Destination Gare de Lyon: 6 Spots to (Re)Discover the Best of the Neighborhood

Equidistant from Gare de Lyon, the Arsenal Basin, and the banks of the Seine, this Holiday Inn hotel couldn't be better located in the neighborhood. As soon as you step off the train, you'll be back in your comfort zone in just five minutes flat, without having to touch the subway. Just down the street, the July Column in Place de la Bastille awaits on one side (with all its lively bars and restaurants), while on the other, you only have to cross the Seine to relax in the Jardin des Plantes. Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon – Bastille offers contemporary rooms and suites, ideal for business and leisure travel. The hotel’s Open Lobby concept provides a lobby, restaurant, lounge and area for working in an open lively space, inspiring you to relax, connect and create memories.

Hidden since 2014 under the impressive arcades of Avenue Daumesnil, just 300 meters from Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon – Bastille, the Pop-Up du Label energetically combines music and cuisine. For concerts, there's something for every taste: the underground venue hosts jazz nights on Tuesdays, as well as rock, hip-hop, or electro the rest of the week with expert DJs. For dining, head upstairs. Whether you're slightly hungry or ravenous, you can devour simple and refined dishes prepared by the chef of the day. To accompany the food and music, the Pop-Up du Label also offers a nice selection of natural wines and craft beers.

Somewhere between the Faubourg Saint-Antoine and Gare de Lyon, the Marché d'Aligre, one of the oldest in Paris, still exudes the joyful atmosphere of popular markets. Once called the "second belly of Paris," in competition with Les Halles, people come here to shop in a picturesque and cost-effective environment. In the Beauveau market hall, fishmongers, butchers, and grocers remain open all day; don't miss the essential butcher-restaurant Les Provinces. The adjoining shops and lively bars contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of the neighborhood, creating that special village spirit.

Whether to start a date or wait before catching a train, the 1913 is a truly timeless decompression chamber. On the ground floor of Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon – Bastille, a stone's throw from the bustling station, you'll find yourself shielded from prying eyes in a bright and airy Art Deco setting. In the evening, it's the perfect place to have a first (or last!) cocktail or glass of wine, accompanied by a well-thought-out snack, and at a very reasonable price (platters, spreads, vintage sardines...). Don't hesitate to venture in.

In the 12th arrondissement for four years now, Ground Control has quickly become the locals' headquarters - and Parisians are willing to cross the entire city to gather here. Set in a former 6000m2 SNCF hall, the spot has plenty of options. People come here to have drinks, grab a bite, or participate in a myriad of activities. From Wednesday to Sunday, you can take yoga, pilates, reiki, reflexology, or meditation classes before checking out the art gallery or attending a concert. A true city within the city.

This magnificent collection of early 20th-century fairground attractions is certainly the most magical museum in Paris. Among the three halls, the Music Hall stands out with Jacques Rémus's ringing and illuminating sculpture, accompanied by a 1934 Mortier organ and a modern grand piano playing 'The Crime of the Orient Express.' In the Venice Hall, you can ride one of the carousel gondolas, while in the Fairground Arts Hall, you can play "The Waiters' Race," a game where the goal is to throw balls to make mustached waiters run. During the holidays, don't miss the Festival of Wonders at the museum: it's simply magical!