In a metropolis that appears to be globalizing at breakneck pace, the Viaduc des Arts is a uniquely Parisian place to go to. Positioned within the Bastille district of the twelfth arrondissement, it’s a wonderful instance of city redevelopment and a profitable transformation of an previous infrastructure right into a cultural landmark.
A Little bit of Historical past
The Viaduc des Arts was initially a part of the Vincennes railway line that ran from the practice station on the Place de la Bastille to the japanese suburbs of Paris previous the Bois de Vincennes. Nevertheless, as visitors on the road diminished, the railway grew to become out of date and was decommissioned within the Sixties.
Following the closure of the railway, the viaduct and surrounding areas fell into disuse and decay. Within the Eighties, the Metropolis of Paris determined to repurpose the house as an alternative of demolishing the construction (though the practice station needed to go to make means for the Bastille Opéra, opened in 1989 for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution).
The previous railway viaduct, nonetheless, grew to become the middle of two main initiatives: the Viaduc des Arts and the Promenade Plantée. Architect Philippe Mathieux and panorama architect Jacques Vergely had been instrumental within the transformation of the viaduct into an elevated park and, beneath it, a row of studios, galleries, and boutiques. The undertaking was accomplished in 1994.
The Viaduc des Arts
As we speak the Viaduc des Arts is a 1.5-kilometer stretch housing artisan workshops, boutiques, and galleries beneath the 71 arches of the previous railway line. Consistent with the historic legacy of the artisans from the close by Faubourg Saint-Antoine, it has develop into a spot to showcase Parisian arts and crafts, internet hosting numerous trades corresponding to weavers, instrument makers, tapestry restorers, gilders, woodworkers, and furnishings designers.
It’s laborious to overstate how uncommon it’s for locations like this to keep away from turning into nothing however fairly settings for a similar luxurious retail and chain retailers seen all over the place else all over the world. It doesn’t harm that the Mairie de Paris (Metropolis Corridor) manages the property, so that they have an curiosity in conserving artisans entrance and middle. The retailers on the Viaduc des Arts are about celebrating the artwork of constructing issues by hand, preserving conventional craft methods, and providing one-of-a-kind, high-quality merchandise. It’s an thrilling place for many who respect artwork, craftsmanship, and creativity.
The workshops all have massive home windows overlooking the sidewalk, permitting passers-by to look at artisans at work (which is good in the event you’re too shy to step inside). Right here’s an thought of what you’ll discover on the Viaduc des Arts:
Artisanal Workshops
There are various artisanal workshops that includes specialists in every little thing from musical devices, leather-based crafting, and stained-glass restoration to ceramicists, metallic smiths, and woodworking furnishings makers. Have an previous portray desperately in want of some TLC? The Atelier du Temps Passé has been one of many main artwork restorers for the previous 30 years.
There are a number of jewellery designers together with the Parisian workshop of Cécile et Jeanne , the Corridor Couture incubator for up-and-coming style designers, and the Mahlia Kent boutique of luxurious materials is value a go to in the event you’re gifted with a stitching machine your self.
Foods and drinks artisans have joined the Viaduc des Arts lately, with Confiture Parisienne (jam-making), Distillerie du Viaduc (gin distillery), and a chocolate idea retailer, Atelier C. It’s additionally dwelling to Les Vignerons Parisiens (wine making).
In one other nod to fashionable artisans, you’ll additionally discover Bicloun, which has been restoring and promoting bicycles (and spare elements) since 1982. Many of those supply hands-on workshops for most people fascinated by studying or perfecting new abilities, together with We Can Doo and Paris-Ateliers.
Artwork Galleries
There are a number of artwork galleries showcasing a wide range of artwork types, together with portray, sculpture, and blended media works. These galleries usually host exhibitions, generally that includes the work of the artisans who’ve their workshops within the Viaduc.
Design Studios
Seeking to spruce up your Parisian house? A number of design studios may be discovered right here, the place you possibly can see a variety of dwelling decor gadgets, furnishings, and different design items. In fact, that is the place to go in the event you want one thing custom-made only for you, corresponding to brass wall sconces from Mydriaz or Série Uncommon on your treasured pied-à-terre. These studios sometimes show a mix of recent design amongst extra conventional craftsmanship, corresponding to Rinck, which was in a tiny passage within the Faubourg Saint-Antoine because the 1840s earlier than relocating right here.
Vital Sensible Data
It’s essential to recollect the Viaduc des Arts isn’t a retail middle. Artisans hold their very own hours which implies they could be open weekdays solely, closes for lunch, or open by appointment solely. As we’re going into the summer time holidays quickly, they’ll in all probability be taking much-needed holidays like the remainder of the Parisians! So in the event you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on a number of of the workshops, it might assist to verify the official web site and name upfront to ensure they’re open earlier than crossing city.
Consuming and Ingesting on the Viaduc des Arts
Along with the workshops, galleries, and studios, there are a number of massive brasseries the place you possibly can cease to eat or seize a espresso any time of the day. All of them have spacious interiors in addition to massive summer time terraces, which implies there’s at all times a free desk although they’re packed at lunch and for Completely satisfied Hour when all the workplace staff and locals meet up. Viaduc Café is fairly commonplace French brasserie. Gamelle is a Spanish tapas model open the most recent (till 2am), and has foosball tables and mini-bowling. L’Arrosoir has essentially the most attention-grabbing menu (particularly in the event you’re a vegan), however I don’t assume anybody involves any of those eating places particularly for the meals, so hold your expectations moderated and benefit from the environment. 😉
In case you’re a foodie searching for extra intimate bistros and gourmand eating experiences, there are loads on the facet streets between the Viaduc des Arts and the Place d’Aligre (dwelling to one of many metropolis’s greatest meals markets). Try David Lebovitz’s and Paris By Mouth’s listings for some dependable suggestions.
Bonus: The Promenade Plantée
When you’re there, don’t miss an opportunity to walk alongside the Promenade Plantée, the inexperienced walkway above the Viaduc des Arts that permits you to escape town noise and acquire a brand new perspective. Learn extra…
