On your left when you exit the building, walk under the metro line until you reach the southern end of Bassin de la Vilette, which has become a recreation area for people who live in the North East side of Paris. On either side of the canal, enjoy the cinemas, restaurants,… Some péniches (canal barges) have been converted in restaurants, or cabarets.
This also is the starting point of a Bateaux-mouche line that will take you sown the canal Saint-Martin (passing right in front of our building), across the locks and underground section down to the river Seine.
In mid-summer time, both banks of the Bassin host a typical Parisian fantasy: Paris-plage, trying to emulate the atmosphere of a beach: a sand beach, children games and many cultural activities for all ages.

If you keep walking (or biking) on the southern side of the canal, you will reach Parc de la Vilette. This complex, the former Paris Slaughter houses was completely renovated in the 90ies. It now is one of the largest parks inside of Paris, with many interesting modern buildings and cultural attractions..The Cité des Sciences hosts very interesting exhibits on new technologies. If you are visiting with young children, do not miss the Musée des enfants. In front of the Museum is la Geode, a stunning hemispheric glass and metal building hosting a high definition Cinemax movie theater. Plenty of nice slides, too, for young children in the gardens along the canal! Find the special bicycle hidden in the park!
On the southern side of the park are the Zenith, an iconic night club , where many rock stars performed since the 80ies, the Cité de la Musique, a complex devoted to classical music and instruments and the Philharmonie de Paris, a new very futuristic concert hall