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| RendezvousFrance.com | |
| A cocktail
on the Seine
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Parisians
have suddenly made a remarklable discovery : they have found out that
a river runs through their city. For a very long time, 'La Seine', which
has such an importance in the geography and the character of Paris (just
think of the great cultural differences between those living on the "Rive
Droite" (right bank) and those who inhabit the Rive Gauche (left
bank) - was ignored. Visitors from out of town would venture on it with
a Bâteau-Mouche trip, lovers would kiss in the beautiful evening
light on the bridges, Jacques Chirac, when he was the mayor of the city,
promised to one day a swim in the depolluted river, but no one really
paid attention to the Seine. It was even difficult, for most of its journey
through the capital, to have access to it. That is changing. It's been
the quiet revolution of the past couple of years. Here is a guide tothe
docked barges which can take you closer to the water. Péniches
(barges) have begun sprouting along the Seine. They are moored mainly
in the Eastern part of the city. They have become one of the ideal destinations
of Parisians. Here is a guide to the péniches world.
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| Le Batofar. (Left bank) |
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This old fire engine red boat, a former lighthouse boat (hence its name) in the sea of Ireland, is now attracting Parisians toward this neighborhood near the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand. www.batofar.org
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| La Guinguette Pirate. (Left bank) |
| This Chinese junk was built in Canton in the 1980's. It has a multiple personality : concerts, exhibitions, theater, world cuisine, children activities, etc. |
| Why
go there? For the decor lit by the paper
lanterns, for the totally great music program, to have a drink or dinner.
What time? If you are with kids, Wed. And Sat. Afternoons. Otherwise, after 10pm. Address: Right next to the Batofar. Across from number 11, quai François Mauriac. 75013. Concert info: 01 56 29 10 20. Restaurant: 01 53 61 08 49. Tues-Sat until 2am. Sun until 9pm |
| El Alamein (Left bank) |
| The barge is covered with flowers. Very cozy inside. Great place in the winter. Live acts of world music, but also rock and reggae. |
| Why
go there? To have a cocktail on the deck. What time? For concerts and shows, after 9pm (entrance fee : between 5 euros and 12 Euros) Address: Quai François Mauriac. 75013. Tel: 01 45 86 41 60 Open daily until 2am |
| La Compagnie du Ruban Bleu (Right bank) |
| This péniche serves great fusion food, something unusual for Paris. 250F per person. The wine list if one of the best in the city: the 'Compagnie du Ruban Bleu' is also a wine exporting business. |
| Why
go there?
For the great choice of wines and for the beautiful
terrace on the deck. What time? For meals. Address: Port de la Rapée. 75012. 01 43 41 15 15. Daily until 2am. |
| La Barge (Right bank) |
| Another restaurant-barge with a decor described as "orientalo-chic ". Good food an DJs every night until 2am. 35 Euros per person. |
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Why
go there? For the terrace, one of the best in
the city when it is warm and sunny. |