| Anyone who knows their French geography can tell | | | | along the river's south banks, decorated with tropical |
| you that the idea of a beach in Paris is nothing short of | | | | plants and palm trees, also brought in especially for the |
| crazy. Crazy perhaps, but not impossible. In fact, for | | | | occasion. |
| the sixth year in a row during 20th July and 19th | | | | Colourful beach umbrellas and lounge chairs are |
| August, the idea actually becomes a reality, as Paris | | | | available 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 his | | | | bit more to their budget can enjoy wine, beer or |
| support to a project designed to bring the seaside a | | | | tropical cocktails at one of the many river side cafes. |
| little closer to Parisians that couldn't afford a beach | | | | Drinking fountains and mist makers have also been |
| side getaway during the holiday month of August. He | | | | installed to provide a place to cool off, but the highlight |
| said "Paris Plages is a gesture of solidarity with all | | | | of this location is a 28 meter floating swimming pool |
| those, and there are hundreds of thousands of them in | | | | and jacuzzi facility, suspended over the Sein River. |
| Paris and its surroundings, who cannot afford to go on | | | | Leisure activities are on offer ranging from dance |
| holiday.' The idea was a hit with locals and this year | | | | lessons to rock climbing and a traditional french ball |
| marks the sixth successive year the festival has taken | | | | game 'petanque', something a little similar to the Italian |
| place. | | | | favorite, Bocce. Street entertainment like clowns, |
| The idea was meant to bring a festive summer touch | | | | buskers 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 the | | | | free music concerts as part of the celebrations. |
| public. Last year, more then 3 million visitors took | | | | As 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 this | | | | newspapers you can borrow, as well as free WIFI |
| year, an extra location was organised in addition to the | | | | access. La Vilette Canal Basin is where those into |
| two from previous years. The three locations have | | | | summer 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 different | | | | until 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 a | | | | say that this quirky event will continue to please the |
| tropical oasis where visitors and locals can soak up | | | | crowds in years to come. It seems that now more |
| the sun side by side. Temporary sun decks have been | | | | than ever, Paris really has everything to offer summer |
| installed and 2,400 tonnes of sand was brought in to fill | | | | holiday makers. |
| the purpose built beach 'trays' that stretch for 3kms | | | | |