Bar Ourcq Bar

19eme, Paris –

Fashionable for over a decade among fun-loving bohemians in search of a cheap drink, Bar Ourcq is a Parisian original in the far off 19th arrondissement.

Situated steps from its namesake Ourcq Canal in the La Vilette area, the bar makes for a perfect spring, summer, or early fall outing when patrons can take full advantage of the outdoor space.

Easy to recognize by its bright turquoise exterior, which extends inside to a long turquoise bar, the venue features an original, early-20th-century tile floor with pink, black, and white details. Rounding out the décor is a mix of wallpapers, cloud-painted ceilings, conventional café seating, and several couches.

Besides the affordable beer, wine, and cocktails, the bar also offers patrons free use of outdoor lounge chairs, board games, and pétanque, a traditional French ball game that guests can take out to the banks of the canal to play.

As a prime picnic spot, the area can get quite crowded in the summer – especially when DJs set up in the evening – but always remains decidedly chill.

With a laid-back, artsy crowd dominated by bearded hipsters and girls in sundresses, Bar Ourcq is the perfect cozy spot to gather in groups and lounge the day away.