The Place de l’Abbé, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the Bercy Arena all have one thing in common – they are significant landmarks in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, France.
La Place de l’Abbé, also known as the Abbé Pierre Square, is a bustling square located in the heart of the 13th arrondissement. It is named after Abbé Pierre, a French Catholic priest and social activist who dedicated his life to helping the homeless. The square is home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
The Bibliothèque nationale de France, also known as the National Library of France, is located just a few blocks away from La Place de l’Abbé. It is one of the largest libraries in the world, with over 14 million books and documents in its collection. The library was founded in 1368, but it wasn’t until 1994 that it moved to its current location in the 13th arrondissement. The building’s architecture is modern and unique, with four glass towers that rise up from a large rectangular base.
The Bercy Arena, formerly known as the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located on the eastern edge of the 13th arrondissement. It was built in 1984 and has since hosted many major sporting and cultural events, including the French Open tennis tournament and concerts by some of the world’s biggest music stars. The arena can seat up to 20,000 people and has a unique sloping roof that gives it a distinctive appearance.
So, what is the unifying idea that connects these three landmarks? It is the 13th arrondissement of Paris itself. This district has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, with many new buildings and cultural institutions being built. The Place de l’Abbé, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the Bercy Arena are all symbols of this transformation, representing the district’s past, present, and future.
As the 13th arrondissement continues to evolve, it remains a vibrant and exciting part of Paris, with plenty to see and do for both locals and visitors. So whether you’re looking to explore the historic Place de l’Abbé, immerse yourself in the vast collection of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, or catch a show at the Bercy Arena, the 13th arrondissement of Paris is the place to be.
Sources:
– “Place de l’Abbé-Pierre – Paris tourist office.” Paris tourist office – Official website. Accessed June 17, 2021. https://en.parisinfo.com/transport/73172/Place-de-l-Abbe-Pierre.
– “Bibliothèque nationale de France.” Bibliothèque nationale de France. Accessed June 17, 2021. https://www.bnf.fr/en/bnf.
– “AccorHotels Arena – Concerts – Sports – Spectacles.” AccorHotels Arena. Accessed June 17, 2021. https://www.accorhotelsarena.com/en.