Viaduc des Arts – A Place For Artisans In The 12th Arrondissement
There's a secret Paris address you'll want to add to your itinerary when you need a break from the obvious shopping areas like Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Honoré. Take a detour to an artisan's mecca that once was part of an urban train line. Here you will discover a unique shopping experience — tapestries, furnishings, lighting specialists, artisan jewelers, chocolatiers, and even glassblowers fill the Viaduc des Arts workshops, retail spaces, and showrooms.
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History of Viaduc des Arts
Shopping along the viaduct, photo Viaduc des Arts
Built in the 1859, the Viaduc was once a vital inner-city train line in the 12th Arrondissement of Paris. (The arches of the viaduct supported the train tracks above.) A century later the railway was replaced by an underground train line. For years afterwards the arches languished until the City of Paris gave the green light to restore the property. At the same time a tree-lined walkway, the Promenade Plantée, was constructed on the overhead tracks.
Today, the kilometre-long stretch of ateliers, shops, and cafes attracts locals as well as an international set. The selection of shopsat Viaduc des Arts tends to change, but here are a couple of longterm ateliers.
Viaduc des Arts Ateliers
Maison Fey
Established in 1910, Maison Fey specializes in leather-covered, stamped and embossed books, frames and furnishings. When you enter the shop, you will be amazed at the variety of calfskin, goat, and ostrich skins in every shade hanging from the ceiling. Against a wall is a row of wooden-handled implements used to emboss decorative gold or silver designs on leathers, one of the house's most popular items. They also fix old leather boxes and reupholster leather furniture.
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A Classic Seine Dinner Cruise
A dinner cruise is one of the classic evenings in Paris. This 2.5-hour cruise serves classic French cuisine aboard an all-glass boat as the landmarks of central Paris come into view: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.
Handmade Fabrics at Malhia Kent
Malhia Kent overflows with gorgeous fabrics woven on site and in full view — available as sweaters, scarves, coat and shawls. Buy one of their reasonably priced pieces and come away with a hand-decorated Malhia bag.
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Rinck
Does your castle need a renovation? Whenever ours does we head to Rinck, founded in 1841, which specializes in the art of French savoir faire. The design company revitalizes offices, private residences, luxury brands, mansions, and palaces. Visit their site to get them started on your château. (Be sure to build a spacious guest room. Hint.)
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The Essential Versailles Day Trip
Versailles is unforgettable, but the crowds can slow the visit to a crawl. A guided tour keeps the day moving with easier entry, the palace highlights explained, time in the gardens, and maybe even a stop at Marie Antoinette's estate.
Rairies Montrieux, Terracotta Tiles
Rairies Montrieux produces terracotta tilesas well as reproductions of old and contemporary tiles. Their tiles are made of 100% natural clay and are perfect for walls, floors, and gardens.
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Dining at Le Viaduct
There are several dining options along Le Viaduct. Jamon Jamon restaurant & delicatessen features Spanish cuisine; Le Viaduc Cafe has sidewalk tables and jazz brunches on Sundays.
• Le Viaduc Cafe Website…
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Every Paris neighborhood has its own character, from the cafés of Saint-Germain to the village streets of Montmartre. Compare highly rated 4- and 5-star hotels across the city's best areas and book the location that's right for your visit.
Le Viaduc des Arts Resources
- Along Avenue Daumesnil, starting at Rue de Lyon
- 12th Arrondissement
- Hours vary from shop to shop
- Metro – Ledru-Rollin, Line 8; Gare de Lyon, Lines 1 & 14
- Viaduc des Arts Website…
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