Paris Plage

Every August, as a consolation to the few Parisians who stay in the city when all others are on vacation, truckloads of sand are placed on the banks of the Seine creating a beach in the center of one of the world's largest cities. This year, Paris Plage was dedicated to the idea of French Polynesia, which ultimately meant the random placement of aloha print and woven mats. Various activities are provided throughout the event site, which is located on the right bank just east of Notre Dame. Unlike American festivals which would have come up with kitchy activities to honor the French Polynesian theme, this festival was 100% French. Boules ball, beachside louge chairs for reading or people watching, and even a swimming pool--which when we passed it was conducting a swim aerobics class, were available for all.

Perhaps it was the weather, a constant mixture of sun and rain--or perhaps it is owed to being the last weekend in the month-long event, but it seemed a little wanting. Don't get me wrong, it is beautiful to walk along the banks of the Seine, but one doesn't need sand deposited there to enjoy it. We will likely go back next year, early in the season, when the sun is shining, perhaps we will have a better opinion. But for now, I do not believe we will be recommending it to any of our friends who come to visit.

One recommendation we can make however is walking along the Seine, as opposed to on the Quai's just above. It is a small difference in distance, but it is the difference between a leisurely walk along a beautiful river with some of the world's best scenary along your way, or the rushed crowds of tourists shopping at the overpriced Bouquinnerie and cars honking at every small infraction. Without knowing it we walked nearly three miles, and it felt like we had the city all to ourselves.