- Title: FRANCE: Seaside comes to Paris with opening of Paris Plage
- Date: 22nd July 2009
- Summary: VARIOUS OF PEOPLE ENJOYING REFRESHMENTS WIDE VIEW OF PEOPLE SITTING ON THE LAWN AT PARIS PLAGE PEOPLE LYING ON DECK CHAIRS ON THE LAWN PEOPLE LYING ON DECK CHAIRS, READING BOOKS WIDE VIEW OF PEOPLE WALKING ALONG THE BANKS OF THE RIVER
- Embargoed: 6th August 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: France
- Country: France
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA7DAL4RJ9QUYZBFEZ4GFL7MI24
- Story Text: The opening of Paris Plage on Monday (July 20) means holidaymakers in Paris no longer need to travel great distances for a day at the beach.
Every summer since 2002, the banks of the Seine transform into a beach aimed at attracting vacationers who can't leave the city.
"It's like a dream, the sun is out and we are having a great day. It's a great initiative on the part of the Paris city authorities," said Cecile Saulmé, who lives in the suburbs of Paris.
On opening day, the artificial beach attracted a crowd, consisting mainly of families with children and tourists.
"We wanted to enjoy the day. It's really gorgeous outside and the weekend was a bit so-so, and we thought we'd do something that everybody seems to be doing here in Paris," said Canadian tourist, Suzanne.
"The last time I came to Paris a few years ago I saw that they had the beaches in the summer. But I wasn't ready last time so this time I absolutely insisted that we come to the beaches," said her friend.
Besides the sand, Paris Plage features deck chairs, palm trees, refreshment areas and sporting opportunities such as wall-climbing and rollerblading.
There is also an open shower for people to cool off after soaking in the sun.
This year the beach, which spans three kilometres (1.8 miles) across three spots along the Seine, has an unconventional aesthetic scheme which includes colours likes turquoise and azure rather than the traditional navy and white which is typical of beaches in southern France. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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