Every summer, palm trees, deck chairs and tons of sand descend upon Paris to transform parts of the city into Paris Plages (Paris Beaches), a month-long event originally created in 2002 to relieve Parisians from the sweltering August heat and to satisfy their seaside cravings. This free event has since expanded beyond its beginnings around Pont Neuf and become so popular that other European cities (like Berlin, Brussels and Madrid) have adopted a similar event.
My boys have been itching to go to the beach, so before we head to the ocean ourselves, they got a little taste last Sunday right here in the city. With plenty of activities and lots of options for refreshments, overall it's a wonderful way to spend a summer day. My favorite section was the Louvre à la plage installation set up under the Tunnel des Tuileries - it was basically a mini art gallery where you're invited to discover pieces from the Louvre's vast collection. There's even a table set up for little ones to color and draw their own masterpieces.
Ice cream by the river with seagulls overhead pacified my boys' yearning for the ocean,... for now :)
Official Site: Paris Plages
Dates: 19 Jul - 17 Aug 2014
Hours: Everyday, 9am - midnight
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I think the chocolate and icecreams are what appeal to me the most...
ReplyDeleteOh Amy, you and my sons would make great friends... they can't go anywhere in the summertime without an ice-cream stop! :)
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea! Lovely shots too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ladyfi :) I hope Paris continues this event for many years to come...
DeleteSo pretty and so fun! Is there anything Paris doesn't have?
ReplyDeleteThat makes me giggle Dotti... I'd love a Target in Paris ;)
DeleteI had no idea Paris does this! Oh my, you have truly captured the essence of Paris in these photos. Fabulous job.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kathy :)
DeleteThis is so much fun! Do they bring the sand and then take it away at the end of the summer? And I want one of thise "plagiste" polo shirts. :)
ReplyDeleteOh MA! It's amazing how the sand comes in - by barge, 5000 tons of it! Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-nZmBPMUZk&feature=youtu.be. For more videos of Paris Plages (which I'll add to the post): http://quefaire.paris.fr/articles/276 ... p.s. I agree, those polos are so cute :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful celebration! Looks refreshing and fun for all.
ReplyDeleteThe term "a la plage" triggered a memory for me - first year French class - it was the title of one of our language units. It was a fun unit, too.
Yet another reason to visit Paris....
A whole unit on la plage sounds fun Shirley! So happy to have triggered happy memories for you :) ... makes me miss my French classes...
DeleteHas all the ingredients for a perfect day out....Paris at its best! Wonderful pictures , you captured the atmosphere so very well!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much dear Karen :)
DeleteAmazing!!! I had no idea! What a wonderful idea! Your shots are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you thank you Adrienne, that means a lot. When we were walking back home, we overheard some French tourists wondering what Paris Plages was all about... we found it interesting how the event wasn't highly publicized in the country (nor the city) especially since it's so marvelous and so much effort goes into putting it together every year.
DeleteBeautiful images of a lovely day
ReplyDeleteThat icecream looks super delicious!!
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to go back for more :)
DeleteAgree Felicia! The juxtaposition is wonderful and surreal... once you're done relaxing with sand between your toes, you can jump right back on a busy city metro ;) ... reminds me a bit of Barcelona!
ReplyDeleteThe sights, textures, and tastes of Paris in August! Your son is quite the graphic artist. Hard to pick favorites from this collection, but if I had to - the sand plus boardwalk, the b & W with umbrella, and the dreamy last bridge shot - your compositions always shine and tell a story.
ReplyDeleteThey have one of these in London now but I have never been to it.
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
we missed out on this extraordinary even - the beach in Paris - when we were there 8 years ago in July. I guess though you wouldn't want to swim in the river! Thank you for the views of Paris - always wonderful. The crepes make me want to have some. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! My favorite of all your lovely photos is the cremes -- chocolate and vanilla, oh, my! We are heading for Paris in a few weeks -- I just can hardly wait to see all the beauty!
ReplyDeleteoh my - I think I need to be in Paris now!
ReplyDeleteI have seen an episode of Rick Steves (huge nerdy fan of his) about Paris and the beach they set up there for the summer. Tried planning a trip to France and the UK this summer with my husband but opted for something else instead. I hope to visit someday though! Will have to enjoy your beautiful photos and live vicariously through them until I can see if for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteStunning images...makes me remember my trip to Paris long ago!
ReplyDeleteThis is just so dreamy. What a wonderful idea to provide a little respite to city dwellers. I hope that I have to opportunity to see such things for myself one day.
ReplyDeleteVery creative photography and unique for me to see sand by the river ~ Wonderful beach feeling photos!
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you all so much for your very kind comments! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful event - the beach brought to the city and of course, ice cream is a MUST, so I agree with your sons on not going anywhere that doesn't involve this treat, Catherine.
ReplyDeleteYour photos always make me want to get on a plane and head straight for Paris!
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