It can get pretty hot in Paris during July and August. If you’re visiting Paris this summer and want to escape the heat, there’s no need to travel to seaside resorts. Since 2002, Parisians have had their own beaches right in the heart of city. EVery year, city hall installs artificial beaches complete with sand, umbrellas, and even palm trees along the Seine. Authorities close the thoroughfares along the banks of the river to traffic and create temporary beaches.
The where and when
In 2019, Paris Plages will be open from July 6th until September 1st. Located at the Parc Rives de Seine, the artificial beaches stretch for 3.5 km. Parc Rives de Seine lies between Pont de Sully and Pont Neuf, and between Pont de Solférino and Pont Alexandre III. The closest metro stations are Sully-Morland, Pont Marie, Pont Neuf and Invalides.
Free to the public, Paris Plages welcome Parisians and visitors to the city alike. Since Paris Plages began, authorities have added new amenities to the beaches each year. For the adults, if you’re not in the mood for soaking up the sun, there are many activities to partake in including Tai Chi and Ballroom dancing classes!
While one cannot swim in the Seine, the Mairie of Paris has also opened a huge swimming complex of three enclosed basins as part of Paris Plages. These are located in the 19th arrondissement at the Bassin de la Villette, on the Quai de Loire. Each of the pools has a different depth which permits all visitors of different ages the chance to enjoy the water. Lifeguards will supervise these from mid-June in 2019, open daily from 11am to 9pm. Showering and changing facilities are also available.
In the evening, the quais along the Seine are a favorite place for Parisians to go to drink cocktails, relax in lawn chairs and listen to outdoor music while enjoying the cool breezes off the river. Some of the best bars next to the Seine can be found on the Left Bank, near the Pont Alexandre III.
Just a note: while at many beaches in France topless sunbathing is allowed, this is not the case at Paris Plages!
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