car can be convenient, the quickest way to get anywhere in Paris is usually by metro. From central Paris, take line 14 to Cour Saint-Émilion; the station is right at the entrance to the village. Bus lines 69 (Dijon-Lachambaudie stop) or 109 and 111 (Terroirs de France stop) also pass close by.

Best times to visit

Shops typically open at 10am, and it’s worth arriving at opening to dodge the crowds, especially on weekends. Another trick is to shop during the 12–2pm lunchtime period, when many shoppers take a break for lunch.

Best days to visit

The shopping center is open seven days a week, but it’s usually quietest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. It’s best to avoid a weekend shopping trip if you don’t like crowds.

Best months to visit

France only has two sales periods each year: a summer sale from late June through July and a winter sales period from the second week of January through early February. Come during either to snag a bargain.

Special events

Look out for themed activities and open-air entertainment around Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and other holidays. Throughout the summer, there’s a guinguette (pop-up bar) and live music concerts on Thursday evenings.