Coming to Paris in July or August? High summer in the city is one long social whirl. There are a few unfortunate Parisians who find themselves spending July and August in the city, instead of disappearing to St. Barthélemy, Île de Ré or the Riviera like everyone else. Just imagine having to spend the entire summer season in Paris, lounging in the Jardin du Luxembourg and sipping wine on terraces. Doesn’t the heart bleed? To cheer up the poor souls, Monsieur the Mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, kindly organizes an artificial beach along one bank of the Seine, in the city center. With real sand, water fountains, deck chairs, parasols, palm trees, games and ice cream and refreshment stands, it’s (almost) the real deal. Paris Plages runs from July 20 to August 19. The event also has a satellite at the Bassin de la Villette, in the eastern part of the city, where you can try water sports and activities such as tai chi.
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