The guinguettes at a glance
| Address | Where | Atmosphere | To remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosa Bonheur | Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (19th) | The most famous, popular and festive | Come early on summer evenings |
| Rosa sur Seine | Port des Invalides (7th) | On the Seine, in the centre | View of the bridges |
| Rosa à l'Est | Chalet de la Porte Jaune, Lac des Minimes, Bois de Vincennes | More nature, calmer | Allow for the trip to Vincennes |
| Rosa à l'Ouest | Asnières-sur-Seine | By the water, outside Paris | Quieter than in Paris |
| Canal de l'Ourcq (Été du Canal) | Bassin de la Villette and the canal | Concerts and guinguette dances in summer | Programme to confirm each year |
Why it is called a "guinguette"
Originally, guinguettes were popular dance halls set up outside the walls of Paris, where wine was taxed less; the word stayed for a place of drinks, music and dancing by the water.
Which guinguette for what you want
First time in Paris. Rosa Bonheur, at Buttes-Chaumont: see also our page on the Buttes-Chaumont. On the Seine. Rosa sur Seine. Nature and calm. Rosa à l'Est, in Vincennes. Old-style dancing. A Canauxrama guinguette cruise links Paris to Bry-sur-Marne in a musette atmosphere (seasonal times, to check). Free stroll. The Canal de l'Ourcq and the Canal Saint-Martin.
Our tips
- Weather: many guinguettes close in the rain.
- Opening days: some open only a few days a week; check on their site.
- When: May to September is the liveliest; see what to do in Paris in June.
- Evening on the water: an evening cruise on the Seine goes well with a drink at a guinguette.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best-known guinguette in Paris? Rosa Bonheur, at Buttes-Chaumont.
Where to find a guinguette by the water? Rosa sur Seine, at Port des Invalides, or the Marne banks.
Do you need to book? We could not check this for 2026: see each address's website.
Are there guinguettes in Paris in winter? Most are seasonal; check the dates.
Going further
See also walks along the Canal Saint-Martin.
