A Beach Holiday in The French Capital, Paris? Strange, But True

Anyone who knows their French geography can tellalong the river's south banks, decorated with tropical
you that the idea of a beach in Paris is nothing short ofplants and palm trees, also brought in especially for the
crazy. Crazy perhaps, but not impossible. In fact, foroccasion.
the sixth year in a row during 20th July and 19thColourful beach umbrellas and lounge chairs are
August, the idea actually becomes a reality, as Parisavailable for free rental and free cold mineral water is
celebrates the summer festival 'Paris Plages'.available at kiosks set up along the river. Those with a
In 2002, the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe gave hisbit more to their budget can enjoy wine, beer or
support to a project designed to bring the seaside atropical cocktails at one of the many river side cafes.
little closer to Parisians that couldn't afford a beachDrinking fountains and mist makers have also been
side getaway during the holiday month of August. Heinstalled to provide a place to cool off, but the highlight
said "Paris Plages is a gesture of solidarity with allof this location is a 28 meter floating swimming pool
those, and there are hundreds of thousands of them inand jacuzzi facility, suspended over the Sein River.
Paris and its surroundings, who cannot afford to go onLeisure activities are on offer ranging from dance
holiday.' The idea was a hit with locals and this yearlessons to rock climbing and a traditional french ball
marks the sixth successive year the festival has takengame 'petanque', something a little similar to the Italian
place.favorite, Bocce. Street entertainment like clowns,
The idea was meant to bring a festive summer touchbuskers and acrobats are on show throughout the
to the city, and offer a location for family fun,day, and when the sun goes down, the area hosts
relaxation and summer leisure at little or no cost to thefree music concerts as part of the celebrations.
public. Last year, more then 3 million visitors tookAs well as the river, a beach area in front of the
advantage of the facilities on offer.National Library has been set up with free books and
To cope with the expected increase on that figure thisnewspapers you can borrow, as well as free WIFI
year, an extra location was organised in addition to theaccess. La Vilette Canal Basin is where those into
two from previous years. The three locations havesummer sports can rent kayaks, row boats and water
been set up at various points around the city,paddle cars, under the free supervision of instructors,
connected by shuttle buses, each with a differentuntil 9pm at night.
theme or focus.If six years of success is anything to go by, it's fair to
The banks of the river Sein have been presented as asay that this quirky event will continue to please the
tropical oasis where visitors and locals can soak upcrowds in years to come. It seems that now more
the sun side by side. Temporary sun decks have beenthan ever, Paris really has everything to offer summer
installed and 2,400 tonnes of sand was brought in to fillholiday makers.
the purpose built beach 'trays' that stretch for 3kms