A typical walking tour around the historical center of Paris takes more than a day to complete. Perhaps a relaxed evening at the beach sounds like a great idea after such a walk, but Paris has no beaches. Except, that is, for four weeks starting July 20 each year when a 1.8-mile stretch of beach appears along the banks of the river Seine in the heart of this landlocked city that is otherwise at least 125 miles away from the nearest coastline.
This "beach" is part of the annual four-week Paris Plages event that transforms a part of Paris into a coastal destination, attracting thousands of sun lovers each day as well as those who want to just read or relax on a chair and enjoy the shade under a giant, colorful umbrella.
The Paris Plages are created using an incredible 5,000 tons of sand, and is an activity that has been coordinated by the mayor's office since its launch in 2002 by Bertrand Delanoe, the then mayor. His aim was to get Parisians out of their homes and offices to enjoy the sun. It was an instant success. This year, about 2 million visitors are expected to attend.
Spaniards Celia Martinez and Virginia Torrabla are two. Both work in Paris, and for Celia, the beach is a godsend. "Imagine being able to tan, relax in the sand and get a feel of the coastline immediately after working hours or on weekends," she says. "I just love this." Virginia, her friend, says she loves watching the magnificent Parisian architecture while relaxing on the beach.
She is not comfortable with the stares, though. Paris tourists not used to a beach in the city look at the tan enthusiasts with some surprise. "Stares from tourists walking along the Seine are particularly disturbing," says Virginia. "That's something you don't find on a real beach. Also, considering the high temperatures this year, the organizers should have put up more showers."
Beachgoers soak up the sun by the Seine.(Photo: Cecile Khindria)
This year, there are two stretches of beaches; one that starts from the famous Louvre museum, home to the Mona Lisa, and goes on till Pont Sully along the Seine, and the other is located on the Bassin de La Villete in the 19th arrondisement.
This four-week long event is much more than just sun and tan. There are free concerts and free courses to learn new skills like Tai Chi, apart from water sports that include kayaking and rowing. There are beachside cafes, ice cream parlors and street performers.
Gabriel Gidou, a Parisian, considers this event as the best use of taxpayer's money. "It is easy to find space and chairs for free, something that is extremely difficult on beaches in the south of France. There is free drinking water, plenty of cultural and sporting activities and games for children. What more can you ask for in the middle of a city," he asks.
And even if you don't, you can still take a walk along the Paris Plages bank of the Seine and soak up the magnificent sight of bridges and buildings bathing in the sunlight.
Source: USA Today
