Things You Didn't Know About Paris Plages

Since 2002 , Paris has transformed its riverfront into a littleplage , or beach , for visitors and locals alike who pine for the odorous smells of saltiness air . The musk of the Seine will have to suffice , but the city works heavily to make certain the place really does feel like the beach . For the fifteenth yearly event this year , a 3.5 km reach of the Seine along the Bassin de la Villette work emcee to palm tree , result , and general summer shenanigans . Here are a few lesser - known tidbits to raise your Paris Plages experience .

The mayor wants to bring back swimming in the Seine (or near it, anyway)

Although swimming in the Seine has n’t been just pop since the 1700s ( and with good cause ) , the mayor last year said she need that to vary by 2024 . As part of her bid for the 2024 Olympic Games , Mayor Hidalgo is promising to make the river clean enough to swim in … though Jacques Chirac did take the same thing in the 1980s , and here we are .

Paris Plages cost 4.8 million euros

In 2015 , the Gallic metier revealed a confidential write up detailing how the 2013 Paris Plages cost just under 5 million euro – which was three times the monetary value announced by the city . That ’s somereally expensivesand . While it be the city a pretty penny to put on , none of the effect have a fee for either tourer or locals . The outcome is partially targeted at fellowship who ca n’t afford to leave Paris during the summertime month , so it ’s not out to reap a profits .

5000 metric tons of sand are shipped in from Normandy

All of this sand is used to renovate the discomfort of really being at the beach … and it ’s more than double what they used to apply when Paris Plages started . After the summertime ends , the sand is recycled throughout Paris in gardens and on horse tracks . Even guts , however , stir up contention : one politico called for a boycott because Lafarge , the company that delivers the sand , allegedly has tie to the Islamic State .

There are Paris Plage events for adults, too

While most of the Paris Plage result are aimed at kids , there are some – like country line dance – for adults who need a break . Yes , Gallic country line dancing along an artificial beach in Paris … it ’s not a Dali painting , it ’s real , and you’re able to find out it … or even throw back a fiddling fluent braveness and enter .

There are two beaches

The beach along the Bassin de la Villette , part of the duct system in northeast Paris , really uses the weewee for boat activities and grade , and also includes a zip line across the water . The Bassin de la Villette fix is often less crowd , and attracts more locals than tourists .

Despite being in France, you actually have to cover up

Unlike the beach along the Mediterranean , there is no topless sunbathing allowed here .

This isn’t the first “Paris Plage”

The word " Paris Plage " dates back to 1874 , when it was used as a resort in Pas - de - Calais in northern France . Paris tried to take the name back , but after losing a 100,000 euro causa , decided to rebaptize the city ’s event Paris Plages , with an " s. "

37: The number of imported palm trees

These are brought in on barge , then hoisted by crane onto the riverbanks . The intact performance takes a few days , and includes another 41 Tree of various species that beautify Paris Plages . What would a beach be without a few thenar trees , after all ?

0: The number of automobiles allowed

The city manager has vowed to make the riverbanks for good railroad car - free , but it ’s a sure matter during Paris Plages , when rollerblader , cyclists , and joggers take over the pavement .

There’s a Tunisian influence this year

This year , the city manager is dedicating part of the beach to the Tunisian cities of Tunis and Sousse . To celebrate , part of the voie Georges - Pompidou will sport the name " Quai Jasmin , " a reference to the jasmine flower , which is typic of Tunisia . Look for Tunisian display , artisans , and even wine tastings to pop up during Paris Plages .

Over 4 million: the number of visitors who attended last year

Since it ’s destitute , there ’s no real direction to count how many people show up , so this is believably a conservative estimate . Just prepare for big , sun - loving crowds . Now all we need is the summer weather to really make it , and we ’ll be golden .

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Paris Plages