Paris Plages!

Since July 20th the City of Paris has transformed the Seine and the front of Hotel de Ville (city hall) into Paris-Plages (Paris beaches). Truckloads of sand were brought in to form beaches along portions of the Seine. Roads along the river, normally heavily trafficked, are closed as part of the event. There is beach volleyball in front of City Hall. There are beach chairs, misters to help you cool off, a floating swimming pool, areas for dancing, snack and beverage stands, even an air conditioned trailer for the first aid people to hang out. A couple prohibitions – no topless bathing and no swimming in the Seine. The event is funded by local sponsors, but sponsorship signage is unobtrusive (and I don’t know who sponsored the event – how effective is that?).

Paris-Plages was started in 2002 by Bertrand Delanoë, the Mayor of Paris. At first it was criticized for being a costly waste, but the populace has since warmed up to it, and the beaches are now packed every day. Many citizens of Paris leave town for vacation in August because the city is often hot and humid and the town center is packed with tourists. Paris-Plages was a way to provide something for those who are left behind.

The Mayor has goals improve the quality of life, reduce pollution, and cut down on vehicle traffic within the city and pedestrian malls. Paris-Plages is just one effort to achieve these goals. We’ve seen the front square of Hotel de Ville transformed continually this year. First it was an ice rink, then a garden area, then a tennis court with big screen TV for the French Open, then a rock concert stage, now a beach volleyball court. Another popular program has been Vélib’ (combination of the French “vélo” and “libre” meaning “free bicycles”) which gives Parisians access to inexpensive rental bicycles available in stations all around Paris. Our Paris friends keep urging us to try these – we’ll have to report back.

See more photos of Paris-Plages.