About Paris Bercy Station
Bercy isn't one of Paris's grand and atmospheric rail stations the way, for instance, the Gare du Nord is. Officially known as the Gare de Paris-Bercy-Bourgogne-Pays d'Auvergne, the station isn't likely to win any beauty awards. Built in 1977 to help deal with straining capacity at the nearby Gare du Lyon, Paris Bercy is very much a means to an end rather than an end in and of itself.
One interesting feature of Paris Bercy, though, is that it specializes in auto trains. These are trains where passengers can load their cars onto a train for long-distance transport. These auto trains run to other cities throughout France, such as Biarritz, Leon, Nice, Marseilles, and Toulouse. Bercy also provides intercity passenger trains to Lyon and other destinations in central France.
Bercy Station functions as a transportation hub for its neighborhood. And while Bercy may be a little outside the more touristy parts of Paris, that's part of its appeal. Visiting Bercy gives you a glimpse into the lives of real Parisians, away from the hustle and bustle of the famous attractions. Of course, thanks to Paris' excellent public transport network, you never have far to go to find something fascinating.
Things to do near Paris Bercy Station
Bercy lets you see a different side of Paris. Step out of the station, and you'll find yourself in a true Paris neighborhood with plenty to see and do. From wine bars to movie theaters to parks, there is no shortage of things to see in this underrated neighborhood.
- Journey into French film at the Cinematheque Francaise. The striking Frank Gehry-designed building houses one of the world's largest archives of film and film-related materials. There are daily screenings of both French and international films to enjoy at this Mecca for cinephiles.
- Explore the history of fun at the Musee des Arts Forains. This quirky museum is dedicated to the history of fairgrounds, and its unique collection tells the story of amusement that goes back over a century. Even in a city of museums like Paris, this one stands out.
- Shop and eat at a unique village within the city at Bercy Village. The stone buildings of this district were once the warehouses that formed the world's biggest wine market. Now, these charming buildings have been converted into stores and restaurants that make the perfect place to do some shopping.
- Marvel at the natural world at the National Museum of Natural History. This stunning collection houses plant and animal specimens from around the world, and makes the perfect place to spend a rainy day in the city.
- Stretch your legs at the Bois de Vincennes. The largest public park in the city, this sprawling natural area contains a palace, a zoo, four lakes, and a horse racing track. You could spend days in this park and not see everything it has to offer.
Transit options at Paris Bercy Station
- Bercy Station can be reached by train from Lyon, along with many other cities throughout France. The station is around a 15 minute walk from the larger Gare du Lyon.
- Metro lines M 14 and M6 stop at Bercy Metro stop, which is a short walk from the train station.
- Ouibus international buses stop at Bercy station, traveling to destinations such as London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Luggage storage near Paris Bercy Station
Although it has a lot to offer visitors, Bercy is not a neighborhood set up for mass tourism in the way the center of Paris is. To fit in with the locals, you'll want to get rid of any heavy bags so you can travel light. Bounce can help by providing a place to store your bags near Paris Bercy. No matter how many bags you have or how heavy they are, you'll be able to find a Bounce location that can store them until you're ready to pick them up.
Activities and attractions near Paris Bercy Station
- Le Train Bleu: Of course, Paris is known for its restaurants. And you can find one of the more unusual dining establishments at the nearby Gare du Lyon train station. Le Train Bleu was once the grand buffet of the station back in the early 1900s. This is no ordinary train station café. The gorgeous dining room has played host to the likes of Salvador Dali and Coco Chanel, and stepping inside is like taking a trip back in time to the golden age of railway travel. Reservations are accepted but are not always required, so you can try your luck at this Paris institution. Make sure to leave any heavy bags behind at a Paris Bercy luggage storage shop before you go.
- Catacombs: Hidden beneath the streets of Paris, a nearly endless network of tunnels houses the bones of millions of former residents. The Paris catacombs are one of the city's top attractions, and can be easily reached by Metro from Paris Bercy station. Take a tour of this creepy attraction and admire the artful way the many skeletons have been stacked in the dark tunnels. It's a unique and quintessentially Parisian place to visit. But it is not a place for large bags, so drop those off at a luggage storage service in Paris before you go.
- Montmartre: Check out another of Paris's unique neighborhoods in Montmartre. Located on the highest hill in the city, this quirky neighborhood has been a home for artists and other Bohemian types for a century. Home to some of Paris's legendary cabarets, it's still a fascinating neighborhood to visit. And that's to say nothing of the views it offers over the city.