Docks en Seine

Since 2005, the apple-green caterpillar of Docks en Seine (La Cité de la Mode et du Design) has been pupating on the banks of the river between the Gare d’Austerlitz and the BnF. It finally, belatedly opened its doors in 2012, transforming an industrial wasteland into a futuristic vision of culture and entertainment as imagined by architects Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane. From now on, its future is assured. A grassy terrace runs down to the water, there’s a club (Nüba) and restaurant (Moon Roof) on the roof and a bar/club (Wanderlust, by the team behind Silencio) on the first floor, plus a programme of open air screenings and exhibitions. Behind the imposing façade of glass and metal, the Docks are finally teeming with life.