Time to hit the beach: in Paris

THE banks of the Seine have been turned into beaches again in the 11th Paris-Plages event.

This year there will be two kilometres of sand – with 1km along the Voie Georges Pompidou (on the right bank, near the Tuileries) and in the square outside the town hall, plus 1km around the Bassin de la Vilette (Paris’s largest artificial lake, in the north-east of the capital).

About 5,000 tonnes of sand have been spread out, starting on Wednesday, before beach equipment was installed ready for opening today.

Sunbeds, parasols and snackbars are in place and there will be activities like pétanque, pedalos, tai chi sessions and mini golf.

The town hall square is also currently hosting a four-day music event, Festival Fnac Live, with around 30 artists like Pony Pony Run Run, Arthur H and La Grande Sophie. Then a large screen is being set up for live broadcasts from the London Olympics, from the opening to closing ceremonies.

Paris-Plages is open from 8.00 to midnight and there are 60 first aiders and 55 beach attendants on hand. It runs until August 19.

For more information see: Paris Plages

Photo: Peter Eastern