It’s not too late for a trip to the Alps… in Paris.
I’ve been meaning to hit Hors Piste since I found out about it: an outdoor skating rink atop the Bateaux Mouches docking building, just across the river from the Eiffel Tower. I had a short-lived stint as a figure skating amateur in high school, and I have always loved skiing, so spending an afternoon in a spot that gave even a touch of that vibe in Paris seemed like an awesome idea.
Of course, the afternoon that my friends and I finally coordinated a visit happened to be one of the warmest Parisian February days on record – so it was a bit more like a summer terrasse than a winter one, which turned out to be just as pleasant. (If you ignore the fact that the reason we have days like this is that the planet is dying…)
Hors Piste is open every day starting from 3pm, boasting a cocktail bar, tons of tables, and a small skating rink. I took advantage of the sunshine and used it as my office for the afternoon, soaking up the balmy weather and rustic décor.
At the end of the day, we didn’t do much skating at all: like many outdoor rinks in Paris, it turns out this one was plastic, rather than ice. But it’s tough to beat that view, and there’s a nice selection of tasty cocktails and après-ski food choices.
Hors Piste is still open through next week, so take advantage of the view before it’s too late!
Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches – Port de la Conférence 75008