Summer reopening of Bal de la Marine, the bar-resto along the Seine

As soon as the sun comes out, the quays of the Seine are packed! For a change from picnics on the hot pavement, and to enjoy the lapping of the Seine without elbowing your neighbor, the Bal de la Marine is the ideal address!

This barge, moored in the Port de Suffren at the foot of the Eiffel Tower , has just reopened its doors for the summer season. Although the quayside terrace has yet to be deployed (you'll have to wait until early May), the boat is already open for lunch and dinner.

After a welcome with a beaming smile, we settle down on the pontoon to soak up the sun. The starters arrive: goat's panna cotta with beet toast, and a generous plate of blue-veined razor clams. This is followed by the fish of the day (a perfectly cooked pollack with celery purée) and sun-kissed chicken aiguillettes. To finish off, we share a light and refreshing apple-kiwi cake (the large portions leave little room for dessert!). As Bal de la Marine emphasizes on its menu, all products are fresh and from local farmers and artisanal fishermen, a prerequisite for a delicious meal!

• To be read
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If for this price (33 euros for starter-main course-dessert at lunchtime), the content of the plate lacks a little subtlety and originality, the exceptional setting and impeccable service make up for it. What's more, Bal de la Marine changes its formula in the evening and at weekends, offering not menus but numerous small plates to share, from 7 to 14 euros. This is probably the best formula for those with tight wallets!

In short, the Bal de la Marine may not become our daily canteen, but it's certainly worth the effort to spend a lovely summer evening with friends!

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.