12ème Arrondissement - Reuilly Property Insight

Palais Sports Paris-Bercy

South-east of Paris, the 12ème arrondissement is the first district of the Seine river bank if following its course. Its neighbours are the 4th, 11th, 20th and the 13th on the opposite side of the Seine. It also includes the Bois de Vincennes (woodwind section), the biggest green area of the capital.

Its name Reuilly comes from a market town which had developed around a royal residence of King Dagobert. It is characterized by its diversity of atmospheres. As for architecture, it abounds with Renaissance constructions worth to see. The ambience can indeed vary from a street to another and different types of people are to be met. Off the main Paris tourist circuit, it nestles plenty of interesting curiosities to discover.

It is one of the largest districts and benefits from diverse geographical and logistical assets. It has numerous green areas and the famous Vincennes woodwind section is just within a stone’s throw. Besides, it has a good transport service, the Lyon station is nearby and the Orly airport is at just about an hour.

All arrondissements in Paris are divided into four quarters; as follows are the quarters of the 12th arrondissement.

• Quartier de Picpus: a quarter of ancient famous places. Rue de Reuilly used to stand an ice-cream manufacture and the Brasserie Santerre was in the faubourg Saint-Antoine. The Picpus convent was the mandatory thoroughfare of Catholic ambassadors before entering in Paris. The closed Cemetery of the Oratoire is also to mention.
• Quartier du Bel-Air: this is one of the most popular quarter of Paris. It has all the advantages of the bustling capital but quite residential, its lifestyle is more peaceful. Besides, it nestles the Palais de la Porte Dorée.
• Quartier de Bercy: it used to be the favored quarter of the off-license business. Today it is mostly known for its indoor sport arena, the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy (often named simply POPB). This huge stadium welcomes various sport championships as well as many concerts of worldwide famous stars. It is also home of the Ministry of Economy and Finances headquarters.
• Quartier des Quinze-Vingts: this is an administrative quarter, housing notably two big hospitals, Trousseau and Saint-Antoine. The Lyon station is also part of it. This latter nestles an ancient monument, the Train Bleu. It is one of the most somptuous restaurants in a Second Empire style. This mythic restaurant was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900 and welcomed numerous regular French personalities and its baroque decor has been the scenery of several movies.

Click here for more info about the Architecture of Paris Ile de France.

Arrondissement 12 - Reuilly Immobilier & Property Market Trends

While Paris as a whole has recorded a slight drop for a few months and despite a fall in sales, property prices in Reuilly have remained relatively stable. Even if some prices seem exorbitant, with an average buying price of €5,920 /sq m the 12th arrondissement is very attractive compared to the capital average (€7,024 /sq m).

Reuilly is a residential and quiet district known for its diversity. And it applies to the real estate too. There you can find Haussmann buildings as well as working-class houses, ancient properties next to modern ones but also converted workshops. Refined façades are to be found notably in the Ledru-Rollin and faubourg Saint-Antoine. The inhabitants are both bohemian people and bourgeois families.

Property prices also vary according to the quarter. The most expensive is the “gold triangle” around the Lyon station with beautiful Haussmann buildings. Other expensive areas are the square Trousseau and the place du colonel Bourgoin. The most affordable quarter is the Picpus one.

This peaceful arrondissement is like a breath of fresh air in a much urbanized area. It therefore attracts lots of people wanting to live the bustle of Paris in a quiet dwelling place. Besides, the high storeys of apartments often offer nice views on Paris. The average renting price of €23.32 /sq m /month (which is almost twice than the national average) represents good opportunities in terms of buy-to-let investment.

To get updated info about the property prices in Paris, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

Characteristics of the 12ème Arrondissement - Reuilly

• Opéra Bastille: along with the Opéra Garnier, it constitutes the National Opera of Paris. Designed by Carlos Ott, this great modern theatre has transparent façades and the same materials are used for both the exterior and the interior. It astonishes by its integrated scenery and accessory workshops as well as its unique and luxurious elegance. It welcomes worldwide impressive shows which let you struck by amazement.

• Promenade plantée: this “planted promenade” laid out on a former railway track crosses the arrondissement in its lenght (4.5 sq m). It begins behind the Opéra Bastille, goes through gardens, shopping areas and tunnels before ending at the Bois de Vincennes, a woodwind section. It brings a real breath of pure air while offering lovely vistas of the capital.

• Viaduc des arts: situated along the promenade plantée, this restored 19th century viaduct has been turned into a stronghold of arts and crafts. It houses cabinetmakers, fashion designers, and musical-instrument makers among others. It is becoming a prestigious showcase of the French arts and crafts successfully promoting ancestral technique as well as contemporary creation.

• Palais de la Porte Dorée: after being the home of several museums, it is today dedicated to the Cité nationale de l’histoire de l’immigration. Its façade has a beautiful bas-relief representing notably ports of Asia, Africa and Oceania. Inside in the main room a huge 600 sq m fresco painted by former Ecole des Beaux-Arts students is to be admired. It also nestles a tropical aquarium.