Everything you need to know about Paris Plages!
People may have once said that Paris has everything except a beach… that’s all changed now and the French capital really does have it all! You’re bound to have heard of the beaches lining the River Seine, but you probably have a few questions you’d like answering before you head down to the water to cool off after an intense day of French lessons at French-Paris. You’ve come to the right place, here’s everything you need to know about Paris Plages before you go!
Everything students taking a French course in Paris need to know about Paris Plages!
What is Paris Plages?
As you know from your French language course at our French-Paris French language school, “plages” is the French word for “beaches”. Paris Plages is a pop-up event that sees “beaches” appear at Parc Rives de Seine, Bassin de la Villette and Canal St Martin with deck chairs, parasols, greenery and cabanas. It’s not all about chilling out though, with water sports and bathing spots available at the beaches plus pétanque courts, bars, eateries and more. If you’re looking to soak up a “seaside” atmosphere in the city, this is the place to be.
In the past, tons of sand were trucked in for the event each year, and to be removed at the end of the summer. Grass and trees now replace the sand as a more environmentally friendly and greener environmental policy.
When is Paris Plages?
July 5th-August 31st.
Where is Paris Plages?
There are three spots to choose from: Parc Rives de Seine, Bassin de la Villette and Canal St Martin. Each place has its own vibe and things to do. We’ll take a closer look into each one in the next section but the closest beach to your French-Paris language school is the one between Pont de l’Alma and Pont Royal, putting you within a 20-minute walk after your French course.
What’s on at Parc Rives de Seine?
Both banks of the Seine are given a beach glow-up between Pont de l’Alma and Pont Royal, on the Left Bank, and Pont Neuf and Pont de Sully on the Right Bank. The beaches on the Right Bank are all about chilling out and relaxing beneath the palm trees, so grab a drink from one of the pop-bars laid on for the occasion, settle back in your deck chair and feast your eyes on the fabulous views. The beaches on the Left Bank are where the action is, with a climbing wall, things for the kids to do, entertainment, activities, eateries, art shows, live music by local bands and more. Now you just have to choose the one that suits your mood!
What’s on at Bassin de la Villette?
With average temperatures in summer heating Paris up to 25°C and heatwaves pushing the mercury to 35°C, a dip in the water may be just what you need after an intense day of French lessons at your French language School. Bassin de la Villette is where you need to be! Hop on the Metro, get off at Jaurès and make a beeline for the four pools (11am-8pm). Admission is on a first come, first served basis and there’s a cap on how many people can be in the pool at the same time. The pools are disinfected between each time slot, there are different depths to suit swimmers of all ages and abilities plus lifeguards on duty, changing rooms and showers.
Oh, and did we mention they’re free? What’s not to like!? If you don’t fancy a dip, you can hit the water on a pedalo, rowboat, canoe, kayak or sailboat nearby the pools. If you’re feeling brave, get a thrill on the zip line or race your friends to the top of the climbing wall!
What’s on at Canal Saint Martin?
Make the most of your weekend and spend your Sunday afternoon cooling off in the canal (1pm-4pm subject to water quality tests). It’s like the Paris Olympics all over again! Dry off and take a breather on the decked beaches on Square Jemmapes and Jardin Villemin. Play some 3×3 basketball on Sunday morning (10am-12pm), impress your friends with your knowledge of music at the quiz on weekend afternoons or dance the night away on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. There are craft workshops to keep the kids out of trouble, live music and performances at Jardin Villemin and misters and ice creams to cool off with on Square Eugène Varlin.
What’s the theme?
You may not know but every year, Paris Plages has a theme. 2023 and 2024 were all about French Polynesia and Tahiti. 2025 sees the French capital celebrate Brazil as part of its bicentennial of diplomatic relations between France and the South American country. Sample Brazilian dishes at the Brazilian market, watch Brazilian films at the outdoor cinema on the Seine riverbanks, treat your ears and eyes to some traditional batucada dancing, experience a Brazilian bloco or street party on the beach or get your fill of art at exhibitions with work by João Farkas and Luiz Braga. Just close your eyes and imagine you’re living it up in Rio!
Everything you need to know about Paris Plages and more free swimming places!
Six other free swimming places are also opening their doors this summer in sports centers to swim and enjoy sports activities, conducive to relaxation:
– Léo Lagrange Gymnasium (12th)
– Georges Carpentier Sports Center (13th)
– Didot sports center (14th)
– Porte d’Asnières (17th)
– Poissonniers sports center (18th)
– Louis Lumière Stadium (20th)
Important: Strong heat expected this summer!
So remember to equip yourself before coming: hat, light clothing, sunscreen… and above all, bring water to stay well hydrated throughout the day. Take care of yourself !
And before to come to Paris book your French language course at our French language school located 3bis rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, Paris, 15th arrondissement.
Contact French-Paris now and enjoy Paris Plages with our students!
