Le Viaduc des Arts definitely gets 5 stars from me, as these are my old Parisian stomping grounds…read more My flat was on avenue Daumesnil, right along the viaduct.
The viaduct was built in 1859 and was a rail line that started at the Place de la Bastille. In the early 90s, it was converted to a promenade on top and the vaults below were made into individual stores.
Within its 64 arches are numerous interesting shops, art galleries, restaurants, and craft boutiques. These are not chain stores, but little shops featuring unique works from craftsmen working with all sorts of media: wood, glass, leather, metal, paint, fabric, etc. You can find all sorts of high quality and unusual works here every day.
A huge plus is that the entire Viaduc des Arts is open on Sundays. With the exception of the Marais, the Jewish district, almost everything is closed in Paris on Sundays, so it is very nice to have an entire promenade in which to stroll, shop, and have a bite to eat.