Accor Arena, formerly known as Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, hosts dozens of concerts and shows every year, drawing thousands of visitors from across France and beyond. Finding accommodation right next to the venue can be expensive, especially on concert nights when demand spikes. Staying in the northern suburbs of Paris, in Épinay-sur-Seine or Villetaneuse, lets you enjoy more reasonable rates while remaining under 40 minutes from Bercy. Here's how to plan your evening without blowing your budget.
Why staying away from Bercy can be a smart choice
Hotels located in the 12th arrondissement, within walking distance of Accor Arena, tend to raise their prices sharply on big concert nights. Choosing an apartment in the northern suburbs keeps you within easy reach of central Paris while enjoying noticeably more stable prices year-round.
A simple, quick journey by public transport
From Épinay-sur-Seine or Villetaneuse, reaching Accor Arena takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes by public transport. The journey mainly involves:
- The RER D from Saint-Denis station to Gare de Lyon, then a change towards Bercy
- The Transilien H or RER C to Gare du Nord (around 10 minutes), then metro line 5 towards Bobigny to Bercy station
- Tramway T8 to connect to the RER and Transilien stations from the residential areas
This travel time is entirely manageable for a concert evening, especially if you leave with a comfortable margin before doors open.
Accommodation designed for groups and families
A concert at Accor Arena is often a shared experience. Rather than booking several hotel rooms, a whole apartment lets everyone stay together under one roof, with a fully equipped kitchen to prepare a meal before heading out. The Grand Appartement with private parking sleeps up to 8 guests across 3 bedrooms, a comfortable option for a group of friends attending the same show.
How to plan your evening so you don't miss a thing
A concert at Accor Arena typically has doors opening around an hour before the show starts, with security checks that can take some time depending on the crowd. Here are a few practical guidelines for planning your journey.
What time should you leave the northern suburbs?
Allow plenty of time: leave at least 1.5 hours before doors open to account for travel time, possible connections and the wait at the venue entrance. If the concert starts at 8:30pm, leaving around 6:30pm from Épinay-sur-Seine or Villetaneuse gives you a comfortable buffer.
Getting back after the show
Concerts at Accor Arena usually end between 10:30pm and 11:30pm. RER and Transilien trains still run at this hour, though less frequently. Check the latest train times on the SNCF Connect app before you head out, to avoid any unpleasant surprise when leaving the venue.
Why choose an apartment over a hotel room?
For a concert evening, a whole apartment offers several practical advantages over a standard hotel room, particularly when travelling in a group.
Space to get ready before the concert
Unlike a standard hotel room, an apartment comes with a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. You can take your time getting ready, eat before heading out, and gather comfortably as a group, without needing to book a table at a restaurant in the 12th arrondissement where prices climb on event nights.
Better budget control for groups
Renting a whole apartment for a group is often cheaper than booking multiple individual hotel rooms, especially on a concert night when hotel rates around Bercy rise sharply. Splitting the cost of accommodation between several people makes the apartment an economical solution for the whole evening.
Reaching Stade de France and central Paris from the same base
One advantage of staying in Épinay-sur-Seine or Villetaneuse is the proximity to other points of interest around Paris. If your trip isn't limited to a single concert evening, you can easily combine your visit to Accor Arena with a trip to central Paris or a stop at Stade de France, located around 15 minutes from our apartments.
A convenient base for a multi-day stay
If you're staying for several nights to enjoy Paris in addition to the concert, the northern suburbs offer a central base: Gare du Nord is just 10 minutes away, making it easy to reach major tourist sites, the Eurostar and Thalys terminals, and other Parisian concert venues.
What to know before booking your night at Accor Arena
A few practical points will help you plan ahead and avoid surprises on the day of the concert.
Check your ticket type and entry conditions
Some concerts offer different seating options with different entry times (standing pit, seated tiers, gold circle). Check these details before setting your departure time, as queues for the standing pit area may require arriving earlier.
Plan for busier trains
On big concert nights, metro and RER trains heading to Bercy can be busier than usual. Building in an extra 15 to 20 minutes on your usual journey helps you arrive relaxed, without unnecessary stress before the show begins.
Our apartments suited to your trip to Bercy
NiaBnb offers several types of accommodation in Épinay-sur-Seine and Villetaneuse, all located close to train stations and tramway stops.
For a group or a large family
The Grand Appartement has 3 bedrooms and private parking, ideal if you're arriving by car before switching to public transport for Bercy. The Blumenthal apartment, with 2 separate bedrooms for 5 guests, works well for a small group or a family.
For a couple or solo travel
The Les Coteaux and République studios offer a compact, functional space, perfect if you're travelling as a couple or alone for the evening.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from the northern suburbs to Accor Arena?
Expect around 35 to 40 minutes by public transport, travelling via Gare du Nord or Saint-Denis and then reaching Bercy via the RER D or metro line 5.
Is parking available near the NiaBnb apartments?
Yes, the Grand Appartement has private parking. The other apartments are located on streets where parking is generally free.
Can you get back to the northern suburbs late at night after a concert?
RER and Transilien trains still run after 11pm, though less frequently. It's worth checking the last train times before you set off.
Are the apartments suitable for a group of friends attending a concert?
Yes, the Grand Appartement can accommodate up to 8 guests, making it easy to split the cost of accommodation between several people.
Should you book well in advance for a concert night at Bercy?
It's advisable to book as soon as the concert date is announced, as demand for accommodation around Paris rises sharply as major events approach.
Ready to enjoy a concert at Accor Arena without blowing your accommodation budget? Discover all our available apartments in Épinay-sur-Seine and Villetaneuse, under 40 minutes from Bercy.
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