Parisians Adapt to Beach Life
Paris Beach Opens with Tahiti Theme
White sand beaches, palm trees and the notion of a tropical paradise may not be what you think about when Paris pops into your head, but that's one of the great things about this European capital: It will surprise you.
About five years ago, Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe backed the idea of the Paris Plages (which means "beach" in French). This year, the event which opened Thursday has taken Tahiti as its theme. Visitors can participate in dance classes, shows and workshops in traditional Polynesian huts. Also, about 20 beach sports from volleyball to frisbee tossing are encouraged.
Along with almost 70 palm trees, 2,500 tons of sand were trucked in to make the beaches. All that sand is expected to lure nearly 4 million people to the beach.
The idea is catching on amongst other land-locked European capitals and cities including Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam and Rome. Last summer, my traveling partner and I spent an afternoon at a similar beach in Dresden, Germany. The atmosphere was tropical, the drinks were cold and the beach volleyball was competitive.
Yes, when you see the beaches along the Seine river it is a little shocking and seems somewhat out of place. Once you get used to the idea, however, it makes perfect sense. Paris, like much of the rest of Western Europe is going through a bit of a heat wave and those Parisians and visitors alike can use a respite from the heat (and museums).
"Paris Plages is a gesture of solidarity with all those, and there are hundreds of thousands of them in Paris and its surroundings, who cannot afford to go on holiday," said Delanoe during Thursday's inauguration.
So, if you're in Paris mid July through mid August or so (the tropical vibe only lasts about a month), squeeze some time into your schedule for an afternoon at the beach.
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