La Plage {Paris}
Last weekend I passed through my beloved Paris for a day en route from Brittany to the south of France and as lovely as the countryside and beach are, I was reminded once again that first and foremost I’m an urban explorer. Ever summer for a month, the city of Paris transforms various areas around the city into urban beaches known as “Paris Plage” [plage = beach]. The program is in it’s 9th year and several other European cities have copied the idea. While many Parisians (including many of my friends) really are not fans of Paris Plage, I had to see it for myself. I don’t know if it was the simplicity, lack of corporate branding, or just the fact that it’s a public space that brings people of all kinds together, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching people in the space and how it came alive. The streets (closed to traffic for the month) become an urban playground with bocce, lounge chairs, activities and workshops for those who don’t leave the city for the summer. I checked out the “plage” that ran along the Seine in central Paris just north of Notre Dame. I know if I were in Paris for the rest of the summer, I’d definitely check out the other locations, as well as taking in a film at cinema en plein air at Park de la Vilette.
Susan
July 31, 2010 at 9:20 pm //
Love that…very cool.
jen laceda
August 1, 2010 at 2:12 pm //
I’ve heard about this event before. Glad to see some photos of it!
Cheap Hotels Madrid
August 1, 2010 at 7:33 pm //
I never heard of it…good to know of it and thanks for sharing those pictures…
Aron
August 2, 2010 at 4:24 am //
I like it!
Chris Bonney
August 5, 2010 at 2:36 am //
I always thought that looked like fun!
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August 6, 2010 at 1:08 am //
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Cheryl
August 6, 2010 at 2:47 pm //
I love to see how Parisians lighten up! Paris Plage didn’t exist when I lived there after college—too bad. (The two little girls hugging in the center of your first photo are a sweet detail). Thanks for the fun glimpse of summer.
risamay
August 6, 2010 at 5:13 pm //
Though the idea of European summer travel is a complete turnoff to me (per the crowds and the sweltering heat), surfing through your refreshing photos of Paris Plage makes me want to throw preference to the wind and head to the City of Light one summer, soon.
Persis Shah
August 6, 2010 at 5:29 pm //
just stumbled upon your blog and i have to say its LOVELY! do drop by mine too when you have some time. perhaps we can follow each other. =)
Persis.
http://onestylemile.blogspot.com/
the destination india
August 10, 2010 at 10:12 am //
very cool,i like it.
Abbey
August 23, 2010 at 7:57 pm //
This makes me miss paris so so so much!!! I hope you are well. xoxox Abbey