Paris-Plages

1. Arrival
2. Nights
3. Guests
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Paris-Plages, or Paris Beach, is an annual month long event that takes place from the end of July to the end of August. Tons upon tons of sand are hauled onto the bank of the Seine River to create a tropical oasis. Palm trees and beach umbrellas adorn the blocked off roads in celebration of the season.

The credit for Paris-Plages belongs to the 2002 mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe of the socialist party. Parisians tended to avoid the city during the heat of the late summer, but were not always able to travel to the country. Delanoe saw the need for a summer event that would encourage locals to enjoy the steamy months in Paris. Paris-Plages was created in 2002 and was an instant success, well liked by both locals and travellers.

The popularity of Paris-Plages has grown immensely in recent years. Each season brings with it new attractions and services. The original beach located on the Rive Droite near Pont de Sully provides areas for sunbathing and pools for swimming. Two other locations have since been added, one at the Rive Gauche and one at La Villette in the northeast of Paris. La Villette provides a more active theme with water sports, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. Other additions include free evening concerts, ferry transport between locations, and pools suspended over the Seine River, as swimming in the river is considered unsafe and is not permitted at Paris-Plages.

Paris-Plages has free entrance for all visitors, open from 8am to midnight. Boats can even be rented at no cost before 9pm. The variety of activities provides a fun event for both adults and children. Also, instructors are always on the scene for safety—and parents can be rest assured of the child-friendly environment, because unlike many French beaches, topless sunbathing is not permitted.

Whether you prefer to lay back and relax or take the waves by storm, Paris-Plages is an event for all and a great motivation to enjoy a Paris apartment rental this summer.