Summer evenings at the guinguettes of Paris Region
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- Summer evenings at the guinguettes of Paris Region
Guingettes first appeared in the 19th century on the banks of the rivers Seine and Marne. These festive venues were originally cabarets where people came to dine and to dance. Workers, families and students got together for a knees-up or to cool off in the river.
At the time, an octroi was levied on any wine entering Paris. As a means to avoid paying this tax, guinguettes were installed just outside the city, with a preference for the Seine and Marne riverbanks or along a side canal. From Paris, it was easy for visitors to reach their favourite places to party using the river transport services.
Nowadays, things have changed somewhat, but the underlying spirit of the guinguette remains intact. They are still feel-good venues where the emphasis is on music and togetherness. Every summer, Paris Region revives this very French tradition. Bring your friends to enjoy the party atmosphere on a riverbank, at a nature spot or even in an old factory. Come and dance, party, eat and sip at a nice chilled rosé in an informal, bucolic atmosphere.
Check out our guinguette selection for a taste of the good life in the capital city and the surrounding area.
Culture and festivity at La Guinguette des Grandes-Serres
The old Pouchard factories along the Ourcq canal have been converted into an 11,000 m² cultural site, called Les Grandes-Serres de Pantin. In the main hall you’ll find all sorts of activities, exhibitions, handicrafts, concerts and a food market. And amid this merry commotion, the Guinguette des Grandes-Serres occupies the best spot, right by the canal. Conversation and sharing are the watchwords at this festive place. For fans of Top Chef, the icing on the cake is that the Italian dishes served up at the restaurant are prepared by the French TV show’s bubbly Justine Piluso.
Electro guinguette spirit at the Cargo Container Bar
If you enjoy a good bop, try the Cargo Container Car where the terrace on the Seine riverbank stays open all summer long. This bar on the Bercy quayside becomes the haunt of Parisian electro and house fans. From Wednesday to Sunday, come and move your body to the beat and forget the stress of daily life. The Seine may keep the atmosphere cool, but some of those dance moves will soon hotten things up in this guinguette-style bar.
Le Papa Cabane, the after-concert guinguette
The trendy guinguette atmosphere of the Papa Cabane is an invitation to party. You’ll find it behind the Accor Arena in Bercy. Freshly-made cocktails, a petanque pitch and table football are this guinguette’s arguments to entice you to the dance floor on the vast terrace. Behind the name that has you dreaming of tropical islands, there’s also a whole programme of summer entertainment. You can enjoy musical entertainment here every evening. At the end of the week, it’s time for ‘Summerland’, with a DJ set and dancers. Expect to party wildly until midnight.
Trinquet Village, a Basque-style guinguette in Paris
The huge wooden tables and seats at the Trinquet Village beckon you for drinks and festivities. If you’re a fan of the Basque Country, you’re going to love this. Here, the flow of beer is challenged only by that of the Seine. At this 9,000 m² guinguette, you have the choice between relaxing in a deck chair on the terrace, trying the specialities of Southwest France at the restaurant, La Kontxa, or taking the blind-test challenge.
La Javelle, more than a guinguette, a whole village square
If you’re looking for a place to party as evening falls over Paris, head for La Javelle. Tucked in the heart of the Bercy Beaucoup ecosystem, this unconventional guinguette has you dancing beneath its legendary disco ball. Food and drinks are available at the nearby bar and food truck. If you’re no night owl, you can visit this guinguette in the daytime, to chill out or join a meditation session.
Ruffle your feathers at the Guinguette de l’Île du Martin-Pêcheur
Nature has reclaimed its rightful place on the banks of the river Marne. The Guinguette de l’Île du Martin-Pêcheur conceals a terrace in its lovely green garden. The gingham tablecloths set the tone for the traditional cuisine made with fresh ingredients. This is the perfect spot for drinks in a bucolic setting or to spend the evening dancing until the early hours.
La Tropézienne du Trocadéro, the French-Riviera-style guinguette
Head for the French Riviera right here in Paris! Chill in a deckchair on the banks of the Seine, challenge your friends to a game of petanque, and sip at a cocktail in good company. The fun starts at 7pm at La Tropézienne du Trocadéro, the promise of a festive evening, dancing to the DJ set until 2 o’clock in the morning.
Rosa Bonheur sur Seine, the floating guinguette
There are actually four Rosa Bonheur guinguettes. Rosa Buttes is the original, Rosa Ouest is the most child-friendly and Rosa Est is the most bucolic. But if you fancy dancing in the company of the Eiffel Tower, we recommend you try Rosa Bonheur sur Seine. This guinguette at Invalides Port on Quai d’Orsay looks like a hothouse and promises music both lunchtime and evening. One of the rare guinguettes to stay open in winter, it reveals its full appeal in the summer months. Extending along the quayside, the terrace hosts a string of dance evenings, live salsa, DJ sets, bodega parties, ladies-only drinks sessions and much more, all in a good-hearted atmosphere.
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- Copyright image: LeViet Photography