New York Habitat Blog

Paris can get pretty steamy during the summer months, especially in August when many of the locals go on holiday. But for city dwellers and tourists left in the city, there’s a delightful alternative to the seashore. For four luxurious weeks, starting at the end of July, the banks of the Seine are transformed into a manmade beach — the Paris Plage.

Paris Plage

Since 2002, city officials have allowed the Right Bank to become an urban oasis for those seeking relief from the summer sun. Two thousand tons of sand are carted in and the busy expressways along the river are shut down for pedestrian use. Deck chairs, blue umbrellas and palm trees pop up everywhere, bringing the French Rivera to the heart of Paris. And while swimming is prohibited in the murky Seine, there are swimming pools to cool off in.

Three different Paris Plage beaches offer a range of activities:

• The Louvre/Pont de Sully beach is right in the middle of historic Paris and has a swimming pool and concert stage - plus, plenty of outdoor attractions like wall climbing and tai chi.
• The Port de la Gare beach, just outside the Francois Mitterrand National Library, offers art classes, Wi-fi hotpots and a café. Plus you’ll want to check out the Josephine Baker floating swimming pool.
• The Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement is for water-sports enthusiasts, offering free access to sailboats, kayaks and canoes.

All of the Paris Plage beaches are open non-stop from 8:00 am to midnight.

The Paris Plage is a perfect way to unwind after some sightseeing. Spend an afternoon cooling down at the beach and then retire to your very own New York Habitat vacation rental. Check out:

Paris Accommodation Studio near the Tuileries PA-3684 photo

This modern Alcove Studio Vacation Rental in Tuileries - Opera - Le Louvre (PA-3584), located on the first floor of an 18th-century walk-up building. Enjoy the parquet floors and beautiful courtyard views.

This 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Montorgueil - Opera - Le Louvre (PA-2760), located on the first floor of a 19th-century building with an elevator. The apartment faces a pedestrian street located perpendicular to famous Montorgeuil Street.

The Paris Plage brings the resort to the city. Pack some beach reading and cool off amidst the magnificent backdrop of Paris.

Have you ever been to the Paris Plage? Want to check out the urban beach? Please share your comments with us!

1. Relax at Water Taxi Beach – NYC
2. The Banlieues Bleues Festival in Paris’ Seine-Saint-Denis
3. Top 5 Parisian Parks - #2 Le Jardin des Tuileries
4. A Day at the Beach in New York City

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm in Paris Attractions. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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