What Would Summer in Paris Be Without Its Beach? : Inaugurated in 2002, Paris Beach (or "Paris Plage" in French) is a free summer event that transforms three spots in Paris into full-fledged beaches, each with a distinct theme. The brainchild of Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, well-known for launching ambitious municipal events, Paris Plage, which was initially criticized by some as costly and frivolous, has become a permanent fixture in the Parisian summertime scene. From sunning in the sand to swimming in pools suspended over the Seine, kayaking, or enjoying an evening concert, Paris Plage offers activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Paris Plage 2007 Locations and Hours:
Paris Plage 2007 is open daily between July 20th to August 19th, from 8:00 a.m. to midnight.
- Location 1 - Tropical Ambiance: Alongside the banks of the Seine River (right bank), from the Louvre to the Pont de Sully.
- Location 2 - Water Sports and Boating: Paris Plage's second hub, dedicated to water sports, is along the Bassin de la Villette in the north, stretching from the Rotonde de Ledoux (métro Jaurès, line 5,7) to the "anciens Magasins généraux" (Rue de Crimée).
- Location 3 - Modern, Metropolitan Ambiance: At the foot of the National Library, facing the Seine's left bank (Metro Bibliothèque, Quai de la Gare)
Paris Plage Accessibility:
All three Paris beach sites have been designed to be as accessible as possible to visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Ramps allow easy access to beaches. Water fountains, swimming pools, and some boats at the Villette site are also accessible.
Paris Plages in Pictures: Get a sense of the fun that can be had at Paris Plage by taking a look at our Paris Beach in Pictures photo gallery.
Paris Plage Activities and Ambiance:
- "Traditional" Beach (Louvre to Pont de Sully:: This is the most traditional of the three Paris Beach locations and features sand and grass beaches, parasols and chaise longues (free rental), fountains and mini pools for cooling off, and a variety of sports and games (rock-climbing, trampoline, rollerblades, etc.) Boardwalk-style cafes and snack bars line the beach, and at night a series of free concerts liven up the strip.
- Water Sports and Boating at La Villette: For water sports enthusiasts, the beach of choice will be at La Villette. Kayaks, pedalboats, sailboats, canoes, and more are open to the public at no charge until 9:00 p.m., with instructors on the scene to help ensure a safe experience. You'll be able to glide along over 53,000 square feet of water, and after boating, a cold drink on one of the beach's waterside cafes will be in order. On a more refined note, an open-air exhibit of artwork in various mediums flanks the water on the Quai de Seine side. In the evening, the MK2 movie theaters situated on the banks of the basin (Quai de Seine and Quai de Loire) are screening a special program of films, with reduced-price tickets for all.
- Metropolitan Beach at the National Library/Port de la Gare: At this urban and sleekly modern beach, you can relax and stay informed. A selection of books for children and adults, free newspapers, and wifi access are all available at this location. Need to cool off? Splash around in the Josephine Baker Pool installed on the edge of the Seine, or enjoy a cool glass of mineral water at no charge from the water bars installed around the vicinity of the National Library beach site. Finally, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, enjoy free live music and watch dusk settle over the river.
