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Your Complete VivaTech Guide to Paris

Posted at: 05.09.2024in category:Practical Guides
Visiting Paris during your trip to VivaTech? We’ve got the ultimate guide of where to eat, what to do, and what to see in the area around the Paris Porte de Versailles Expo Center.

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In one week, tens of thousands of visitors will convene in Paris for the eighth edition of VivaTech. Whether you’re a hardcore Paris lover or this is your first time visiting the city of lights, we’ve gathered all the best places surrounding VivaTech for you to explore, in partnership with Paris Je t’aime, Paris’s tourism office.

le-perchoir-porte-de-versailles-2023.jpg Le Perchoir rooftop restaurant. Photo credit: Sortiraparis

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry

Paris has a rich culture of gastronomy, so it’s not hard to find great restaurants if you know where to look. Discover our selection of the top restaurants and bars within 20 minutes of VivaTech.

  1. Le Perchoir Porte de Versailles - Bar and restaurant nestled on the terrace of the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in the largest urban rooftop farm in the world. 2 Av. de la Porte de la Plaine, 75015
  2. Skybar rooftop of Pullman Montparnasse - Rooftop bar located on the 32nd floor of the Pullman Montparnasse Hotel offering an exceptional view of Paris. 19 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte, 75014
  3. La Bonne Table, Kraft Hotel - Restaurant serving French cuisine that blends the good, the beautiful, the authentic, and the traditional, evoking comforting moments, all in a vibrant setting. 37 Rue du Hameau, 75015
  4. Villa M - Restaurant offering sunny Mediterranean cuisine. Its bar offers a selection of classic cocktails. 24-30 Bd Pasteur, 75015
  5. Mama Shelter Paris West - Designer and contemporary 3* hotel with two restaurants and a breathtaking view of Greater Paris from the rooftop. 20 Av. de la Prte de la Plaine, 75015
  6. Drawing House - Restaurant where culinary art can be enjoyed all day long. From breakfast and Sunday brunch to tea time in the late afternoon. And at the start of the evening, head to the Lounge bar, to test their cocktail creations. 21 Rue Vercingétorix, 75014
  7. Prescription Cocktail Club - Bar with soft lighting, decorated like the 1930s with bowler hats as lighting fixtures, serving house cocktails. 23 Rue Mazarine, 75006

maison-de-la-culture-du-japon.jpg Japanese Art expo at Maison de la Culture du Japon. Photo credit: Sortiraparis

Get Your Dose of Culture

Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur, there are some hidden cultural places in the French capital. Learn about Paris’s underground history or dive into the works of past French artists.

  1. Maison de la Culture du Japon - This year’s VivaTech Country of the Year is Japan, so we invite visitors to continue their Japanese exploration at a space dedicated to the culture in the heart of Paris! Explore Japanese exhibitions, films, workshops, and even learn Japanese in this unique cultural spot. 101 bis quai Branly, 75015
  2. Musée Bourdelle - The Bourdelle Museum is installed in the apartments, workshops, and gardens where Antoine Bourdelle lived and worked for 45 years starting in 1885. The sculptor’s work is displayed throughout the building and gardens. 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015
  3. The Paris Catacombs - A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the largest underground ossuary in the world, the Catacombs of Paris. This underground route measures 1,500 meters long and 20 meters deep and will take you through an eerie yet historical ride of the underside of Paris. (Pro tip - buy your tickets in advance to make sure you can enter the day of). 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
  4. Maison de Balzac - La Maison de Balzac houses a museum dedicated to Honoré de Balzac, a French writer, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. First designed as a place of pilgrimage, the museum displays original and illustrated editions of the author’s works, portraits of Balzac, and painted and drawn works illustrating his novels. 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016
  5. SPOT24 - The 2024 Olympics are around the corner! Check out this immersive exhibition on Olympic Sports which presents the six new Olympic disciplines: BMX freestyle, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, 3x3 basketball, and breaking. 101 Quai Jacques Chiras, 75015

petite-ceinture.jpeg La Petite Ceinture in the 15th arrondissement. Photo credit: Paris Secret

Take a Walk

Even though we’re sure you’ll get your steps in during the four days of VivaTech, it’s important to get some vitamin D and take in the greener parts of Paris. Take a troll in one of these parks within walking distance of VivaTech.

  1. André-Citroën Park - This park is located on the former site of Citroën Paris factory. Inaugurated in 1992, with an area of 14 hectares, it is one of the most recent parks in the capital. This futuristic work, created by renowned landscapers and architects, offers a beautiful perspective on the Seine and is the only Parisian green space open directly to the river. 2 Rue Cauchy, 75015
  2. Georges Brassens Park - This park in the 15th arrondissement of Paris was opened in 1985. It covers an area of 8.7 hectares on sloping land which housed the Périchaux vineyard in the 18th century. The park’s alleys, which bear the names of some of George Brassen's songs, recall the French singer-songwriter’s memory. 2 Pl. Jacques Marette, 75015
  3. Petite Ceinture du 15e - The Petite Ceinture was a railroad that surrounded Paris in the 1800s. Since 2006, the city of Paris and the SNCF have committed to gradually rehabilitating the Petite Ceinture and opening its spaces to walking. Its route has become an ecological corridor, full of wild vegetation where animal species have been able to develop. This stretch of the “little belt” links both the Georges Brassens and André-Citröen Parks. From 101 rue Olivier-de-Serres to place Balard. Other access points: 397ter-399 rue de Vaugirard, opposite 82 rue Desnouettes, place R.Guillemard
  4. Ferme Nature Urbaine - Not exactly a park, Nature Urbaine is a market garden on the rooftop of Viparis. The farm produces 200 kg of quality fruits and vegetables per day, in a short circuit with local and environmentally friendly agriculture. A total of 14,000m² are designed to offer tasty products. Visits and workshops are available from April to September. 2 Av. de la Porte de la Plaine, 75015

Explore The French Capital

There is so much to do and see in Paris, we hope you enjoy the city as much as we do while you’re here! To explore even more, check out the Myparisjetaime webapp which will give you the best selection of things to do and see based on your location. Events, interactive maps, practical information, itineraries, wifi spots, emergency numbers, and real-time news in Paris... it’s all here!

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