Paris in 20 Walks: A Walking Guide to the 12th arrondissement

The 12th arrondissement of Paris is referred to as le douzième ("the twelfth") or Reuilly. Situated on the right bank of the River Seine, it is the easternmost arrondissement of Paris, as well as the most expansive in terms of area covered. The 12th arrondissement comprises the Gare de Lyon and it borders the inner suburbs of Charenton-le-Pont and Saint-Mandé in Val-de-Marne.

Some of the oldest traces of human occupation of the territory now occupied by Paris were found in the 12th arrondissement. During the construction of Bercy Village in the 1980s, vestiges of a Neolithic village were discovered (dating from between 4500 and 3800 BC). Subsequent excavations turned up wooden canoes (les pirogues de Bercy), bows and arrows, pottery and bone and stone tools.

Although not as well known as some of the other arrondissements of Paris, the 12th arrondissement is well worth visiting, to experience its vast green spaces, artisan quarters and cultural and heritage sites.

Its green space includes the attractive Parc de Bercy (including Parc de Floral) and the Bois de Vincennes, which at 995 hectares forms part of what is known as the 'lungs of Paris'. Visitors can also explore the remains of a disused railway line, the Petite Centiture, and stroll along the 4.5km coulee vert Renee Dumont, an elevated green pathway, which follows the route of a Second Empire railway line.

As part of its broad appeal, the 12th arrondissement is known as Paris's heritage craft district and is home to artisan makers in the quarters around rue du Faubourg Saint-Antonine (bordering the 11th arrondissement), the Viaduct des Arts (the former Paris viaduct), and the Bercy Village, which is located in the storehouses of what was once the largest wine market in the world.

Other cultural venues include Musee des Arts Forains (the fairground museum), the Opera Bastille (the Bastille Opera House) and the Cinametheque Francaise.