Paris 12th

Paris's 12th arrondissement, bordering the Bois de Vincennes, offers a greener setting than the city centre. Lake Daumesnil, where you can hire a rowing boat, is one of the area's popular activities, along with walks through the Bois de Vincennes woodland. Bercy Village, with its terraces set within former wine warehouses, is also a favoured spot for relaxing. For dining, the Vietnamese restaurant Com is recommended for offering good value, while the Léonie bakery stands out for the quality of its products. Well served by Gare de Lyon and the metro, the 12th arrondissement makes it easy to reach Paris's major landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, as well as museums such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Petit Palais and the Natural History Museum. The arrondissement itself remains largely residential and family-friendly, with a quieter pace than the central tourist districts, while still providing direct access to the capital's key attractions.