Paris Plage and Brussels les Bains 2010

What does Paris and Brussels have to offer in summer?  Well something quite special indeed.  Read more about each city below…

 

Paris Plage
Or “Paris beach” begins mid July until mid August every year. Tons of white sand are crated in, potted palm trees are placed, deckchairs and parasols are arranged. The Seine’s banks become pedestrian and the beaches are spread across three spots (Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare and Bassin de la Villette).
 
From the Louvre to Pont de Sully 
Spanning 3kms through historical Paris, and features a swimming pool, concert stage, and open-air attractions (rollerblading, tai-chi, wall climbing, boules etc.). Refreshment areas, play areas and deckchairs are available for your time out unwinding by the river.
 
Port de la Gare 
This beach is at the foot of the François Mitterrand National Library (Paris 13) and by the Joséphine Baker “Piscine sur Seine”. It provides a more intellectual getaway option, as it were, with free newspapers, books on loan, a café and wi-fi hotspot, and art classes (drawing, painting, writing, etc.). The Joséphine Baker floating swimming pool provides welcome respite in the daytime, and the boats moored by the banks provide a variety of musical shows in the evening.
 
Bassin de la Villette 
Aound Bassin de la Villette (Paris 19), it stretches from Rotonde de Ledoux (nearest Jaurès Metro station) to the former Magasins Généraux (in Rue de Crimée) and features a proper water-sports complex (with rowing boats, kayaks, pedal boats and dinghies) alongside quaint quay-side restaurants and boules courts.

 

All Paris Plages beaches are open non-stop from 8.00am to midnight.

 

Bruxelles Les Bains
Or “Brussels on sea” will be from mid July until mid August every year.  A stretch of the Willebroek canal is converted to a waterside resort in the city. An urban beach scene with fine sand and coconut palms is created where visitors can attend concerts, play beach volleyball or other sports and visit shops and restaurants. The stage features various shows with a summer theme and there are food cabins and a kids' area. The Sports Field includes beach football, rugby, petanque, climbing, frisbee, American football and rowing.  Not only that but everything is free, and that includes chaises longues rental, concerts, beach sports and a team of professional masseurs to knead particpants' sunburnt shoulders, Shiatsu, Thai or Swedish style. 

 

You can find Bruxelles Les Bains on the northwest side of the city at Place Sainctelette and Rue de la Dyle. The nearest Metro stations are either Ribaucourt or Yser-User.

 

Bruxelles les bains is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm.