Housed within Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (an exhibition and convention centre), the South Paris Arena will host the Olympic handball, volleyball, and weightlifting events, as well as the Paralympic table tennis events at the Paris 2024 Games. Don't hesitate to take a stroll in the surrounding area and explore some of Paris's heritage gems along the way! Begin your walk at metro Balard for a bit of urban exploring before reaching the South Paris Arena.
© David Lefranc
The Parc André Citroën – built in 1992 – is a pleasant place to take a break close to the Seine. It owes its name to the factory of the famous car manufacturer that was once located here. This is one of the few parks to offer such a beautiful view of the river. Made up of themed gardens - the White Garden, the Black Garden … and a park - it features some fine specimen plants, hothouses, fountains, plenty of play areas and a big surprise: the Generali tethered air balloon that takes visitors for a balloon ride 150 metres into the sky! An exciting way to take in the sights and see Paris from a different angle before coming back down to earth and continuing your walk.
© Cirque Bormann
The Bormann circus has been run by the same circus family for 7 generations and is one of the most prestigious in Paris. Juggling**, balancing acts, clowns, trapeze artists and horses... the show is both magical and breathtaking. Enter the authentic Belle Époque big top and take a trip outside time with the impression - for a few hours - of being far from Paris.
© Maryse Bazzoli
As you make your way through the streets of the district, you'll come across several good addresses, including Les Parisettes. This little shop is full of Parisian treasures, most of them by local designers. Stationery, decorative items, little fashion accessories or kitchen accessories... There's a huge choice and the shelves resemble Ali Baba's caves. Perfect for asouvenir for yourself or a gift for someone else!
© Benoit Fougeirol
At the beginning of the 20th century, Montparnasse was the artistic hub of Paris. Many painters, sculptors and writers lived here and would meet on the terraces of fashionable cafés such as La Rotonde, La Coupole or La Closerie des Lilas to exchange different opinions on all kinds of different subjects. One artist in particular has left his mark on the district: Antoine Bourdelle (1861- 1929). The sculptor, whose work includes the decor for the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, lived in a house cum studio, in Impasse du Maine, since renamed Rue Antoine Bourdelle – and today converted into a fascinating museum. Inside, in the artist’s studios, the big hall, the garden …, visitors can admire more than 500 works, in plaster bronze and marble by the artist who also collaborated with Rodin and was the master of Giacometti. The Musée Bourdelle offers plenty to immerse you in the artistic soul of Bourdelle and his era!
On your way, make a little detour to discover Passage Dantzig, the location for La Ruche, a famous artists' residence hosting artists such as Modigliani, Chagall andBrancusi. Closed to the public, it still welcomes artists. A little further on, the Villa Vassilieff - not accessible to the public - housedPicasso, Modigliani, Soutine, Léger and Chagall And the studios in Rue Campagne Première were once home to Kiki de Montparnasse, Man Ray, Aragon, Soutine, Léonard Foujita and Yves Klein!
© Thierry Débonnaire
A little further, on an amazing museum awaits you: the Musée de la Poste ! This space dedicated to the heritage of the postal service is surprising in many ways. Firstly, its facade, designed by the sculptor Robert Juvin and awarded the label ‘Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable’, is a real eye-catcher. Then, inside, the history of the Post Office and French society through the ages is presented. The permanent collection is fascinating, with early maps of post routes, postmen's uniforms, postage stamps, artists' models, and various items of postal art. The museum also programmes temporary exhibitions, workshops and treasure hunts that appeal to children and adults alike. A visit that takes you off the beaten track!
© G.Maroussie
Located on the site of the former vineyards of the village of Vaugirard, subsequently the site of abattoirs, the Parc George Brassens, which opened in 1985, completely changed the appearance of the district. This delightful green space covering almost 9 hectares is a particularly pleasant place to stroll. Laid out on gentle slopes, the park elegantly combines nature and art. It features a river with a little bridge and a belvedere, and fine statues bordering the trees. You can stop here to picnic, watch a puppet show and buy honey produced from the local beehives.
The great antiquarian and second-hand book market is a must for book lovers. It is held every weekend under the covered market hall.
© Studio TTG
A former railway line that ran around Paris, the Petite Ceinture has been partly redeveloped and many sections have been opened for walking. This includes part of the line that used to run through the 15th arrondissement. Often overlooked by tourists and sometimes even by Parisians, this planted path has now been returned to wild vegetation, giving the city a rural feel. Step through one of the entrances and follow the rails as far as you like!
Access to the Petite Ceinture in the 15e arrondissement: via 99 rue Olivier de Serres - accessible to people with reduced mobility; via place Balard - accessible to people with reduced mobility; via 397 ter-399 rue de Vaugirard - accessible to people with reduced mobility; via 82 rue Desnouettes - accessible to people with reduced mobility; via place Robert Guillemard - accessible to people with reduced mobility.
© Jérôme Galland
After the effort, the reward! Long neglected by trendy Parisians, the 15th arrondissement is back on trend, and the Perchoir crew are no exception. After opening several of Paris's most popular bars - le Perchoir Ménilmontant, de la Gare de l’Est, le Pavillon Puebla… - le Perchoir tucked away on the rooftop of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. For this first Left Bank address, the winning recipe hasn't changed: a cutting-edge bar, a gourmet restaurant, well-sourced local produce, a warm atmosphere and ... a view to die for! From this rooftop venue, you'll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole city! Then all you have to do is head downstairs to watch the Olympic events: it's that easy.
