The annual summertime event has started last week in Paris : Paris Plage (Paris beach). The operation (see Paris Plage on Paris.fr) sets up beaches along the river Seine. Every July and August, roadways on the right bank of the Seine are blocked off and host various activities, including sandy beaches and palm trees. Instigated in 2002 , Paris-Plage has proven a major success, by providing a summer hangout for Parisians unable to head to the beach for their holiday. The number of visitors has grown each year and topped 4 million in 2007.
Every season, new features are added. Some are practical, like a shuttle linking the two riverbanks, a floating pand a second beach area at La Villette, at the northeast corner of the city. In 2006, a floating swimming pool was even set up on the river (swimming in the Seine is also not permitted !... and unlike many beaches in France, topless sunbathing is not permitted either).
More images on Offical Website. Many other towns in France (Saint Quentin was actually the first town to organise such an event back in 1996) and in the world have followed, like Berlin, Brussels, Budapest or Prague.
http://www.theparistraveler.com/category/fun-quirky-places/
It』s baaaack! That most wonderful time of year when the banks of the Seine do their very best to impersonate sandy Mediterranean shores, more in keeping with Nice or Marseilles than Paris.
A relaxing game of boules
Sea-side café
à la piscine
From July 20 to August 20, Paris Plage creates a Seine-side respite from the grind of daily city life. Sandy beaches created on two sites, voie Georges Pompidou (map) in the 4th and Bassin de la Villette (métro: Jaurés or Stalingrad) in the 19th complete with brilliant blue deck chairs and matching umbrellas beckon one and all to soak up a little sun. There』s water sports for you adventure travelers and games of boules for those requiring a little less action. Ice cream vendors roam about helping to keep you cool and cafés have been set up for light meals.
Dig your toes in the sand as the Eiffel Tower and Paris』 splendor plays backdrop to this summer escapade.
Additional information:
Little video that takes you on a quick tour of this seaside resort.
Paris Plages : les quais de Seine d』est en ouest
http://www.rudi.net/pages/16678
http://www.linternaute.com/sortir/diaporama_paris_plage/paris_plage1.shtml
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Images et textes : A. Crochet-Damais / L'Internaute Magazine |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Plage
Paris Plage
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paris-Plage (Paris Beach) is a summertime operation run by the City of Paris, France since 2002 that sets up beaches along the river Seine. Every July and August, roadways on the right bank of the Seine are blocked off and host various activities, including sandy beaches and palm trees.
Instigated in 2002 by the newly-elected Socialist mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, Paris-Plage has proven a major success, by providing a summer hangout for Parisians unable to head to the beach for their holiday. The number of visitors has grown each year and topped four million in 2007.
Every season, new features are added. Some are practical, like a shuttle linking the two riverbanks, a floating pool, and a second beach area at La Villette, in the northeast corner of the city.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Comparison to other beaches in France
Unlike many beaches in France, topless sunbathing is not permitted. Swimming in the Seine is also not permitted, for safety reasons. In 2006, a floating swimming pool was set up on the river.
[edit] Naming rights
Paris-Plage has filed a suit against the commune of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, accusing it of harming the trademark of Paris-Plage. The suit seeks damages of 200,000 euros.[1]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=997
Paris Plage
Pompidou Expressway, Right Bank of the Seine
Paris, France
Contributed by Project for Public Spaces
Cars are stricken from the expressway along the Seine for one month every summer, as it turns into a pedestrian paradise.