The Parisian Riviera: A Beach Sweeps Into Paris

The Parisian Riviera: A Beach Sweeps Into Paris

Agence France-Presse

Visitors to the Paris Plage relax on sun beds next to the Seine River on July 20, 2007 in Paris. The Paris Plage event allows Parisians and tourists to enjoy some of the delights of a sea-side beach in the middle of the French capital.

Peter Macdiarmid

For the past 10 years, every summer tons of sand are shipped into the heart of Paris.

The Seine River — dotted by the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, the Tuileries Gardens and the Eiffel Tower — is transformed into a beachside resort enjoyed by Parisians and tourists alike.

Blue beach chairs, palm trees, and giant sandcastles are just a few of the attractions.

For city-dwellers unable to flee Paris' sweltering summers, there is now a new escape along the banks of the Seine — this is "Paris-Plage."