Remarkable buildings in Paris: the Docks

The Docks is probably the most recognizable building in Paris. Its external bright green structure will leave you speechless. Located on the banks of the River Seine, between the François Mitterrand Library and the Austerlitz Railway Station, this remarkable building in Paris, also known as the Cité de la Mode et du Design, is entirely devoted to innovative fashion and design. This place has an inspiring cultural agenda, with many exhibitions, installations, and performances that will introduce you to new artists, designers, photographers, architects, and even landscape designers. The Docks also houses several bars and clubs and has the most impressive rooftop in Paris. "Cafe OZ Rooftop" is a bar and a night club perfect to visit on the hot summer days. Perched on the roof of one of the most impressive buildings in Paris, this bar is a place where you can eat, drink, dance, and simply enjoy life.  

History of the Docks

In 1909, the construction of the new industrial storehouse on the banks of the River Seine in Paris was entrusted to the French architect* Georges Morin-Goustiaux*. This storehouse was used as storage of goods in transit from river barges to the Austerlitz Railway Station. The architect made an exciting choice. He decided not to decorate the facade of the storehouse. Instead, he left the raw concrete structure. Even though, today, his creation is considered as very modern, at the time it was quite controversial. In 2005, the French authorities decided to give a new life to this ancient storehouse. "Jakob + MacFarlane", a Parisian architecture agency, directed by Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane, was selected to transform this place into the Cité de la Mode et du Design, also known as the Docks. These architects decided to keep the concrete structure and to give it an incredible new cover. Inspired by the River Seine movement, this cover is made of metal and etched glass. Thanks to the water reflections, the new facade has a particular green color. Yann Kersalé, a French conceptual artist, was in charge of the lighting, which at night brings this place to life.

The Rooftop

The Docks is a very unique and inspiring place with the biggest rooftop in Paris that offers a beautiful view of the city and the River Seine. This rooftop is a place that houses several bars and clubs. One of them is “Café OZ Rooftop”. Perfect for the hot summer days, this bar and nightclub is a place where you can taste the beer imported from Australia or New Zealand, try their famous cocktails, and even have a lunch or a quick snack. “Café OZ Rooftop” is open from noon to 2 am on Monday, Tuesday and Sunday; and from noon to 5 am, from Wednesday to Saturday. The access is free of charge, except on Friday and Saturday from 8 pm when there is an entrance fee of 20 euros.  

Practical information

The **Docks **(Cité de la Mode et du Design) is open every day from 10 am to midnight. Access to this remarkable building in Paris is free of charge. This place has an incredible panoramic rooftop, from where you can have an excellent view of Paris and the River Seine. The nightclubs and bars situated on the rooftop have their own opening time and pricing.