Opened in 1983, the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy (renamed Accor Arena, but still also known as the Accor Arena Bercy) remains one of the largest multi-purpose venues in Paris.
What happens at Accor Arena?
Looking a little like a grass-draped pyramid planted at the western end of Parc de Bercy along the Seine, the venue hosts a variety of sporting events, from international gymnastics competitions to boxing matches. However, it’s perhaps most famous for welcoming a huge variety of bands and artists from France and around the world, ranging from Elton John to rapper Gazo.
Playing a packed-out show at Bercy is a prestigious achievement for many French artists; with around 20,000 seats it’s one of Europe’s larger stadiums, so filling it is no mean feat. Special mention here goes to French singer Aya Nakamura, who sold out her two Bercy dates in less than 15 minutes during the first half of 2023.
An official venue of the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Accor Arena Bercy will be putting its sizeable capacity to good use during the Paris Summer Games.
What Paris 2024 Olympic events will be hosted at Accor Arena?
The versatility of the Bercy Arena will be put to the test during the Olympic Games, as the venue will host three very different sports: basketball, artistic gymnastics and trampoline.
Dates
The two trampoline competitions will be held on August 2
Gymnastics events will be held from July 27 to August 5
Basketball will be hosted between July 27 and August 10
How to get tickets
If you registered before April 20 on the official ticketing platform and are lucky enough to be selected, you’ll receive an email with your individual ticket purchasing window. Otherwise, tickets to attend events will be available for purchase in late 2023 or early 2024. Be quick during this final phase of ticket sales, as they’ll be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to get to Accor Arena
The Accor Arena is served by Bercy station (metro lines 6 and 14) and Gare de Lyon (RER A, RER D, Train R, line 1).
What to do around the area
The far-eastern side of Paris was once overlooked, but not any more. Since the arrival of startups at Station F (self-proclaimed as the “world’s largest startup campus”), Bercy has gained popularity, and those investing in the area are going all-out. There are new hotels towering in massive skyscrapers, there are hip, large-scale gathering places (Ground Control) and giant food markets (La Felicità), and there’s a place you can head for a drink that also boasts a breath-taking view of the entire city: TacTac Skybar on the 27th floor of the TOO Hotel.
If you’re looking to party until the small hours, head underground – right inside the Accor Arena, in fact, where massive electro club Phantom will keep you dancing. Despite its urban vibe, the neighbourhood is conveniently located near two large, green spaces, which are among the most pleasant in the capital. To the west is the Jardin des Plantes with its zoo and neatly arranged greenhouses. To the east is the wilder Bois de Vincennes, with its 995 hectares of forest, lake and walking paths.
In terms of culture, the Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) is just a stone’s throw from Bercy and is one of the most magical places in the city. Nearby, the Cinémathèque Française organises regular screenings and exhibitions.