Hit the beach
Has your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris this summer meant that you've had to cancel your annual trip to the shore? Never fear - the city of Paris will bring the beach to you. Since 2002, the Paris Plages program has transformed the banks of the Seine into a virtual beachfront, complete with sand, palm trees and hammocks. These "beaches" will be in place from July 21 to August 21 on the Right Bank near Chatelet and the Pont de Sully, and in the 13th arrondissement in front of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. While swimming in the Seine is not recommended, there will be no shortage of entertainments available at the beaches, including petanque, table tennis, fitness courses and Segway scooters. There are even plans for a mini-golf course in front of the Hotel de Ville. For those who prefer more stationary leisure activities, there's a lending library, various bars and cafes and of course, sunbathing on the imported sand.
For the second time this year, there will also be a plage in along the canal in La Villette in the 19th arrondissement. Without the space constraints of the Seine beaches, this beach will offer water sports such as canoeing, sailing and pedal boating. There will also be a full schedule of danse and tai chi classes.
The 2008 beach season will kick off with a concert by the Ensemble orchestral de Paris at 6pm on July 21 in front of the Hotel de Ville, followed by a 3km long picnic along the beach at Chatelet. Don't forget your sunscreen!