It's not easy to roam the bars in search of cold beers in Paris, even during happy hour. That's why the day often ends on the banks of the Seine with a little pack, some sausages, and a bag of chips, or crunchy vegetables and tzatziki. And that's not a bad thing at all! Here's a list of the best banks to settle down and find your spot, you and your friends, this summer.
Quai de la Mégisserie: the trendiest
The place to be, when you arrive early enough: the banks between the Théâtre du Châtelet and the Quai Bourbon on the Ile Saint-Louis. In the heart of the 4th arrondissement, it's an opportunity to remember that Paris is still a beautiful city, you know. The Conciergerie and its history, the architecture of Notre-Dame, the sparkling tower in the distance... And since the pedestrianization, you have the bank for yourself, your friends, and your bottles, and even enough space to play "1,2,3 sun" if you feel like it (why not?).
Parc des Rives de Seine
Quai de la Mégisserie – 1st (and beyond)
The quays of the BFM: the friendliest
So friendly that you can even go there in your pajamas (tested by the editorial team), these are the quays of the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand neighborhood, in the 13th. We have seen a lot of cool bars, rooftops, and clubs pop up in this district, attracting many people looking for a perfect spot for an aperitif-picnic scene with a reggae vibe, with family or friends. With the esplanade of the library, its numerous steps, and the banks dotted with guinguettes, there is plenty of space. And there's no need to rush to arrive early and reserve the best spot.
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François Mitterrand Library
Quai François Mauriac – 13th
Quai Saint Bernard: the most dance-filled
From the Austerlitz Bridge to the Sully Bridge, it's Quai Saint-Bernard that catches our attention. Once a popular bathing spot (even Louis XIII gave it a try, for a fun fact), it is now the meeting place for tango/salsa dancers, professionals, amateurs or the curious, during warm summer evenings. It all happens at the Tino Rossi Garden, at the foot of the Arab World Institute, in a spacious square ready to welcome you and your whole gang.
Quai Saint-Bernard
Square Tino Rossi – 5e
Canal Saint Martin : the most practical-cool
Firstly, because it's a good meeting point when everyone lives in different parts of Paris, plus because the atmosphere is relaxed and more intimate, the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin are well positioned in the top of the best spots to settle on the quays. The quai de Valmy is easy to access, festive, and moreover surrounded by supermarkets to restock if needed.
Quai de Valmy
Canal Saint-Martin – 10th arrondissement
Canal de l'Ourcq : the most southern
We head a bit north, near La Villette, to settle on the quays of the Canal de l'Ourcq. Also very friendly, we bring along a little bag full of petanque balls (yes, you know, the ones you take to the beach, made of plastic and in all colors), and we occupy the grounds made available by the City Hall. Afterwards, you can also organize a "beauf" biathlon, thanks to the ping-pong tables right next to it. A mega tournament to get rid of all that beer, that's perfect!
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Cute spot on the Canal de l'Ourcq
68 Quai de la Loire - 19th arrondissement
Le pont des Arts: the most romantic
If you don't have friends, but a loved one, head to the Pont des Arts in the first arrondissement. Because no, it's not overrated! It's on the most romantic bridge in Paris that you can sit as if on a cloud next to your sweetheart. With a lovely view of the Ile de la Cité, it's the perfect opportunity to impress them by bringing a cute little tablecloth, a wicker basket, and a bottle of champagne (or affordable sparkling wine, no worries).
Pont des Arts
2, quai François-Mitterrand – 1st
Place Louis Aragon: the most poetic-romantic (this is not exactly the same thing)
This little curve at the end of Saint Louis Island is a haven of ideal romance for lovers. Between Midnight in Paris and just a stone's throw from Aurélien's apartment, the hero of the eponymous novel, this place offers a sublime view of the Parisian quays. The big positive point of this place is that most of the time there is nobody, or at most a group of American tourists savoring cheese with wonder, a quite endearing sight in the worst case scenario. A great spot to dream with your loved one on the banks of the Seine.
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Place Louis Aragon, quai de Bourbon - 4th
Barye Square: the most student-oriented
At the other end of the Saint Louis island, you will find this small triangular park, which is perfect for a break in the middle of a long walk. It offers shady areas and lush vegetation in the summer. It is also a very pleasant place in case of hot weather because it is airy and cool thanks to the Seine. You'll come across the high school students from Quai des Célestins who sunbathe during their lunch break, nothing to worry about, it's peaceful over there.
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2 boulevard Henri IV - 4th
At the foot of the Sully Bridge: the sunniest
When you feel a little sluggish, you have to go there. There isn't a speck of grass, and the sun hits the pavement of the quay to the delight of Parisians who love to bask. Some elderly people already know the spot and have been tanning there for twenty years, sometimes giving a little lesson in carefree life in their red underwear, their bodies completely oiled up, a whole folklore!
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Pont de Sully - 5th arrondissement
The weeping willow at the tip: the most discreet
The perfect place to relax with a friend: shaded by this immense weeping willow that grows before your eyes. It is also the perfect spot when you don't want to be seen, and perfect for hot days that still make you want to hang out on the quays of Paris with friends!
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1 Square du Vert Galant - 1st
The Vert Galant square: the most lush
It is a very lovely square with lush vegetation, where a large statue of Henri IV stands, and for good reason: the Vert Galant was the nickname of King Henri IV, this term referred to a mature man who had not lost his vigor and loved to seduce. The park is almost at the same level as the water, which gives a refreshing and pleasant feeling.
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Square du Vert Galant
15 Place du Pont Neuf - 1st arrondissement
The Quai des Saints Pères: the most left bank
This is the paved path that connects the Pont des Arts and Port Royal. It is the spot on the left bank in the Saint Germain neighborhood, and you stay close to the center of Paris to have some fun. The Seine quays are too often forgotten!
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Pont des Arts - 6th