Located in the 12th Arrondissement, the Gare de Lyon (official name Paris-Gare-de-Lyon) is one of six major train stations in the French capital city of Paris. Originally established for the 1900 Exposition Universells, the Gare de Lyon is currently the third busiest train station in France and among the most used stations in all of Europe.
This bustling transport hub serves as a major gateway to the “City of Love,” with trains from all over the country and the continent making a stop at the Gare de Lyon. Some countries accessible from the station via train include Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Apart from being considered one of the loveliest train stations in the world, the Gare de Lyon can also be a great introduction to those entering Paris. The area is surrounded by several points of interest, so why not check them out while here?
Whether you are just coming into the city or are leaving via the station and have a few hours to spare, seeing the neighborhood is a must-do if you can!.
Below are several interesting attractions to spot while enjoying a walk near Gare de Lyon. For a hassle-free stroll, look for Gare de Lyon luggage lockers. Drop off your bags with Bounce luggage storage service. That way, you will not have to carry your heavy items around and can easily access them when you get back.
Learn about the station’s colorful history at Galerie des Fresques
During the 19th century, train travel continued to improve, and the Gare de Lyon expanded along with it as more and more stops were added – from Montereau and Lyon to Marseille and the French Riviera! You can learn about this important development in train travel at the Galerie des Fresques, found within the Gare de Lyon station.
The Galerie des Freques runs between Halls 1 and 2 and boasts a 300-foot mural where you can get a visual depiction of the rich history of travel. Don’t miss it – the mural shows significant information such as the destinations that can be accessed by train, each of which is wonderfully depicted according to their most distinct characteristics.
Appreciate the beauty of Coulée Verte
Also known as the Promenade Plantee, the Coulee Verte is a serene park that is located just a few minutes away from the Gare de Lyon. Established in 1988, the Coulee Verte stands on a former railway line that has been turned into a walkway.
Filled with lush greenery, the walkway spans 4.5 kilometers and stands about seven meters above street level, allowing you to get a marvelous view of the city. The Coulee Verte leads to the Bois de Vincennes, which is Paris’ biggest public park.
Go window shopping at Viaduc des Arts
Found along Avenue Daumesnil, just underneath the Coulee Verte, is the Viaduc des Arts, one of the trendiest places in the area. Standing on a former railway track, the site was transformed into a vibrant shopping area filled with local shops, trendy boutiques and fabulous studios.
While strolling along the area, you will likely encounter an array of vendors – from jewelers and craftsmen to artists and chocolatiers. The Viaduc des Arts is the perfect place to do window shopping (or actual shopping). Check out all the nice local products for sale!
Visit the amazing Place de la Bastille
Make your way down Rue de Lyon until you reach the historic Place de la Bastille, which is one of the most important landmarks in Paris and a major part of French history. The Place de la Bastille stands on the very site where the notorious Bastille prison once stood until the French Revolution.
Found in the heart of the site is the Colonne de Juillet, which commemorates the uprising known as “Les Trois Glorieuses,” the three glorious days that led to the renunciation of Charles X. It is also here in the site where the casualties of the uprising are currently buried.
Admire the lovely Seine River
The Seine River is the most famous river in Paris and one of its most recognizable landmarks. It is definitely one of the must-visit attractions during your time in the city. Luckily, the world-renowned river runs near the Gare de Lyon and can easily be reached within 5 minutes of walking.
Travelers tip: Take a walk just before the sun goes down, heading northwest, and be rewarded with a stunning sunset.
Stop and smell the flowers (literally!) at Jardin des Plantes
Once you cross the Seine River at Pont d’Austerlitz or Pont Charles de Gaulle, you will find yourself at the beautiful and tranquil Jardin des Plantes. Located opposite the Gare de Lyon and easily accessible on foot, this 23-hectare botanical garden is one of the most impressive green spaces in all of Paris and shows the significance of preserving the environment.
At the Jardin des Plantes, you can find a broad array of plants and exotic flowers and themed gardens as well as other points of interest, such as walking paths, fountains, statues, a natural history museum, a zoo and so much more. The botanical garden is an excellent place to visit for those who want some quiet time away from the busy city life while learning about one-of-a-kind plants and flowers.
Explore the underrated Parc de Bercy
Take a stroll along Rue de Bercy and the Seine River until you reach the beautiful but underrated Parc de Bercy, Developed in 1994, this welcoming urban oasis sits by the bank of the Seine River, on the site of a former wine warehouse, and covers up to 14 hectares of land. Parc de Bercy is loaded with interesting elements, including picturesque walkways, artworks, water features, a skate park (the second largest one in Paris), vegetable and rose gardens and so much more. All themed gardens are connected via footbridges.
Found within the park is the Musee des Arts Forains, which is a privately-owned museum that houses a wide range of fairground and funfair items and artifacts, such as carousels, swings, and other amusement rides. If you walk toward the end of the park, you will end up at the Bercy Village, which is a lively entertainment district filled with local shops and quaint eateries. Why not take a break here?
