#06 The Marne River, a Gorgeous Getaway Just Outside Paris

About the Marne River Tour

As most tourists in Paris, whether you are first-timers or well-traveled, you probably know the reputation of the Seine river which flows across Paris right by some of the most famous landmarks in the world, and offers a continuous ballet of Bateaux-Mouches.

But have you ever heard of the more discreet gem of the surroundings of Paris: the Marne river? No? Well let me set the stage for this place of celebration and rejuvenation…

Once a Vacation Resort For Parisians

For decades, this river flowing nearby Paris was the theater of popular festivities for the Parisian bourgeoisie during weekends, in an era where private cars hadn’t been invented yet and the national railway network was not as dense and efficient.

And that, just a stone’s throw from Paris… or more precisely a quick ride on the former railway that preceded the Coulée Verte, very practical to enjoy the best of both worlds: the grandeur of the city on one side, and the idyllic charm of the river on the other.

In sunny days, everyone would enjoy dives and baths in the river—reopened in 2025!—or other water sports like rowing or canoeing.

Furthermore, the Marne river banks and islands were lined with a multitude of open-air cabarets for lovers, dancers or simply wine amateurs. These festive venues known as Guinguettes were originally invented in the blue-collar Parisian outskirt of Belleville and named after its cheap local wine.

As often, it didn’t take long before the bourgeoisie adopted this custom and made it the not-to-be-missed rendez-vous of the end of the week.

Loads of popular singers were inspired by these venues. Among them, we can cite Edith Piaf or Charles Trénet, but the one song that stood the test of time is probably “Ah! le petit vin blanc” invented at the liberation of Paris during Word War II…

A Post-war Societal Shift

In the 1950s, big changes in the society occurred and resulted in the progressive end of the golden era of this paradise for Parisians.

Due to the generalization of the paid vacations (les congés payés), the democratization of the individual car, and the storm provoked by the Rock’n’Roll phenomena (called shamelessly les Yé-Yé in France!), the guinguettes finally became has-been in the eyes of the new generations.

Only a couple of them have survived, but the Marne river banks, they are well and truly alive, with their natural feel, typical bourgeois houses and a plethora of water activities and sports.

The Marne River Tour

On this walking tour, we’ll feel like in the countryside wandering on a residential island, paradise of green and water; we’ll admire some of the most beautiful typical mansions; we’ll try to revive the glorious days of one of the last remaining guinguette; and end in the city that was once the center of the festivities.

Tour Options

The tour can be extended by a 1-hour seated meal in a typical restaurant or, on warm days, by a picnic by the Marne river.

In summer only, there’s also a possibility to combine the walk with a boat ride on the Marne river.