Some of the activities at Bassin de la Villette et canal de l'Ourcq. (Photo: Comité Départemental du Tourisme de Seine Saint-Denis)
If you’re like us, no doubt you’ve already been enjoying the summertime activities in Paris. In the Bassin de la Villette and Canal de L’Ourcq there are activities going on all summer, and it’s a great place to stroll with friends and family. Bring a picnic to the Parc de la Villette before seeing the great science museum, Cite de Sciences, or the always interesting music museum, Cite de la Musique. This is a great part of Paris that you shouldn’t miss out on; the sunsets near the Villette are especially nice. We should also mention that it’s a good place for jogging, if your so inclined.
Here are some of the activities you can participate in this summer:
Photo by Marc Gilbert
“Au bord de l’eau”, or, “On the waterfront”, a wandering photo exhibition by Marc Gibert
Since late 2008, Gilbert has worked on a photographic project along three canals in Paris: Canal Saint-Martin, Ourcq Canal and Canal Saint-Denis, showing links, continuity and an incessant evolution along these three major Parisian waterways. A route connecting the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin (exhibition of large format photographs on the walls) to the two exhibition halls located at the Maison du Parc de la Bergère, Bobigny (until July 31, 2011) and Folie Accueil du Parc de la Villette (until August 15, 2011), it will create a photographic journey to discover, on foot, bike, boat, individually or in groups.
Axolotl submarine along Canal Ourcq (photo by TCF)
Climb aboard the submarine Axolotl
Visit a submarine (for free) where science meets fantasy. Jules Verne would be proud.
Where along the canal you can find it:
Noisy/Bondy: from July 8-11 and July 26 to August 7
Bobigny: from July 13-24
Peniche Antipode (photo: Comité Départemental du Tourisme du 93)
The Antipode show
Hop on a barge and enjoy theater, puppetry, dance, storytelling, projections, introduction to dance and concerts. It’s free for all ages.
Where along the canal you can find it:
Aulnay-sous-Bois: from July 7-27
Pantin: July 27 to August 28
And, of course, along the banks of the canal there are plenty of activities: paddle boats, canoing, circus, horse riding, dance workshops, mini concerts, wall-climbing, to name but just a few of the activities on offer.
Where along the canal you can find the activities:
Aulnay-sous-Bois: from July 4-31
Bobigny-sur-Ourcq: July 13 to August 6
Noisy-le-Sec / Bondy: July 8 to August 7
Bassin de la Villette (Paris Beaches) July 21 to August 21
