Bercy Park

The Parc de Bercy, located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, is an example of urban redevelopment transformed into a green oasis in the heart of the city. Inaugurated in 1997, the park is built on the site of the old Bercy wine warehouses, which in the 19th century were the largest wine market in the world. This past is still visible in some corners of the park, where historical elements such as the railway tracks that once transported wine barrels have been preserved. The park covers an area of 14 hectares and is divided into three distinct thematic gardens, each with its own identity and charm. The “Romantic Garden” is characterized by ponds with fish, sand dunes, and lush vegetation that create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along shaded paths, sit on a bench to read a book, or simply enjoy the silence broken only by the singing of birds. The second garden, called “Les Parterres,” is a riot of flowers and plants, designed to celebrate botanical diversity. The flower beds are meticulously maintained and change with the seasons, offering a variety of colors and scents that delight the senses. Here, you can also find the vineyards, a tribute to the wine-making history of the place, where local wine is still produced today. The third garden, “Les Prairies,” is an open area of wide meadows and tall trees, ideal for picnics, outdoor games, and sports activities. This space is particularly popular with families and groups of friends looking for a place to relax and have fun in the sun. A prominent architectural feature of the Parc de Bercy is the Cinémathèque Française, housed in the building designed by Frank Gehry, which was once the American Center. The Cinémathèque is an important cultural institute that houses one of the largest collections of films and film documents in the world. It regularly organizes exhibitions, screenings, and conferences that attract film enthusiasts from around the world. Another attraction of the park is the Musée des Arts Forains, a museum dedicated to vintage shows and carousels. Located in the old wine warehouses, this museum offers a unique experience with historical carousels, games, and theatrical performances that transport visitors back to the magical atmosphere of past fairs. The park is also a place of public art, with installations such as the 21 sculptures by Rachid Khimoune entitled “The Children of the World,” a work created in 2001 to celebrate children’s rights. These sculptures, arranged along the park’s paths, add a touch of social and artistic reflection to the green space. A distinctive feature of the Parc de Bercy is the Simone de Beauvoir footbridge, which connects the park to the François Mitterrand National Library of France on the other side of the Seine. This pedestrian footbridge is a symbol of connection between the industrial past and the cultural future of the area, allowing visitors to easily move between two important cultural hubs of Paris. The Parc de Bercy is easily accessible by public transport, thanks to the proximity of the Bercy and Cour Saint-Émilion metro stations. Its strategic location makes it an ideal meeting point for Parisians and tourists, who can explore the surrounding neighborhood, rich in restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.