paris plages

In our last blog we gave you a few ideas for what to do in Paris in the pouring rain. However, despite the unusual weather caused by global warming, it would seem that, for now at least, “summer” is still synonymous with “sunshine” and “heat”. Aware that when the mercury rises the capital can quickly become stifling, in 2002 the Paris authorities created “Paris Plages”, temporarily transforming the banks of the Seine into a sandy beach. It was so successful that it has become an annual event, attracting more and more people each year (over 4 million visitors in 2008). .

This year, “Paris Plages” is open non-stop from 8:00 to midnight, from 20 July to 20 August. As well as the usual activities (swimming pool, pétanque, table football, rowing for beginners, volley-ball, beach rugby, fencing, etc), this year’s event features a redesigned setting, concerts for children (hosted by local associations), as well as water-based activities at La Villette... And don’t even think of taking out your wallet – all these activities are free. Who says holidays have to be expensive?



Complete Paris Plages programme 2009

Film showing a trip along the river bank, from east to west