The 12th arrondissement is a vast territory stretching from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. Between the Aligre district with its market and lively streets, the Gare de Lyon–Bercy area pulsing with the rhythm of trains, the Coulée Verte threading through the arrondissement along former viaducts, and the more residential Picpus-Nation neighbourhood, there's plenty of room to find your spot. It's an arrondissement that doesn't make a fuss but has everything a nomadic worker needs.
The 12th has that rare quality of combining well-structured coworking spaces with warm neighbourhood cafés. You're far from the bustle of central Paris, yet everything is accessible by metro. The atmosphere is more relaxed than in the central arrondissements. Here are 8 solid addresses.
La Cordée
Rue Traversière, Gare de Lyon neighbourhood. La Cordée is a very welcoming coworking space focused on a community of freelancers and entrepreneurs. The atmosphere is warm, the quiet spaces allow you to concentrate, and access is available 24/7.
Recommended by Freebe in its top 10 Paris coworking spaces. Open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reception, but member access is available at all times. The proximity to Gare de Lyon is a plus if you travel often by TGV.
Our favourite for a welcoming coworking space with a real community.
Koneko Work
Rue d'Aligre, Aligre district. Koneko Work is a solidarity café coworking space where you work surrounded by cats. The concept is original and the atmosphere is zen.
Recommended by Sortir à Paris. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Aligre district is lively and pleasant, with the market two steps away for your lunchtime errands.
The solidarity, zen spot for working in the company of cats.
Columbus Café Gare de Lyon
Rue de Bercy, at the foot of the citizenM hotel opposite Gare de Lyon. This Columbus Café serves drinks, pastries and sandwiches; the menu offers enough to keep you going all day, and the opening hours are a real asset: open from 6 a.m. on weekdays until 9:30 p.m.
Recommended by Chacun Son Café. It's an unpretentious but reliable spot, ideal if you have an early morning train at Gare de Lyon and want to work while you wait, or if you're working late in the Bercy neighbourhood.
The reliable spot with generous hours for early birds or late workers.
Ibis Style Bercy
Rue de Bercy, Bercy neighbourhood. The lounge of this hotel can do the trick for a short session, if you order a drink at the bar. It's a practical backup in the Bercy neighbourhood.
Recommended by Chacun Son Café. A hotel lobby that comes in handy when you need a quick place to work in the area.
The hotel lobby for an impromptu work session in Bercy.
Oulala Coffee
Boulevard Poniatowski, Porte de Charenton. Oulala Coffee is a small, welcoming café with generous hours: according to its listing, it opens every day, often late into the evening. Check closing time before you go. If you work in the east of the 12th and need an evening spot, this is a rare option.
Listed by Laptop Friendly. A neighbourhood spot that stands out for its late-night hours.
For late-night sessions in the east of the 12th.
Kawaa
Avenue Daumesnil, Reuilly-Diderot neighbourhood. Kawaa is a café-restaurant that also offers a shared office space. Extensive drinks menu and a studious atmosphere without being cold.
Recommended by Les Alfredines. Open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday), closed at weekends. The extended evening hours are a welcome plus.
The space designed for nomads, with evening hours.
Latte Club
Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Bastille neighbourhood. Latte Club is a living space with a retro-pop 1970s vibe. The décor is worthy of a Wes Anderson film, the lattes are creative, and the place has character to spare.
Mentioned by Do It In Paris. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (from 9 a.m. on weekends, until 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays). A spot that puts you in a good mood from the moment you walk in.
The colourful, retro spot for working with a smile near Bastille.
The Kursaal
Boulevard de Picpus, Picpus neighbourhood. The Kursaal is an intimate, quiet café with good fresh, seasonal produce. The atmosphere is cosy, the quiet is guaranteed, and the setting is perfect for a deep work session. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Listed by Wicofi. A small neighbourhood spot for those who live or work in the Picpus-Nation area.
The quiet, intimate café for concentration sessions in the east of the 12th.
The right spot for your needs
- For a real coworking community: La Cordée (24/7 access, collective spirit)
- For working with cats: Koneko Work (solidarity café)
- For non-standard hours: Oulala Coffee (open late in the evening)
- For a retro-pop setting: Latte Club (Wes Anderson vibe, creative lattes)
- For deep work: The Kursaal (intimate, quiet, fresh produce)
The 12th arrondissement offers a good mix of structured coworking spaces and neighbourhood cafés. The Gare de Lyon area concentrates professional spaces (La Cordée), Aligre brings character with Koneko Work, and the Bastille–Faubourg Saint-Antoine zone is covered by Latte Club and Kawaa. The Bercy neighbourhood provides backup with accessible spots like Columbus Café.
We update this selection regularly as we discover new spots and hear from you. If you try one of these places, or know one we missed, we want to hear about it. And if you want to explore other arrondissements or find a spot near you, check out all our guides on Deskover.
