Drink, dance and boat along the River Marne: Paris Day Trip
Enjoying the charming views of the River Marne. Photo: Dan Dickinson
If you want to party like it’s the Belle Époque, consider visiting the banks of the Marne river. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, riverside restaurants known as guinguettes hosted revelers over the weekends and on holidays. Wine was cheaper outside of Paris in those days, so many people chose to trek out to the eastern hamlets to enjoy not only drinking, but also dancing, swimming and boating.
Unfortunately, swimming in the Marne is prohibited nowadays, but a recent guinguette revival has people flocking to the riverside to dance and drink anyway. Older couples are just as common in these places as younger ones.
The theme of dance nights vary and can include traditional French waltz nights, complete with boater hats and accordions, as well as salsa nights, line dancing, old school ’80s rock nights and more. Try La Guinguette de l’île du Martin Pêcheur in Champigny or Chez Gégène in Joinville le Pont.
Logistics
Travel time:
30 minutes from central Paris
Travel costs:
€2.75 from Paris RER station Chatelet Les Halles
How to get there:
Take the RER A to Joinville le Pont or Champigny.
Other day trips
This is just one of our recommended day trips from our guide to “Fantastic Day Trips less than an Hour from Paris”. Click below to read more:
• The Saint Denis Cathedral and market
• Chateau de Vincennes and Parc Floral
