The Paris Plage is exquisitely fabulous. From the 60 feet of atomizers that keep a cool mist upon you as you bask in the hot sun, to the hammocks that are strewn around the grassy area, to beach sand that’s been shipped in from a real beach, to the boardwalk where folks rollerblade with ice cream dripping down their elbows, the Paris Plage is the place to be in Paris during the summer. You’ll find the beach located on the banks of the Seine, right in the middle of Paris Centre, between the Tuileries and Pont Henri IV. In its third year, the verdict is in: this annual beach blast is here to stay. Real ocean sand, a huge grassy section with hammocks, a boardwalk, rollerblading, a giant swimming pool (large enough for 200 people), palm trees, parasols, deck chairs, and supposedly fully-clothed people (we’ve eyeballed some tops off) are just some of the fun things found on this beach.
The exercise is in the swimming and strolling, but there’s more, and all for free. Take a course in Tai Chi Chuan; pull yourself up the huge climbing wall; kids between the ages of 2-12 can jump to their heart’s delight on the giant trampoline; and if you count bowling as a sport, here’s the place to have at it. There are volleyball and badminton pickup games just about everywhere you turn, and most of the participants speak some English (just ask to jump in and voila!). And don’t forget Frisbee (what’s a beach without a Frisbee?!) You can also get lessons in watercolour painting, and listen to concerts on the weekend, put on by FNAC.
Food is everywhere, and seven to twelve euros will let you eat and drink good French fare at many of the different food stalls along the beach. The Paris Plage is meticulously organised, security conscious and, best of all, free!
