A la Folie

Inside or outside? This is the question upon arriving at À la Folie, a vast, red and grey building topped by a weather vane. Set up inside one of architect Bernard Tschumi’s 26 “follies” scattered throughout the Parc de la Villette, this new-generation version of the guinguette (popular Belle Époque dance halls) boasts a huge garden under the lime trees and is decked out with large, shared tables, deckchairs, and a barbecue…. It’s the countryside in Paris, with a view of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Canal Saint-Denis. The perfect spot for drinks with friends.

Contemporary taste

The interior, lined with large picture windows, opts for a more industrial and industrious atmosphere. À La Folie is abuzz all day. Under a psychedelic ceiling, the kitchen delivers rousing tapas to share, or updated French classics (bouillabaisse, rabbit in mustard sauce…).

Folie at night

After dinner, the DJ takes the reigns, the tables and the volume are both given a push, with the help of a first-rate sound system, completing the shift to clubbing mode (until 2am). The owners, whose past experience includes at the Trabendo and the Rex Club, select their musical program from solid house and techno greats.

One advantage of the park: you can dance the night away without worrying about waking the neighbours!

Continue your bar crawl in Paris Region.