This year marks the 10th anniversary of Paris Plages, an event which sees the banks of the Seine transformed into a playground/beach/ paradis du flaneur. Roads are closed in an attempt to create an artificial seaside-on-Seine. Palm trees and deckchairs line the banks.
Cedric SF @ Flickr creative commons
Originally the Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoë's initiative, Paris Plages was launched to console entertain those who were unable (like the rest of the population) to escape the metropole during the Summer months.
Predominantly a family attraction, with mini dirt-track for future motards, children's swimming pool, eco-focused play sessions and more, Paris Plages also offers a library where, in temporary exchange for your ID card, you may take out any of their large selection of books and read in one of the designated deckchairs.
So, if you find yourself in Paris in August, head to Paris Plages. Pull up a deckchair and pretend that you are on the Cote d'Azur, sipping on a Caipirinha (as opposed to a Diet Coke on the Rive Droite).
