Paris Plage: Soaking Up the Sun in the Heart of the City

Palm trees, fine sand, sun-loungers and parasols…No you are not dreaming, you are not in Cannes but still in central Paris. In the summer of 2002, the new mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, well-known for his ambitious municipal events, launched Paris Plage (“Paris Beach”),a free summer event that transforms several spots of the French capital into full-fledged beaches.

Initially criticized as too costly and frivolous, the concept has now become a permanent fixture of the Parisian summers and offers stressed-out office workers and tourists alike a lot of fun activities, from sunbathing and picnics along the Seine to kayaking and free evening concerts.

So if you are planning to be in Paris between late July and late August, do not forget to pack your swimsuit and beach towel as the Paris Plage season starts every year around July 20 and lasts a month.

Paris Plage 2011 : from July 21st to August 21st