Transforming the River Seine into a unique beach resort
When the idea first came about, people snorted: “No way!” Since then, Paris Plage has become an institution, a spokesman for the project said. Every summer for 30 days, the banks of the River Seine and the lakeside at la Villette basin are transformed...
When the idea first came about, people snorted: “No way!” Since then, Paris Plage has become an institution, a spokesman for the project said.
Every summer for 30 days, the banks of the River Seine and the lakeside at la Villette basin are transformed into a unique beach resort.
A feat involving thousands of tonnes of sand, some 350 deck chairs, 250 beach umbrellas, 40 hammocks, 50 palm trees and dozens of other trees, added the spokesman
Paris Plages is a chance for Parisians to feel like they are on holiday, and for visitors to see Paris in a whole new light.
“People come along to have fun or relax, to play pétanque, do their tai chi, jump on the trampoline or play some badminton,” her said.
Sports enthusiasts can head for the City Hall square for a game of beach volley. One can even attend classes for ballroom dancing or tropical dance, remarked the spokesman.
Meanwhile, children are ably catered for with the many playgroups that are organised. This year’s edition features a first: One kilometre of very fine sand (compared with 200 metres in previous years) along the voie Georges Pompidou on the bank of the River Seine. And at nightfall, the many nocturnal events take over.
The Paris Plages beach festival also comes to the la Villette basin. Here too one will find all sorts of activities both for children and adults, especially water sports, remarked the spokesman.