“An alley in Meudon, France,” they say about Allée des Bassins. But let me tell you about a different bassin, the Bassin de la Villette in Paris. It is the largest artificial lake in Paris. This vibrant area offers a mix of history, culture, and leisure.
Filled on December 2, 1808, the Bassin de la Villette connects the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Canal Saint-Martin. It is a key part of the Parisian Canal Network. This network stretches about 130 kilometers.
Imagine this basin in the early 19th century. It was surrounded by gardens. Parisians enjoyed walking in summer and skating in winter. However, the industrial era changed this. Goods depots replaced the gardens.
The Bassin de la Villette played a crucial role in providing drinking water. During the cholera epidemic of 1832, those using water from the basin were less affected. This was because the Seine was polluted with waste.
Commercial activities grew in the late 19th century. The Moselle footbridge was built then. It had a clock three meters in diameter.
The Rue de Crimée lifting bridge separates two basins. This bridge weighs 85 tons. It was built in 1885. It is the last lifting bridge in Paris. The bridge is now registered as a historical monument.
The second basin is 30 meters wide and 730 meters long. It is often mistaken for the Canal de l’Ourcq.
Two warehouses were built between 1845 and 1853. They stored grain and flour. These warehouses operated in perfect symmetry. One was on the Quai de la Seine side. The other was on the Quai de la Loire side. Later, artists transformed them into studios and workshops. The MK2 cinema complexes have now replaced these warehouses.
In the 19th century, the Bassin de la Villette was a hub for freight and port activity. It was equal to the port of Bordeaux at its peak. Though freight traffic has declined, tourism has increased.
Today, barges offer theatre, cinema, and concerts along the banks. In summer, people picnic and play bowls. The festival of the basin happens every June. It ends with a fireworks display.
Since 2007, Paris-Plages has offered taverns and boat rides. You can also find children’s play areas. Rowing is practiced on the water all year.
The Bassin de la Villette is 800 meters long and 70 meters wide. It stretches from the Pont Levant de la Rue de Crimee to the Place de Stalingrad.
Quai de la Loire hosts cruise companies. Quai de la Seine is on the opposite side. The Passerelle de la Moselle allows easy crossing.
The MK2 cinemas offer entertainment. A ferry transports people between them. The Base Nautique de la Villette provides sailing lessons. You can rent kayaks and canoes.
You will also find bars and restaurants. These include Le Bastringue and Belushi’s bar.
So, while Allée des Bassins in Meudon may be a simple alley, the Bassin de la Villette offers a rich experience. Its history and modern leisure activities make it a vibrant part of Paris.