Paris Plage opens on banks of Seine

The seventh Paris Plage has opened with 400 tonnes of sand dumped along a 3km stretch of beach in the centre of the city.

Much copied in cities around France and the rest of the world, the beach sees around four million visitors with free concerts and sports competitions.

Also set up on the river are sailing boats, canoes and other water sports activities.

The cost of the project, which involves closing off a main road along the river bank is around three million euros.

On Monday a giant picnic is being organised along the length of the beach.

The beach will be open until August 21.

Photo: Mairie de Paris/Sophie ROBICHON