A pretty artificial lake in the northeast of Paris, the Bassin de la Villette is celebrated as both a cultural hub and a relaxing place to enjoy the fresh air. Host to cafes, movie theaters (including the MK2 Quai de Loire and the MK2 Quai de Seine), and live music venues (including La Péniche Anako), the lake is also just a quick stroll from the Parc de la Villette, which itself offers ample green spaces and museum attractions.
The Bassin de la Villette is included on off-the-beaten-track tour itineraries and is featured on various canal tours of the city. It’s also easy to discover independently.
The Bassin de la Villette can be reached by numerous forms of public transportation. Take Métro lines 2, 5, and 7bis to Jaurès station. Alternatively, use bus lines 48 or 54, or travel on foot, by car, or by Vélib’ bike.
The Bassin de la Villette is always accessible to visitors. That said, it is at its most popular during warm and sunny weather—particularly from early July to early September, during the Paris Plages event (a long-running summertime festival).
Several festive, summer events are held at the Bassin de la Villette each year. L’Été du Canal (The Summer of the Canal) is a popular festival held in July and August, and includes canal boat rides, live entertainment, and other events at the Bassin de la Villette and surrounding waterways. Paris Plages (Paris Beaches), held from July–September, also sees three swimming areas, complete with changing facilities and lifeguards, installed on the lake.
