Bercy Village, once described as a "faux French village in the heart of Paris," consists of 19th Century wine warehouses that have been saved from decay by conversion into quaint shops and restaurants. Situated not so far from the village is Palais Omnisports, a modern concert and sports arena, which itself is just a stone's throw away from the centerpiece of French cinematic life – La Cinématèque Française.
These two Parisian institutions are situated adjacent the Parc de Bercy, a series of three separate gardens with landscaped hills, fountains, ponds a small vineyard in the centre. The parks lead the way back into the center of the 12th arrondissement and towards the almost unbearably beautiful Gare de Lyon and its decadent restaurant Le Train Bleu, via les Arcades. The Bois de Vincennes, with its sports venues, zoo and Château is a national treasure.
One of Paris' more secret gardens, the Promenade Plantée is a long, narrow stretch of trees and planted flowers built on what once was a railway track. The park’s archways are home to trendy restaurants, designer's studios, and art galleries in an area known as the Viaduc des Arts'. Nearby, the Opéra Bastille is one of the truly great venues for the performing arts anywhere in the world.
The Bastille area is quite known for its many bars and clubs; among them the Bario Latino, a large Latin music nightclub. Hotels in the area are within easy reach of the rest of Paris’ attractions, and are well-served by public transport.
