Hugely popular, open-air venues are synonymous with summer, and now they're back! These lively spaces pop up in brownfield sites, along quaysides and in parks and gardens. They're great places to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, party, attend a talk or practise yoga. Here are our favourite spots and addresses.
The reopening of open-air venues coincides with the onset of fine weather. Taking their cue from the large-scale entertainment and party scenes of Europe's major cities, such as Berlin, outdoor music festivals have become a cultural phenomenon.
Typically located on brownfield sites, quaysides, in disused public buildings or even in parks and gardens, they usually open around April or May and close in September. These venues have large outdoor spaces, a variety of food stalls, a relaxed atmosphere and a programme of events from morning to night including markets, social gatherings, physical activities, talks, and outdoor concerts in Paris.
Offering everything from electronic music to a diverse range of DJ sets, hosting big names from the music scene, and deliberately inclusive and socially conscious, they have become a key part of Parisian nightlife in summer and the most popular events outdoors.
On the disused railway tracks of the Petite Ceinture, many places have been given a second life by becoming popular outdoor social venues in Paris. These former railway sites, transformed into lively cultural and entertainment venues blend an alternative vibe and a commitment to the environment with a rich and varied programme of events.
Housed in the former Saint-Ouen train station, the Hasard Ludique is a festive and cultural venue. Opening out onto the railway lines of the Petite Ceinture, the vast terrace hosts events, **workshops **, gatherings, shows and party evenings. Entertainment includes DJ sets, live performances and concerts which regularly transform the space into a dance floor. On the food scene, a creative canteen serves delicious meals to eat in or take out onto the platform, also not to miss brunch on the weekend.
On a redeveloped section of the Petite Ceinture in the 18th arrondissement, Le Jardin des Traverses is a committed and inviting place to relax. Ideal for enjoying some quality time outdoors, the venue features a bar and a restaurant on the platform. Le Jardin has an eco-conscious cultural programme: concerts, workshops, gatherings, screening of sporting events and outdoor parties.
As summer approaches, Paris’s riverbanks and canal sides come to life, offering a variety of open-air attractions. Whether you want to dance, relax or discover new musical horizons, these open-air riverside locations reflect the lively and welcoming spirit of the capital with a varied musical programme and a relaxed atmosphere. Here are five not to miss addresses for concerts and nights out by the waterside.
A Belle Époque Parisian institution, the Chalet du Lac has three terraces by the side of Saint-Mandé lake, on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes. This famous guinguette, housed in a former hunting lodge, offers a leafy setting and a summer restaurant. With a cutting-edge club line-up, it attracts fans of dance parties and tea dances in a unique atmosphere. The venue notably hosted the first Parisian concert of the Sex Pistols in 1976.
Urban garden and culture by the side of the Canal de l'Ourcq. In the Parc de la Villette, Jardin 21 extends over 1,500 m². This third place, which is usually open from April to September, offers an extensive and varied programme including gardening workshops, craft markets, artistic performances and discussion sessions during the day, and DJ sets in the evening. It also has a guinguette, an urban vegetable garden and numerous places to relax in the sun.
Le Barboteur is an itinerant open-air venue that navigates up and down Paris’s canals. Every week, this cultural barge navigates along the water between three spots (19e, Bobigny, Pantin) and at each space it rolls out its huge terrace with a cutting-edge music programme. Not far from the Prairie du Canal, the Barboteur offers free outdoor concerts, DJ sets and a friendly atmosphere that literally moves culture along the canal.
Moored up on the Seine in the heart of the 12th arrondissement, the barge Le Mazette spills out onto the quayside every summer with an open air venue and club. The programme generally starts around 2pm with music outdoors and goes on until 6am in the morning. With live concerts, party evenings house music and disco, brunches and festive midday events, the place has an upbeat, relaxed vibe at all hours.
Housed in a former warehouse on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, the Point Éphémère turns into an open-air venue every summer. True to its alternative and independent identity for more than twenty years, the place offers a multidisciplinary programme including DJ sets, outdoor cinema, debates, and barbecues. The roof terrace opens with the arrival of fine weather, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the canal.
After exploring the best open-air venues in the capital, discover our exclusive selection of the loveliest rooftop venues in Paris. Enjoy a stunning view of landmark monuments along with a cocktail in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
The ideal opportunity to watch the sun go down on the City of Light.
Managed by the teams from the Bellevilloise, 88 Ménilmontant has transformed a green wasteland into an 900 m² open-air garden. Antique furniture, vintage deckchairs, food stalls and artisan workshops combine to create a place with a distinctly country air in the 20th. Artistic performances, shows, stand-up comedy, yoga and creative workshops make it a lively place in the daytime and in the evening.
Housed in a former tax toll building, the Rotonde Stalingrad boasts the biggest summer terrace in Paris with an area of 1,300 m² opposite the canal. Party evenings, concerts, vintage markets, talks and exhibitions take place throughout the summer. There is always something happening day and night.
Opened in 2021 under the Paris ring road, Kilomètre25 defines itself as anopen-air club that has become emblematic of French electronic music scene and which hosts techno and house nights with international artists and local collectives. Exhibitions, late-night shops and tattoo artists create an authentic underground atmosphere in the 19th.
Housed in a former impound yard between the 17th and Saint-Ouen since 2022, Virage is the winner of the Paris New Clubs Award. This summer club is part of a bold and inclusive initiative to ensure that nightlife remains a place of enjoyment.
A few steps from La Villette, the Glazart is one of Paris’s famous concert-club venues. Every summer, its large terrace is transformed into ‘La Plage’ (‘The Beach’) for unforgettable ‘Summer Camp’ events. An outdoor stage and dance floor, deckchairs and plenty of sand create a fun holiday atmosphere in Paris.
Run by the Fondation GoodPlanet and Paris Society, this unique 3.5-hectare party and music venue is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026. On the programme, big headliners and the screening of sporting events. A lovely green and wooded setting in the Bois de Boulogne.
On the former site of the Publison factories in Bagnolet, the Sample transforms into an open-air venue every summer. Throughout the day, markets, workshops, performances and poetry fill the 2,000 m² of outdoor space, whilst concerts and DJ sets provide entertainment in the evening. A true participative third place.
The Kilowatt, ‘Générateur de Festivités’ in Vitry-sur-Seine, takes its name from the former neighbouring electric power station. Located on disused land, this venue comprises a garden, refreshments kiosk, food trucks and flexible spaces in an alternative, urban and community spirit. It also hosts a wide range of multicultural concert events.
A lively, creative and unique place for socializing in a former industrial building the 6B hosts artist residencies, creative workshops and cultural events all year round. In summer, the venue opens out onto a temporary 3,000 m² beach complete with sun loungers, food trucks, entertainment and partying for a seaside atmosphere.
Occupying a former SNCF freight station in Pantin, the Cité Fertile is one of the biggest third places in France. This 1-hectare site offers play areas (petanque, beach volleyball) for families, large communal tables, a beer garden, a barbecue, and information areas raising awareness about environmental, social and cultural issues. The event programme features a wide range of workshops, social gatherings and inclusive celebrations.
La Javelle, in the third place Bercy Encore, in the 12th has had a makeover. The strings of lights have changed places, but the identity of the place remains the same with a huge terrace a great spot to have a drink, dance party at a DJ evening or take part in a workshop.
A mythical address in Parc de la Villette, the Cabaret Sauvage becomes an open-air venue in summer. With its highly diverse programme, welcoming artists from all over the world for concerts, themed nights, cabaret shows, dances, either under the big top or in the open air, the Cabaret Sauvage remains a favourite address. To discover all the outdoor festivals in Paris, browse the entire summer season period.
