Paris or the beach this summer? Why not both?
July 23, 2008
Paris-Plage, the man-made beach along the Seine, opens again to summer tourists and Parisians alike.
Every July through August, the riverside highway along the Seine is closed to traffic and covered by 2,000 tons of fine sand to create the Paris Plage, from Ile St. Louis to the Jardin des Tuileries — something to do for those Parisians left in the city in summer, and one of the top free things for tourists to do in Paris. Umbrellas, concerts… picnic on this man-made Paris beach starting July 19-20 to meet people and lounge.
Launched in 2002, Paris Beach (”Paris Plage”) is a free summer event that transforms three spots in Paris into full-fledged beaches, each with its own theme. The brainchild of Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, well-known for launching ambitious municipal projects, Paris Plage, which was initially ridiculed as expensive and frivolous, has become a permanent fixture and a beloved tradition the formerly featureless Parisian summer. Many in Paris leave for the summer on vacation and Paris Plage has become a haven for those “left behind”. From sunning in the sand to swimming in pools suspended over the Seine (a new feature added this year) , kayaking, or enjoying an evening concert, Paris Plage offers activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Paris Plage 2008 is open daily between July 21th to August 21st, from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, and has three totally different locations: “Tropical” alongside the right bank of the Seine, from the Louvre to the Pont de Sully; “Water Sports and Boating” along the Bassin de la Villette in the north, stretching from the Rotonde de Ledoux (métro Jaurès, line 5,7) to the “anciens Magasins généraux” (Rue de Crimée); and “Metropolitan Ambiance” at the foot of the National Library, facing the Seine’s left bank (Metro Bibliothèque, Quai de la Gare).
The Tropical beach is the original Paris Plage location and the most traditional. It features sand and grass beaches, parasols and chaise longues (free rental), fountains and mini pools for cooling off, and a variety of sports and games , and free concerts at night. The Water Sports themed beach attracts boating enthusiasts of all stripes to La Villette. Kayaks, pedalboats, sailboats, canoes can navigate 53,000 square feet of water, free to the public until 9:00 p.m., with instructors on the scene for safety and tips. At the Metropolitan beach, a selection of books for children and adults, free newspapers, and wifi access are all available.
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