Tango by the Seine? Of course, Parisians dance by the Seine. They know how to live.
Parisians are busy working, the métro is crowded at rush hour and the classic wailing siren is heard at all hours. But… did you know that they stop for lunch from 12 -2? This simple, civilized custom is quite the concept for a North American who ate at her work desk for the better part of 30 years.
As a foreigner who visits Paris frequently, observing locals has become a bit of an obsession. They have a way of experiencing the world and connecting to the sensual side of life. It’s not a pretence, it’s how they live. Possibly it is how everyone should live.
Look no further than the profound enjoyment of a simple baguette and café crème. Meals are sacred and social with conversations lasting for hours. The French tradition of an Apéro (apéritif) has local cafés brimming with convivial exchanges before lunch and dinner. Friends and lovers, sharing a bottle of wine, line the banks of the Seine and stolen kisses abound on bridges spanning Canal Saint-Martin.
Do you like to discover off-the-beaten-path Paris? If you’re travelling solo in Paris or with a friend or partner, and the sensual side of life is calling to you, wait until the evening and amble over to the Jardin Tino-Rossi in Paris. Argentine Tango in Paris and Milonga dancing is bound to capture your attention. Dancing tango by the Seine is people-watching with a seductive twist. It’s so sensual, Tango by the Seine is listed in my article on the 45 most romantic places in Paris. Would you agree?
Read More: Parisian Culture: 15 Things to Know About Parisians
The strains of Argentine tango music invite you to seat yourself in the small amphitheatre facing the Seine. It fills with spectators bearing a picnic, a camera or simply there to savour the atmosphere. As the evening progresses, it is clear that many have also come to participate in the refined dance of tango by the Seine.
Ladies arrive and gracefully change into their dancing shoes.
Dancers greet each other with the customary cheek kiss that sweeps from one side to the other and partner up for a few rounds of Parisian tango by the Seine. Barefeet, runners and fashionable heels execute the tango steps as couples move in their dynamic walking-embrace.
Tango by the Seine is alive and well. Dancers find new partners and flow elegantly across the stone dance floor. They’re moving as one. Skirts catch the breeze from the Seine and berets are positioned just so. A young couple, their intimate connection palpable, cross the dance floor, their baby peering out from a backpack.
Read more | All my insider tips for visiting the Latin Quarter of Paris. And this Swiss friend tells all about living in the 5th arrondissement. One of her favourite things to do is watch the tango by the Seine.
Paris often surprises me. When I headed out to see what Tango by the Seine looked like, I wasn’t expecting to experience what it felt like. I wasn’t expecting to be swept up by the passionate music and romance of Parisian tango found on the banks of the Seine.
Don’t just swing by the Jardin Tino Rosso in Paris for a peek. Bring a bottle of wine and, if you are so inclined, your dancing shoes. Because little did I know that it is an open dance. This means, that you might get asked to dance the tango by the Seine as I did. Horror must have swept across my face as I declined ever so graciously. My aversion to dancing due to my two left feet and the lack of fluidity in my hips.
This Parisian persistently requested to tango with me. Never one to let a fun opportunity pass me by, I acquiesced and so the teaching began.
The path in the park was the perfect place for my inelegant Birkenstocks to learn a few basic tango steps.
With much resistance, I eventually graced the dance floor and tried to tango by the Seine in Paris. I had gone to investigate and take a few photographs never expecting to tango by the Seine in Paris with a stranger.
Head on down to the Jardin Tino-Rossi in Paris if you want to watch some playful and dynamic tango. Practice a little before your next trip to Paris and you too could be doing the tango by the Seine in the most romantic city in the world.
Read More | Looking to discover hidden gems in Paris? Here are 43 to discover.
I hope you love the tango by the Seine as much as I do!
Until next time,
Dance The Tango By The Seine: Practical Info
Location: Jardin Tino-Rossi, Quai St. Bernard in the 5th arrondissement
How to Get There: Metro: Jussieu or Gare Austerlitz.
When to Dance Tango by the Seine: In the summer, 7 nights a week from 19:00 – twilight
Entry To Dance The Tango By The Seine: Free. Donations are accepted in the hat for the man who provides the music and just keeps it flowing
Logistics for Dancing Tango by the Seine: If you plan to dance, attach your purse/ bag to the rope where all the dancers have secured their bags.
Other Locations For Parisian Tango:
- Find out more info about Argentine tango in Paris.
- La Casa del Tango in Paris has dancing every Tuesday evening.
Tips on Using the Paris Métro: Read Use the Paris Métro like a Pro
Dancing By The Seine In Paris
Dancing by the Seine in Paris is not just limited to tango. Tango by the Seine is my preferred dance to watch but, there are three amphitheatres along the Seine for dancing. Dancing by the Seine in the 5th arrondissement, you will also find salsa dancing and rock. I’ve been back many times. A friend who loves to salsa edged up to the crowd and danced with one partner after another.
Bring your dancing shoes, head on down to the Quai St. Bernard and go dancing by the Seine in Paris. It’s an unforgettable experience.
More Paris Info…
After a little tango by the Seine, here are some other places to explore in Paris.
Get mixed up with the arrondissements of Paris? This guide to the Paris arrondissements will help you plan your best visit to the City of Light!
This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places in Montmartre.
Another of Paris’s most-loved areas is Saint-Germain des Prés. Here are my best tips on things to do in Saint-Germain des Prés.
Le Marais is one of the best areas of Paris to flâner. Here are 23 tops things to do in le Marais.
Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.
Here are all the things to do on Ile Saint-Louis, one of the oldest villages in Paris.
And don’t forget that the 7th arrondissement has lots to see and do once you have seen the Eiffel Tower.
The 11th arrondissement of Paris is authentic Paris. Here’s what to look for in the 11th arrondissement.
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Never thought if doing this in Paris! it looks like a great activity!
It was just delightful!
You really captured the spirit of the city
Thank you – it really was a magical experience!
Reading your topic, this post is probably about a tango class which happens by the river but it took me by surprise that it a open for all kind of place. It’s like learning and enjoying free of cost. So cool.
Yes, it is open so learning a bit of tango before heading to the Jardin Tino-Rossi is a great idea!
Oh wow, this looks delightful by the Seine, outdoors on a Summer evening. What a fun experience for you too.
It is just delightful!
I wondered why I hadn’t seen this and then read it is only offered in the summer months. Too bad, I travel there in spring and fall only. But, how lovely would this be. I could see myself easily getting lost in watching the dancers. What a wonderful way to spend a summer’s evening along the Seine.
Check the link to the tango calendar as I wouldn’t be surprised if there is also dancing in the spring and fall. The dancers are passionate about tango so I am sure it doesn’t come to a grinding halt in the fall!
This is such an unusual post. I never knew about the Tango by the Seine. Sounds like a great idea for the next time we’re in Paris.
Funny, but every time I have visited Paris was in winter season. Now wondering does Paris Tango happen in winter too?! I have clicked the link of Paris Tango Calendar to see the schedule, but at the moment the performances are listed only until September … In any case, I would love to see Paris Tango by the Seine by myself!
Yes, I will have to investigate where the tango dancers go in the winter. My guess is that they dance indoors. I will find out!
Such a lovely post, and love how you expressed it too. Parisians really know hot to enjoy life. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I never knew about the Tango near the Seine and it would great to do such a wonderful dance move in the romantic city of Paris. I loved the tango moves from Alison Browne.
That’s so awesome! I was in Paris just two months ago and had no idea. I will definitely look for this next time. I love to watch people dance that really know the tango. 😉
It is just lovely to watch sitting on the banks of the Seine.
It’s really nice that the tradition of the “guinguette” is coming back to life in Paris. In the early to mid XXth century, those cafes by the river had a tradition of dancing and live music. They pretty much died after the war as the tradition of social dancing was lost. It’s such a great way of enjoying the banks of the Seine!
I can only imagine just how lovely and lively that would have been.
You’re so right! Parisians really do know how to live, and I love it. I want to be dancing by the Seine… next year hopefully 🙂 I always love visiting Paris.
You’ll love it!
Is this happening again? Are there any vaccinated only milongas?
Yes. All the dancing by the Seine is in full swing. There is tango, salsa and rock. At present, there is no checking for vaccinations. There may be some indoor places that have vaccinated only milongas but I don’t have that information yet.