In pictures: The beach comes to Paris
Boules on the beach, building sandcastles and relaxing in a deckchair – it’s your traditional French seaside holiday. But in the centre of Paris? In 2002 the mayor of Paris came up with the idea of creating an urban beach for Parisians who had to stay in the city over the summer when most residents leave for the coast or countryside. It was so popular that it has been running for four weeks in July and August each year since. Along the banks of the Seine between the Pont Neuf and Pont de Sully there are parasols and loungers, sand sculptures, mini pools and water spray fountains to cool off in, boules pitches, playgrounds and beachside cafés. It’s all free and open from 8am to midnight, with concerts along the riverbank in the evenings. So you can get your seaside holiday fix even in the heart of the city.
This is a great idea. They do it in London too, but for some reason, I’ve never seen people in their bathers sunning themselves. Can’t think why!
No not sure the banks of the Thames are quite so inviting! The Parisians were getting very into the sunbathing though, but it was a bit too hot for me.
Urban beaches are popping up everywhere! Montreal has a really popular one! Can’t think of anything nicer that a spot of holiday in the middle of town!
It’s a great idea isn’t it, especially if you can’t get away during the summer, at least you can pretend you’re on holiday for an afternoon!
Ha! I had no idea they created a mini-beach along the Siene… that’s awesome.
It’s been going for a while now but I’ve always missed it in the past so I had to go and check it out this time – luckily the weather was suitably summery too!
I’ve seen photos of this before and always thought it was a great idea. Your photos really bring it to life though! Lovely!
Thanks, it was great to walk along the ‘beachfront’ and see it all, you’d have to be there early to bag a prime deckchair spot though I think!
A lovely idea and great pics – glad you had good weather
It couldn’t have been a better day – so hot I had to have a go in one of those water spray fountains to cool off!
Trust the French to do it in such style!
You certainly can, and it seemed really popular from the amount of people there.
I’ve never seen anything like this … what a fabulous idea!
Such a great use of space isn’t it!
I think they wind up by end August, we missed seeing this on our trip in August 2008. Beautiful photos Lucy.
They do, this year the dates were 20 July to 19 August. I’ve been to Paris around Bastille Day a couple of times and seen the beaches being set up but been too early to visit until now.
The city authorities in Nottingham UK do something very similar every summer.
It’s a great idea, there should be more of them in the UK (not that we’ve really had the weather for it this year!).
Love this. It’s amazing to see in dressy Paris.
It is a bit of a surprise isn’t it. Though the locals were getting very into the spirit – the bikinis and shorts were out in force!
To an Australian, this is such a novel concept!
Yes I suppose most Australian cities aren’t too far from a proper beach! Though I do remember spending a few afternoons on the artificial beach by the river in Brisbane.
Lucy, I love your pictures. I’ve heard of this before. However, your post makes it more personal because you have some very nice pictures.
Thanks Gerard, it was great to see and I had such a perfect summery day for it too, it was really nice to see so many people enjoying it.
This is a very creative idea! I love it. We need something like this in Indianapolis!
Great isn’t it? I’d like to get one set up here in Cheltenham too – we don’t have a river to do it along but there’s a big pond I’m sure will work!
We have a canal and I already know the perfect spot, now just to convince the city to invest x amount of money
What a great looking man-made beach, in France. Love the Sand Art.
Impressive isn’t it? About the best I can do is a sandcastle!
Brussels also has its ‘Bruxelles les Bains /Brusselbad’ beach party for 4 weeks each summer. It is held alongside the canal. I always make a point of visiting for the party atmosphere and street food.
Thanks for the tip, I didn’t know there was a Brussels version, I’ll have to try and coincide my next visit with it.
What a splendid thing to do! I can’t believe I am saying this but well done the Frenchies!
It’s a great idea, sounds like they are catching on in lots of other cities too.