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“Life’s a beach” for the hoards of Parisians who flee the stifling heat in the city for the seaside every summer. But, today the beach has come to Paris.
Many Parisians cannot take the time off or afford the long seaside holidays traditionally enjoyed by the French – and for the ninth year running, the City of Paris has bought a taste of the holidays to its sweltering citizens.
Some 2,000 tonnes of sand have been deposited on the banks of the River Seine in the city centre, as well as at the Bassin de la Villette, a large body of water that is part of the canal network in the northern part of the city.
Refreshments stands, parasols and deckchairs are free to all – although beach-goers will have to pay for their “aperitifs”.
“Paris Plages”, which runs for one month till August 20, also includes sporting activities such as BMX jumps, trampolines and badminton, bringing all the fun of the seaside to the city.
Swimming in the Seine is not recommended – although an outdoor swimming pool has been set up by Hotel de Ville in the city centre. At the huge Bassin de la Villette in Paris’s 19th arrondissement city dwellers can take to the water in pedalos and kayaks.
A number of free outdoor concerts will be performed by leading French and international musicians, with Belgian singer Arno opening the first show on July 23, and British trip-hop legend Tricky performing on August 13.
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