Maps: Paris Plage, left bank map.

Summer holiday is an important part of the French culture. Traditionally, most people take an entire month off (July or August) to spend time either unwinding in the countryside or sitting by the sea. Families may go camping while couples steal away for romantic rendezvous. Still, not everyone can drop everything and leave town, especially the busy Parisians. So what do the Parisians do?    They bring the 'beach' to themselves, of course!

Paris Plage is a manmade beach constructed once each year along the Seine.  This year will be its fifth year in operation.    Yes, you heard correctly; a beach in central Paris! They really do it!  More than 2,000 tons of fine sand and a bounty of tall, breezy palm trees are brought in and spread out on what is usually a busy motorway.  In a matter of weeks, deck chairs, sun loungers and colorful parasols spring up everywhere transforming the gray big-city landscape into something of a summer wonderland.  More than three kilometers of road are dedicated to the event.  Cyclists and roller-bladers coast along the riverside while families picnic on the 'beach'.  Don't worry about swimming in the murky Seine. There is no need.  Leaving no part of the holiday illusion incomplete - and in response to the heat wave of 2003 - the Parisians have erected a 28 meter swimming pool just off the beach where anyone can cool off with a happy splash.  In addition, this year introduces the exciting 'floating swimming pool' (nicknamed "Josephine Baker") and a new foot bridge (nick named "Simone de Beauvoir") to it to reach the new expansion of Paris Plage to the left bank (the 37th Parisian bridge).

If swimming isn't your cup of tea, you might involve yourself in one of the organized games of petanque, while sipping a pastis.  Other activities include places for scaling the quay's walls, a river fishing club, a play area for small kids, a marine knot-tying clinic and a skate and roller rental outlet and more. There are also two points where graffiti artists can show off their talents. The only four-wheeled vehicle on the entire stretch of beach is a 'Roue Libre' bicycle rental bus. It truly has all the elements of a seaside resort. 'Paris Plage' also has 33 seasonal employees to help run all of this. The entry to the beach is free. There are an appropriate number of comfort stations, first aid posts, and security people watching over it all.  All of this will be open to the public 24 hours a day - at nighttime with the illumination from the passing bateaux mouches. The drink kiosks will be open from 9:30, sporting activities will begin around 13:30, and the dancing and music will start around 16:00 and continue until 22:30.

The formal area of 'Paris Plage' stretches from east of the Pont Sully to the west of the Pont Neuf, all on the sunny side of the right bank. Additionally this year, Paris Plage will also take place on the left bank from the Pont de Bercy to the Pont de Tolbiac. With  2006 edition of "Paris Plage" a new system of boat shuttles will help people reach directly Paris Plage from the East or West of the city or even go from the right bank beach to the left bank one.

Ah yes, for one month each summer, 'vacation' comes to town instead of the other way around. The beach doesn't come cheap: its cost totally over two million Euros, but most of this is paid for by commercial sponsors. Last year, the project attracted some 3 million people in the one month it was open.

So, if you are planning on spending some time in Paris this month or next, try to wrap your trip around the Paris Plage!  It truly is a unique event. Can you think of any other city that brings the beach to it?  You gotta love the French! 

Some Paris Plage facts:

• Paris Plage on the right bank is 3 km long (about 1.9 mile) the new left bank "beach" is 1 km (about  0.6 mile)
• This year's theme is French Polynesia (think Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora). The Tahiti space is located near Pont Marie (across Ile Saint Louis) here you will be able to appreciate a continuous flow of Tahitian related culture and traditions. More details here.
• Your kids (3 to 6 years old) will appreciate the giant pirate boat for their exclusive use located between Pont Neuf and the Pont au Change the trempolines.
• Other special concert for the familly on 30 juillet under Pont du Sully. For more special kids events in Paris see: Paris Momes.
• Young parents can find 2 free "baby changing" areas
• More than 20 differents sport activities will be offered. For more details see All Paris Plage Sports.
• Paris Plage free concerts and many more entertaining, educational and cultural events.
• Most of the water and power used during Paris Plage is "green".
• For more details about Paris Plage, please visit the official Paris Plage web site.