The Most Beautiful Guinguettes of the Summer

© Je peux pas, j'ai péniche (@jpeuxpas_jaipeniche), Mademoiselle Mouche (@mademoisellemoucheparis) and Mama Shelter Paris West (@mamashelterpariswest). 

Where to party outdoors, have a drink, snack, and dance in the open air with your friends or on a date ? Here’s a rundown of the trendiest summer soirées.

The party : This summer, Top Chef Justine Piluso is back at La Guinguette des Grandes Serres in Pantin. With its dreamy vibe, the chill guinguette features deckchairs for reading along the canal and a gourmet rolls menu. All at great prices, what more could you ask for ?

Who’s there ? The hipsters of Pantin looking for outdoor after-work fun.

Menu highlights : The chef reimagines classic guinguette cuisine with Italian flavors in delectable finger foods such as summer rolls with roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and pesto (€12), a “Caesar” roll with chicken, parmesan, and fried onions (€12), and a decadent homemade hazelnut and chocolate chip cookie (€3.50). Yum !

Best time : 6:30 PM to enjoy the sun with a hibiscus mocktail (€7).

La Guinguette des grandes serres, 1 Rue du Cheval Blanc, 93 500 Pantin. Open until the end of September, Thursday to Friday from 5 PM to midnight, Saturday from 12 PM to midnight, and Sunday from 12 PM to 10 PM. All info online.

© La Guinguette des Grandes Serres

The party : An Italian restaurant on the Seine… Andiamo ! For lunch, a snack break, or dinner, Sena is set at the foot of Pont Marie in a good vibes atmosphere. Soft music, small string lights, and a bar with excellent cocktails set the mood. Inside, there’s a pop-up store and space for exhibits, before grabbing a pizza slice and a spot on the hidden front terrace.

Who’s there ? Fashionistas from Le Marais dreaming of dolce vita.

Menu highlights : From Naples, the chef offers a beautiful stracciatella with focaccia, candied tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes (€24), a good margherita pizza (€13), pasta al ragù (€19), or the famous rigatoni alla vodka, Gigi Hadid’s favorite (€17). For dessert, try the tiramisu (€9), delicious melon sorbet with melon liqueur splash (€9), or a big nocciolata pizza to share (€18).

Best time : 9 PM with a rhubarb spritz in hand facing the sunset.

Sena. 7 Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris 4th. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to midnight, and Sunday from 12 PM to midnight.

The party : Parisians craving an outdoor aperitif and party, here’s the coolest summer spot on the “East Side.” Located on the vast forecourt of the Palais de la Porte Dorée, Le Poisson Lune’s ephemeral terrace returns with a chill vibe, cultural events, a Sunday fair, street food stands, and DJ sets.

Who’s there ? Families during the day, locals enjoying a well-deserved drink in the evenings, and night owls ready to dance.

Menu highlights : A daily-changing food truck, a permanent snack bar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with affordable organic terrines, vegan hot dogs or Frankfurt sausages (from €7), and a variety of indie beers and cool soft drinks.

Best Time : Early evening for a refreshing aperitif and after 8 PM for dancing.

Le Poisson Lune. Palais de la Porte Dorée, 293 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th. Open Tuesday to Friday from 4 PM to midnight and weekends from 12 PM to midnight, closed Monday. All info online.

© Le Poisson Lune

The Party: Super apéro and DJ sets, that's what Mama Shelter promises. On its terrace adorned with lanterns and adorable little lights, a petanque court and a pastis bar instantly transport you to a holiday atmosphere in Provence.

Who You'll Meet: The cool people from the western suburbs of Paris who come to groove to the latest tunes.

On the Menu: Guacamole, roasted camembert, saucisson, cheddar fries with bacon and fried onions, croque-monsieur, and to finish on a high note, a delicious plate of red fruits or an individual or shareable Magnum ice cream (starting from €9). When the sun sets, relaxation gives way to partying and cocktails. You can choose from a selection of pints (starting from €5), cocktails and mocktails, shooters, or wine.

The Perfect Moment: Fridays and Saturdays for nights with DJs that go on until the wee hours.

Mama Shelter Paris West, 20 avenue de la porte de la Plaine, Paris 15th. Open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm to midnight, and from Thursday to Saturday from 5 pm to 1:30 am.

© Mama Shelter Paris West

The party : 1000 square meters of a wild terrace with plants and fruit trees, sun, good music, cocktails, and street food… Papa Cabane is back this year near Bercy with a chiller vibe than ever. The cool option ? Occupy a pétanque field with your crew before taking over a table to dance as a group to classics by Gloria Gaynor and Michael Jackson.

Who’s there : Trendy startup people after work.

Menu highlights : A glass of prosecco (€5), a bottle of white or rosé (€35), a smooth spritz (€10), superbly shaken mojitos (€10), to accompany a crudité platter (€18), a comfy burger (€18), fish and chips (€18), or a margherita at the pizza bar (€18).

Best time : Every Thursday night!

Papa Cabane, rue Paul Belmondo, 75012. Open Thursday to Saturday from 6 PM to midnight. Information and reservations online.

© Claire Dem

The Party: It's the new barge that has been making waves for a few seasons. The idea is to take a 2-hour trip on the Seine right at sunset, guaranteeing a good vibes only ambiance.

Who You'll Meet: Groups of girls coming with friends, ranging from their twenties to 40 years old.

On the Menu: Hot or cold platters (€15) with a choice of Iberian ham/pan tomate, burrata/piquillos, tuna empanadas/black olives, or chorizo/sweet potato. And to accompany that, classic cocktails with a Hispanic twist like Caribbean Mule or Gin Pink Tonic (€10).

The Perfect Moment: You'll need to be a little patient because the place only opens on June 3rd. From there, boarding is every Saturday between 7 pm and 8 pm at the latest, or you might miss the departure!

J'peux pas j'ai péniche, péniche River's King, facing 4 quai Saint Bernard, Paris 5th. Every Saturday from 7 pm to 5 am, opening on June 4th until September 17th. All information is available online.

© J'peux pas j'ai péniche

The Party: Former headquarters of the Basques in Paris, Le Trinquet Village gets a fresh look in a reorganized space that is cleaner and more chic. With selected street food stands, a restaurant, and a forthcoming cocktail bar, you can gather in groups on the spacious 4,000m² terrace. It's time for apéro!

Who You'll Meet: Two different vibes with fancy thirty-somethings calmly seated in the dining area and the golden youth of the 16th arrondissement enjoying the space to party without having to move too far.

On the Menu: From the food trucks, you'll find the superb Iberian charcuterie platter (€25) to share from La Bodega, truffle arancini (€6) and margherita pizza (€12) from Boccacia, the 6 oysters and a glass of wine combo (€18) at HSP La Cabane, and the #foodporn sandwiches from DWICH (between €10 and €12). Mmm...

The Perfect Moment: Weekdays after work, for a chilled and well-deserved drink... Especially on June 21st for their Fête de la Musique event with an already fantastic electro house lineup.

Trinquet Village, 8 quai Saint-Exupéry, Paris 16th. Open from 6 pm to 2 am from Tuesday to Saturday. All information is available online.

© Instagram / @trinquetvillage

The party : Ever partied on a moving boat? 3615 takes you on a wild Seine cruise every Friday night all summer. Enjoy hits from Axelle Red, Spice Girls, TLC, Sean Paul, and Britney Spears. It’s tradition to scream when passing under a bridge! At 11 PM, return for the second part of the night: the 3615 Bamboche, a static party continuing till 5 AM.

Who’s there ? Party girls and 90s/2000s music fans.

Menu highlights : Large charcuterie and cheese board (€23), hot dogs (from €9), nachos (€4), or a candy cake (€53 or €69 by pre-order). Cocktails include Spritz St Germain (€12), Mumm Cordon Rouge bottle (€120), or Gallia Blanche Weiss & Versa (€7).

Best time : Every Friday night !

3615 Croisière. River’s King boat, 4 Quai Saint-Bernard, Paris 5th. Open every Friday from 7 PM to 5 AM. Info and reservations online.

© 3615 Croisière

The Party: The go-to spot for stylish Parisians, Wanderlust plays the hype card with its incredible terrace above the Seine. Here's the plan: arrive from 6:30 pm to kick off the festivities and sip rosé at the outdoor bar. Enjoy the magical ambiance and end the night with a clubbing vibe, fueled by DJ sets.

Who You'll Meet: All the trendy folks staying in Paris for afterwork drinks.

On the Menu: A selection of delicious cocktails like Rosa Pink: tequila-cointreau-cranberry-lime juice, Pornstar: vodka, vanilla-orange-passionfruit-cointreau, Reggae: rum-vanilla-mango-passionfruit (€15), or a non-alcoholic mocktail (€10). 

The Perfect Moment: From Tuesday to Sunday from 6 pm to 11 pm, or Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Wanderlust, 32 quai d'Austerlitz, Paris 13th. Open every weekend from 11 pm to 5 am. Reservations on thefork.fr.

© Instagram / @wanderlust

The party : Hidden in an alley, Bar à Bulles is a little green corner nestled above La Machine du Moulin Rouge under the wings of the mythical cabaret. In a vacation garden decor, partying Parisians gather here in summer to toast and flirt to a wild music lineup worthy of the iconic club just below. In short, the naughtiest party of the summer.

Who’s there : Regulars of La Machine looking for good sound.

Menu highlights : Loads of tapas with “World Championship Gold Medal” sausage plate (€12), asparagus with pistachios and wild garlic mayo (€8.50), comté cheese plate (€12), or patatas bravas (€10). For groups of friends, go for a bottle of Chardonnay (€38) or Côtes de Provence (€46), or a lillet tonic (€9) or a peach-passion punch (€10). Cheers !

Bar à bulles, 4 Cité Verron, 75018. Open Tuesday to Wednesday from 6 PM to midnight, Thursday until 1 AM, Friday and Saturday until 2 AM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Information online.

The party : Hervé Prouteau (the creator of the Chalet des Iles parties, it’s him !) and his gang are at it again with La Tropézienne, the party that's both chill and wildly jet-set, on the terraces of the Aquarium de Paris. On the agenda : aperitifs, deckchairs, pétanque, and clubbing, in an ambiance worthy of Place des Lices. Bring out the gingham dress and espadrilles, BB has taken possession of you. All to the sound of prized DJs (Matthias Tanzmann, Marc Houlle, Miguel Campbell).

Who’s there : The golden westside 40-somethings, beautiful people craving a party, and nostalgic fans of the Chalet des Iles' heyday.

Menu highlights : Finger food (burgers, pizzas) to accompany a pool of rosé or a glass of bubbly. It feels like vacation…

Best time : Every Thursday from 7 PM to 2 AM.

La Tropézienne du Trocadéro, 5 avenue Albert de Mun, 75016. Every Thursday from 7 PM to 2 AM. Information online.

The party : It’s the place to see and be seen. Launched by Benjamin Roussel (Cocktails Paris, Le Blaine Bar), the waterfront terrace/rooftop Mademoiselle Mouche never empties, and for good reason. Well-shaken cocktails, handsome guys in every corner, lineups worthy of Tulum parties, and an unbeatable view of the Eiffel Tower, this 2.0 guinguette really pops.

Who’s there : The young guard of successful 30-something entrepreneurs based at The Bureau, just across the way.

Menu highlights : Bartenders in aprons shake up stunning cocktails (€17) like the essential Atakama (rum, vanilla, lime, pineapple) or the Kyzyl Kum (vodka, mint, raspberry, lemon, ginger beer). To snack on: bresaola boards (€19), charcuterie and cheese (€19 - €79), or veggie (€19 - €79).

Best time : Every night from 6 PM to 2 AM, reservation only to avoid the lines of previous years.

Mademoiselle Mouche, Port de la Conférence, 75008. Open Friday to Saturday from 6 PM to 2 AM. Reservations and information online.

© Mademoiselle Mouche

The Party: The Perchoir's formidable team strikes again on the hidden rooftop above Gare de l'Est. Beneath the grand rose window, a decor adorned with flowers and an atmosphere that warms up as the hours go by. All in an intimate setting perfect for a date. On the turntables, gems spotted by artistic director Karl Planck will make you dance like you're on vacation.

Who You'll Meet: Groups of friends for after-work gatherings and clubbers addicted to good music.

On the Menu: Pizzetas (€12-€15), salads (€9), and, as always, expertly crafted cocktails (€13-€15).

The Perfect Moment: From 9:30 pm to 1:30 am, to enjoy DJ sets worthy of Berlin's parties.

Le Perchoir de l'Est, 10 place du 11 Novembre 1918, Paris 10th. Open Tuesday to Friday, 6:30 pm to 1:30 am, and Saturday, 5 pm to 1:30 am. All information is available online.

© Le Perchoir de l'Est

The party : If there's only one waterside spot to remember this summer, it's this one. La Démesure sur Seine returns to Quai de la Râpée to jazz up Parisians' aperitifs. Light garlands hung on trees, large wooden tables, it's an Indian summer setting exactly under the sun. Music-wise, it will groove with sharp DJs spinning funk, soul, disco, and hip hop. Everything we love.

Who’s there : Chill 30-somethings hanging out in organized groups.

Menu highlights : Crispy shrimp (€17), truffle ham (€15), Pugliese burrata (€17), or BBQ platter (€29) and cheese board (€21), to be washed down with a bottle of Jolies Filles rosé (€32), a spritz (€12), or a fresh Coke (€5).

Best time : Every evening, as soon as aperitif hour strikes...

La Démesure sur Seine, 69 port de la Râpée, 75012 Paris. Open daily from 6 PM to 2 AM. Information and reservations online.

The party : The Perchoir team continues to delight us on its double XXL terrace perched high in the heart of Buttes Chaumont. In a stunning Napoléon III-era hunting lodge, an ideal green Eden to arrive in a group, smoke cigarettes, and flirt with the neighboring tables...

Who’s there : Hipsters and trendy 30-somethings from the East Side.

Menu highlights : Topping the list, the essential Moscow Mule with ginger beer (€12). Next for small bites, share the panozzo, focaccia-style panini (parma or veggie, €12), pepper cream with ricotta (€6), or a mixed vegetable fritto misto (€7).

Best time : At dusk to chill in the cool.

Pavillon Puebla, Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Avenue Darcel, 75019. Open Wednesday to Friday from 4 PM to midnight, Saturday from 2 PM to midnight, and Sunday from 2 PM to 9 PM. Reservation and information online.

© Agathe Hernandez and Studio Cuicui

Also discover this starry terrace in the Garden of the Palais-Royal and Dante restaurant