Cool Paris

(July 20-August 20) by Klein, Fodor’s Editor

For an entire month, the right bank of the Seine is transformed into a long, sandy beach, with lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas, activities (especially for kids), and even public art and fountains. It’s an extremely popular place to be—and not just on sweltering weekends. This year, there’s a “green” spin on the plage, with recyclable materials used to build wooden decks and cabins along the river’s banks.

It’s the most emblematic event of the Parisian summer: the expressways along the side of the Seine between the Tuileries gardens and the Pont de Sully are shut off to traffic for a whole month and 1,800 tons of sand are added! And 50-odd palm tress! And a lot more (deckchairs, water fountains, cafés…)! And there’s the same thing on the Bassin de la Villette too!

Paris Plage,