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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of the twelfth arrondissement, it’s a wonderful instance of city redevelopment and a profitable transformation of an outdated infrastructure right into a cultural landmark.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 prepare station on the Place de la Bastille to the jap suburbs of Paris previous the Bois de Vincennes. Nevertheless, as site visitors on the road diminished, the railway turned out of date and was decommissioned within the Sixties.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 Nineteen Eighties, the Metropolis of Paris determined to repurpose the house as a substitute of demolishing the construction (though the prepare station needed to go to make approach for the Bastille Opéra, opened in 1989 for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution).
The outdated railway viaduct, nevertheless, turned the middle of two main initiatives: the Viaduc des Arts and the Promenade Plantée.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
Immediately 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 grow to be a spot to showcase Parisian arts and crafts, internet hosting numerous trades akin to weavers, instrument makers, tapestry restorers, gilders, woodworkers, and furnishings designers.
It’s arduous 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 outlets seen in every single place else around the globe. It doesn’t damage that the Mairie de Paris (Metropolis Corridor) manages the property, so that they have an curiosity in protecting artisans entrance and middle. The outlets on the Viaduc des Arts are about celebrating the artwork of creating issues by hand, preserving conventional craft strategies, and providing one-of-a-kind, high-quality merchandise. It’s an thrilling place for many who admire artwork, craftsmanship, and creativity.
The workshops all have giant home windows overlooking the sidewalk, permitting passers-by to watch artisans at work (which is good when 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 a lot of artisanal workshops that includes specialists in all the things from musical devices, leather-based crafting, and stained-glass restoration to ceramicists, steel smiths, and woodworking furnishings makers. Have an outdated 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 vogue designers, and the Mahlia Kent boutique of luxurious materials is value a go to when you’re proficient with a stitching machine your self.
Foods and drinks artisans have joined the Viaduc des Arts in recent times, with Confiture Parisienne (jam-making), Distillerie du Viaduc (gin distillery), and a chocolate idea retailer, Atelier C. It’s additionally house 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 provide hands-on workshops for most of the people desirous about studying or perfecting new expertise, together with We Can Doo and Paris-Ateliers.
Artwork Galleries
There are a number of artwork galleries showcasing a wide range of artwork kinds, together with portray, sculpture, and combined media works. These galleries typically 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 condominium? A number of design studios might be discovered right here, the place you possibly can see a variety of house decor gadgets, furnishings, and different design items. After all, that is the place to go when you want one thing custom-made only for you, akin to brass wall sconces from Mydriaz or Série Uncommon to your treasured pied-à-terre. These studios sometimes show a mix of contemporary design amongst extra conventional craftsmanship, akin to Rinck, which was in a tiny passage within the Faubourg Saint-Antoine for the reason that 1840s earlier than relocating right here.
Vital Sensible Data
It’s vital to recollect the Viaduc des Arts isn’t a retail middle. Artisans preserve their very own hours which implies they may be open weekdays solely, closes for lunch, or open by appointment solely. As we’re going into the summer season holidays quickly, they’ll in all probability be taking much-needed holidays like the remainder of the Parisians! So when you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on a number of of the workshops, it could assist to verify the official web site and name prematurely 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 just a few giant 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 giant summer season terraces, which implies there’s at all times a free desk although they’re packed at lunch and for Blissful Hour when all the workplace employees and locals meet up. Viaduc Café is fairly normal French brasserie. Gamelle is a Spanish tapas type open the most recent (till 2am), and has foosball tables and mini-bowling. L’Arrosoir has probably the most attention-grabbing menu (particularly when you’re a vegan), however I don’t assume anybody involves any of those eating places particularly for the meals, so preserve your expectations moderated and benefit from the environment. 😉
Should you’re a foodie in search of extra intimate bistros and gourmand eating experiences, there are a lot on the aspect streets between the Viaduc des Arts and the Place d’Aligre (house to one of many metropolis’s finest meals markets). Take a look at David Lebovitz’s and Paris By Mouth’s listings for some dependable suggestions.
Bonus: The Promenade Plantée
Whilst you’re there, don’t miss an opportunity to walk alongside the Promenade Plantée, the inexperienced walkway above the Viaduc des Arts that allows you to escape the town noise and achieve a brand new perspective. Learn extra…
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