Paris Plages will be back in the French capital from 21 July to 21 August 2008.
The event continues to extend eastwards with the development of the La Villette canal basin and remains true to its original vocation of July 2002 to transform the city and the way it is used, for the pleasure of tourists and those unable to go away on holiday.
Paris Plages flies the European colours
To celebrate the French presidency of the European Union, which started on 1 July 2008, the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, accompanied by a chorus of 120 singers, will perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony on the square of the Paris City Hall, on 21 July at 6pm. This huge free concert conducted by Sian Edwards will provide the opportunity to hear the whole of this majestic work with its Ode to Joy which was designated the official European anthem more than thirty years ago.
The success of Paris Plages
A great success with the public in 2007, the site of the La Villette canal basin will double in size this year. The water sports centre, a place to try out different water sports in safety, is extending its scope. Also part of this rising trend are sand beaches, areas to play boules and dance floors.
There is a wide range of sports on offer. This year, in addition to the indispensable bathing pool, t’ai chi and pétanque, there is a mini golf course in the Jardin éphémère on the Parvis, a fitness area on the sand beach on the voie Georges Pompidou, table football for twelve players, a merry-go-round for children, fencing, and familiarization sessions with the „segway“ an upright electrical two-wheeler for getting around in a different way.
Of note too is the great line-up for the festival FnacIndétendances on the occasion of its five years of existence, as well as the presence once again of the lending library of the Flammarion bookstore. Finally, new in 2008, a giant 3-km picnic on the voie Georges Pompidou, on 21 July from 7pm, for the launching of Paris Plages. More information on paris.fr.