Paris can get pretty steamy during the summer months, especially in August when many of the locals go on holiday. But for city dwellers and tourists left in the city, there’s a delightful alternative to the seashore. For four luxurious weeks, starting at the end of July, the banks of the Seine are transformed into a manmade beach — the Paris Plage.
Since 2002, city officials have allowed the Right Bank to become an urban oasis for those seeking relief from the summer sun. Two thousand tons of sand are carted in and the busy expressways along the river are shut down for pedestrian use. Deck chairs, blue umbrellas and palm trees pop up everywhere, bringing the French Rivera to the heart of Paris. And while swimming is prohibited in the murky Seine, there are swimming pools to cool off in.
Three different Paris Plage beaches offer a range of activities:
- The Louvre/Pont de Sully beach is right in the middle of historic Paris, in the 1st arrondissement, and has a swimming pool and concert stage – plus, plenty of outdoor attractions like wall climbing and tai chi.
- The Port de la Gare beach in the 13th arrondissement, just outside the Francois Mitterrand National Library, offers art classes, Wi-fi hotpots and a café. Plus you’ll want to check out the Josephine Baker floating swimming pool.
- The Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement is for water-sports enthusiasts, offering free access to sailboats, kayaks and canoes.
All of the Paris Plage beaches are open non-stop from 8:00 am to midnight.
The Paris Plage is a perfect way to unwind after some sightseeing. Spend an afternoon cooling down at the beach and then retire to your very own New York Habitat vacation rental in Paris. Check out:
This 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental inLe Louvre (PA-3718), located on the first floor of a 16th-century building. The apartment is right in the center of Paris, just a few minutes away from the Pompidou Center, the Marais and Les Halles.
The Paris Plage brings the resort to the city. Pack some beach reading and cool off amidst the magnificent backdrop of Paris.
Have you ever been to the Paris Plage? Want to check out the urban beach? Please share your comments with us!
The Paris Plage definitely has its benefits in the summer. It can be a very happening place. I rented an apartment near The Bassin de la Villette a couple summers ago and it was a great trip!
Paris Plage is really a special event, it has been going on for several years now. If I have one piece of advice to say is : go at the beginning of the season the first few weeks because if you can at the end of the summer it is not as enjoyable.
There’re many things to see and do in Paris on any given day, throw a beach in the middle of it in the summer time just make for a complete day.