With palm trees in the breeze on top of two miles of golden sand, it could be Palm Beach or Palma de Mallorca. But it’s central Paris, and the Paris Plage project, the manmade beach along the river Seine. Last-minute preparations went on all night, with workmen smoothing out the 2,000 tons of fine sand now spread on what’s usually a busy motorway. Deck chairs, sun-loungers and colorful sun umbrella had sprung up everywhere. And by lunchtime, it is impossible to find a free chair.

For people who live in Paris and have made a decision to spend the summer in the city, and for those who are not citizens of Paris and have decided to spend the summer in the city, there is some good news -as Paris Plage is there to entertain the people of Paris.

Traditionally the first beach stretches on the Seine River’s right bank, between the Tuilleries and Pont de Sully. The beach comes with some exciting improvements each and every year. Besides the usual beach sports activities, like beach volley, there are rowing matches, several ball games, and aerobic courses in the swimming pool and dance contests. The activity is dependent on preferences if one is inclined to be less active, then one can relax in one of the numerous hammocks or beach beds that are strategically placed under colorful umbrellas and tropical palm trees.

The second beach around 700 meters long is between Port de la Gare and La Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir. The initiative recognized as “a bit crazy” by the Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe, started in 2002 and has become a permanent annual event. It was welcomed by all Parisians, who showed what a good idea they thought it was. In addition to lie around on the sun beds, visitors can take part in a range of free sporting activities, including petanque and volleyball, and dance in the old-time dance cafes, known as ginguettes.

However it has to be kept in mind that the Seine river is not fit for swimming in. According to project designer Jean-Christophe Choblet, the aim of this beach is lazing and strolling by the water. It was never contemplated that one will have to pack bucket and spade for a weekend in Paris.

In addition to providing a great place to lie down and absorb the calming atmosphere of the riverside, the Paris Plage plays host to numerous concerts all through the summer. From comedy to trip-hop and choreographed dance routines, the bizarrely located beach offers a selection of entertainment for everyone.

However, the idea of Paris Plage is, in fact, liberal so as to meet the need for holidays of those who cannot leave. But for that to happen, it would be necessary that Paris looks beyond the small water area of the périphérique, and develop it fully so as one would be delighted to visit Paris Plage.

Anil Gupta
www.bookings.fr/city/fr/paris.html
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Picture: Paris Plage