Palm trees, fine sand, sun-loungers and parasols…No you are not dreaming, you are not in Cannes but still in central Paris. Summer time means another “Paris plage” (Paris Beach) experience for Parisians and tourists alike. It’s a free summer event that transforms several spots in Paris into full-fledged beaches for a whole month!

The first Paris Plage was organized on the banks of the Seine River in 2002 by the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë. He wanted to give Parisians who were unable to go on a holiday to the seaside the opportunity to experience the beach right in their own city. This event which was initially criticized by some as costly and frivolous, has become a permanent fixture in the Parisian summertime scene. From sunning in the sand to swimming in pools suspended over the Seine, kayaking, or enjoying free evening concerts, Paris Plage attracts people of all ages, shapes and sizes and it offers activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. It has proved to be so successful that a new Paris Plage was opened at a location outside the city center, at the Bassin de la Vilette, in 2007, and the general idea of urban beaches has been copied by cities throughout Europe such as Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Prague…

This year, the 11th edition of Paris Plages is held. For 4 weeks during the height of the summer season, you can build sand castles, work on your tan at the deckchairs, and enjoy games of Pétanque. The beaches are open from 8 am to midnight each day, and they are completely free to visit!

Because the two different locations both have some unique activities, we’ll highlight the Plage on the riverbank and the Plage at the Bassin de la Vilette below.

 Paris Plage from the Louvre to Pont de Sully

The original Paris Plage is located on the right bank of the Seine River. Starting July 20th 2012, the Georges Pompidou road is closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrianized zone from roughly the Louvre Museum to the Pont de Sully.


Stretching almost 1 kilometer, the area right next to the river will feature real sand, deckchairs, and spots where you can play Pétanque. The beach will also feature water spouts where you can cool off, as well as a real swimming pool. All these things are completely free, so you can save your money for ice cream and drinks!

                                                                   Photo by Amanda

The Paris Plage will also feature free performances to keep you entertained throughout the day. In front of the Hôtel de Ville, there’s a square where a concert stage is set up for Paris Plage. Performances are held during the first week of the event, and they are completely free.

Paris Plage at the Bassin de la Villette

The Paris Plage at the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th Arrondissement will stretch from the Rotonde de Ledoux to the Rue de Crimée. For water sports enthusiasts, the beach of choice will be here. The Bassin de la Villette is the largest artificial lake in Paris, so it lends itself perfectly for boating. In the real water sports complex, you will have the chance to try out row boats, kayaks, pedal boats and even small sailboats at no charge until 9:00 p.m., with instructors on the scene to help ensure a safe experience. And after boating, a cold drink on one of the beach's waterside cafes will be in order. So, you won’t even have to pack your own lunch.

So if you are planning to be in Paris between late July and mid-August, join in the summer festivities and make the most of the beach at your inner city doorstep! All you need now to complete this easy, breezy summer feeling is a beach towel, a bottle of chilled rosé or a classic French picnic, and the summery sound of your favorite CD. What more could one want?!