Summer 2018: What’s on in Paris

Cultural events in Paris don’t just take place on solid ground.  Here are four enriching  institutions along Paris’ waterways that are worth visiting this summer.

“L’Eau et les Rêves” (“Water and Dreams”)

Ready to cast off on an intellectual adventure? Head to Paris’ 19th arrondissement and hop aboard “L’Eau et les Rêves”, the docked barge along the quai de l’Oise stuffed to the gills with maritime literature.  Judith Rosa, book-worm, and Didier Delamare, professional sailor, have served at the helm of this floating maritime bookstore since 2010.  Inside, travelogues of both land and sea abound, as well as books about navigation and astronomy, providing all the inspiration you need to take to open seas.  To add to the ambience, a newly opened terrace-café is at your disposal, the perfect spot to enjoy your reads.

L’Eau et les Rêves. Quai de l’Oise, 75019.  

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 7 PM.

Musée de la batellerie et des voies navigables (Museum of Inland Waterways)

Situated where the Seine meets the Oise, this museum specializes in the history of inland navigation.  Models, paintings, engravings, and sculptures recount the life and work of historical boaters and skippers, and explain navigation techniques to patrons in a comprehensive and entertaining way; great for the whole family.  A walk along the Seine afterward is a welcome compliment to the visit.  Until July 12th, take advantage of the museum’s temporary exhibit: “Portraits of Boats and Sailors”, a collection of photos taken by Charles Fiquet from 1954-1958.

Musée de la batellerie et des voies navigables. 3, place Jules-Gévelot, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine 78700. 

Telephone: (+33) 01 34 90 39 50.

La Nouvelle Seine

All aboard La Nouvelle Seine, where one can singlehandedly admire the view of  Notre-Dame and experience the Seine in all her glory, while sipping a cocktail and enjoying a meal.  This floating bar-restaurant also organizes nightly events, like their infamous burlesque cabaret every Friday and Saturday night in July.  Visit ticketac.com for tickets and reservations.

La Nouvelle Seine. 3, quai de Montebello 75005.

Telephone: (+33) 01 43 54 08 08.

Grande Fantaisie sur l’Ourcq

Built in 1931, this art-deco style barge has been a fixture on the Ourcq Canal since 2014.  A true locals spot dedicated to neighborhood socio-cultural projects, La Grande Fantaisie favors live events promoting social exchange.  The establishment welcomes all forms of art and entertainment throughout the year, supporting graphic art exhibitions, author meet and greets and Q&A sessions, photojournalism nights, and plays and musicals.  Further adding to the atmosphere, the space is equipped with a terrace and several food options, as well.  Be on the lookout out for the tea “party” hosted each month in association with the town hall.   

Grande Fantaisie. 3, quai de l’Oise 75019.

Paris Plage

Each year, when the sand arrives in Paris, Parisians and tourists suddenly feel like they are living in the tropics. In 2018, the artificial beaches will be open from July 7 to September 2 with many animations on the Voie Georges Pompidou, the Hôtel de Ville and the Bassin de la Villette, where a huge swimming-pool awaits us!