Paris-Plages (beaches) is a plan run by the office of the mayor of Paris that creates temporary artificial beaches each summer along the river Seine in the center of Paris and Parc de la Villette on the Saint Martin canal. From July 20 through August, the streets on the banks of the river and the canal are blocked off and there are various activities, including sandy beaches and palm trees. The bright blue umbrellas and beach chairs are sprinkled up and down the beaches.
People were sunbathing, building sand castles, playing bocce ball, and playing in the misters.
French city-dwellers traditionally escape to the seaside or countryside during the summer, especially in August when the weather is very hot and humid. However, many Parisians cannot afford to vacation at the seaside or countryside, so the beach comes to them. The beaches were instigated in 2002 as a way to relieve the misery of those cooped up in the sweltering city.
We saw a guy fishing along the banks, as for me, I wouldn't eat any fish that came out of the Seine.
There were lots of sunbathers, but no topless sunbathing is permitted, and no swimming in the Seine. It was fun to stroll along the Seine watching the young and old enjoying themselves on the beaches.
We stopped for a nice shady lunch by the Tullerie Gardens with an ice cream for dessert.
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