Francette: terrace on the Seine and underwater wine shop, the new trendy gourmet venue in Paris

Francette: remember the name, because you're bound to be hearing a lot about this new summer venue in Paris. Docked just opposite the Eiffel Tower, this XXL boat will offer you the chance to chill out all summer long, thanks to its three tempting spaces: a penthouse on the roof, accessible for the moment in soft opening mode, then a restaurant featuring French gastronomy, to be discovered very soon, and finally an underwater wine shop!

This summer, new venues are springing up everywhere, but they're all different. The proof is in the arrival of Francette! Moored at the Port de Suffren in the 7th arrondissement, opposite the imposing Iron Lady, this XXL version of the boat will brighten up your summer and take you " out of Paris and into Paris ". An effective leitmotiv that some may already have discovered through the concept of Laïa, a restaurant hidden away in a garden in the 11th arrondissement and imagined by Pierre Doublet and Quentin Garreau de Labarre. This summer, the two acolytes strike a new blow with the opening of Francette, in reference to the former Bateau, the France, which used to shuttle between Le Havre and New York.

So, what can you expect when you climb aboard the Francette? Prepare yourself for a unique experience, thanks to the three spaces on offer. On the roof of this 65-meter-long boat, you'll find the Penthouse and its 250m2 terrace, accessible from breakfast to 2am. It's here that ultra-gourmet street food based on seafood awaits you. Choose from ceviche, oysters or a Japanese red tuna sandwich with beet and tonkatsu sauce, not forgetting Francette's Lobster Roll with Breton lobster.

We went for the tasty lean ceviche with smoked garlic purée, leche de tigre and kasha, and the gourmet fish & chips with gribiche sauce. A gustatory pleasure for both the eyes and the taste buds!

After that, we can only recommend you try the memorable Paris-Brest revisited, with pistachio cream, fleur de sel, lemon gel and pistachio praline. A pure delight!

Champagne, wine, beers from Brasserie De Sutter and tasty house cocktails, such as the"Cactus" (tequila, pomegranate puree, lime and ginger beer), are highly recommended. For the moment, this penthouse welcomes you in soft opening mode, with a menu that is likely to evolve.

Just below, lovers of French gastronomy will soon be delighted with the forthcoming opening of a restaurant featuring tricolored cuisine that's both healthy and festive, with a breathtaking view of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. In the kitchen will be chef Marco Bernado, whose past restaurants include the Four Seasons in Milan, Le George* at the Four Seasons George V in Paris and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester***. And he's not alone, as Stéphanie Moquet, trained at La Table du 11 in Versailles, accompanies him on this tasty mission.

Finally, in the holds, discover Paris' first underwater wine shop, with over 120 references of natural and biodynamic wines. For wine lovers, Francette's cellar is open from 10am to 7pm.