The Paris Traveler

Starting July 21 and running until August 21 the banks of the Seine will become a sandy beach oasis inviting all to soak up some of that elusive summer sun that shines down on Paris.  Entering its seventh year, Paris Plage, once again suggests you grab a beach chair and work on that tan, get a beach volley ball team together or take advantage of the entertaining events the city has in store.  

Two “beaches” have been set up this year–one at voie Georges Pompidou (in the 4th) and the other from the Bassin de Villette to Salingrad (the 19th).  This second venue will feature paddle boats, row boats, canoes and sailing.  There’s a floating terrace, children’s garden and misters on days when it gets unbearably warm.  Just a word of warning–you CAN’T actually dive into the Seine to swim or cool off.  Those crazy enough to do that could easily develop a third arm growing out of their chest at some point in the future.  Let’s just say, it isn’t the cleanest body of water.  

 At voie Georges Pompidou, there’s a fitness area on the sand, mini-golf,  beach volley ball set up in front of  L’Hôtel de Ville,  a merry go round for young children and trial rides on a Segway.  You can brush up on your table tennis or fencing skills on the embankments at the Tuileries–seriously, fencing in front of the Louvre? How fun. You have to do that just to say that you did!

 Places to enjoy the sun in Paris (when it decides to shine here) are usually limited to the wonderful gardens that can get pretty full during tourist season.  Parisians love their sun and if they aren’t off en vacance in August wandering around the south of France, they will certainly be digging their toes in all that hauled in sand on the shores of the Seine.

Additional Information:  Paris Plage  

Photo credit:  VT Professor@flickr, Kit Hartford@flickr

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