La Buvette de Samoreau: the must-visit guinguette on the banks of the Seine

Head for Samoreau, near Fontainebleau in the Seine-et-Marne region and just an hour from Paris, to take it easy and enjoy the light, summery ambience of La Buvette, this open-air venue nestling on the banks of the Seine. In this former towpath port, now a cheerful haunt for sunny days, you can sit back under the garlands, with your feet almost in the water, to savor the moment and sample home-cooked dishes, often inspired by the market of the day.

The place has all the makings of a country guinguette that smells of summer. It's an open-air, lively, family-friendly venue where generations meet and drink to the rhythm. Live concerts and DJ sets, as well as readings, film evenings and guinguette balls are regularly on offer. Here, the pleasure doesn't stop at the plate or the glass: people also come to dance, chat, or simply daydream on a deckchair by the water.

As far as your taste buds are concerned, La Buvette de Samoreau gives pride of place to local, seasonal produce. On the menu, you'll find generous platters, tasty tartines, generous burgers accompanied by homemade fries, and always fun daily specials. The bar is not to be outdone: craft beers, refreshing cocktails and well-chosen wines accompany every moment of the day. Simple, good, no fuss, and always prepared with care.

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Here, you'll come across a lot of cyclists out for a ride or crossing the Scandiberique, as well as guests from the famous Samoreau campsite, which is a jazz lover's delight when the Django Reinhardt Festival approaches. Although swimming is forbidden here, people like to cool off with their feet in the water and relax on the banks of the Seine. Canoes are available for hire, so you can make the most of the river.

But if this place is so enchanting, it's also because of its strong local history. A former towpath site, Samoreau has seen bargemen, washerwomen and merchants pass through over the centuries. Nearby, the 15th-century tithe barn and 12th-centurychurch of Saint-Pierre bear witness to a past when the Seine provided the structure for village life. La Buvette pays homage to the spirit of conviviality so typical of the old guinguettes in the Paris region.

It's a summertime refuge that's a pleasure to discover, and a place to return to for an evening out with friends, a family lunch or a romantic getaway. An address to take note of this summer, with the fine weather ahead.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.