From 21 July to 21 August 2008
Paris Plages 2008 takes place from 21 July to 21 August. This year the big summer event stretches over three Parisian sites: Voie Georges-Pompidou (4th), from the La Villette canal basin to Stalingrad (19th), and Quai de la Gare near the Bibliothèque nationale de France (13th)... Once again, Parisians and tourists will meet along the banks of the Seine, comfortably seated "facing the sea" on nice coloured deckchairs, to watch concerts, sports matches or sip the latest fashionable cocktail in the numerous “to be seen in” cafes along the beach.

The go-ahead for the 7th Paris Plages will therefore be given on 21 July at the square in front of the City Hall with a great free concert performed by the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris (the Orchestral Ensemble of Paris). To celebrate the French presidency of the European Union the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris will be performing Beethoven.


On the programme for this new edition:

For entertainment: a giant 3km picnic along the Voie Georges Pompidou from the Pont Marie to the Virage Sully (21 July, from 8pm), as well as playgrounds, sandy beaches and dance floors.

Sports: water sports, pétanque, minigolf in the ephemeral garden in the square in front of the City Hall, fitness training on the sandy beach of the Voie Georges-Pompidou, table football for 12 players, and a merry-go-round for children.

Music: the festival FnacIndétendances is making a comeback with a talented and varied programme (James Deano, Wriggles, Barbara Carlotti, and more). For those who dream of going on holiday without leaving the capital or for those who wish to discover the city in a different light, Paris invites you to its beach. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sun tan lotion!

Photo D.R.