A Guide for Going to The Paris Plages

The Paris Plages is a fairly unique concept that Paris does to help people cool off amidst the summer heat. Not all of us in the city can escape to the French Riviera when the temperature peaks around July or August. Our best bet is to cool off in these man-made “beaches” without leaving the city. I’ve gone to them every year and have become somewhat of an expert on them. So if you’re in Paris this summer, let me share some tips on going to the Paris Plages.

Check The Dates First

First things first, know when they open. There's nothing more awkward than getting into your beach gear and going to the Siene just to find out that they’re not even there yet! The Paris Plages are typically set up around July, when summer is in full swing. This was also why they weren't able to open last year, since it was around the same time as the Paris 2024 Olympics. It's fairly easy to look up the dates online, so you have no excuse for not knowing them when the time comes.

Know The Best Times to Go

Both Paris Plages, the one on Rives de Seine and the other along Bassin de la Villette, start from 10:00 am and close at around 22:00 (10:00) pm. That's a pretty long window, so there are times when they get pretty crowded. My advice is to go there early! I'm usually near the Rives de Seine, which is in the 7th arrondissement, at around 9:00 am. That's right! I get there an hour early! Call me crazy if you want, but at least I always manage to get a good spot before it gets crowded!

Expect Some Sand

When they say that the Paris Plages are man-made beaches, they mean it! Don't think that they're just rows upon rows of sun beds and beach umbrellas near the Seine River and the Basin de la Villette! The city goes above and beyond to make the areas look like they're the French Riviera. The sands here might not be natural and as white as those along Côte d'Azur, but they're not too bad. Kids, at the very least, still find it good enough to build sand castles.

Put on Your Sunscreen

In the way that you put on sunscreen when you go to an actual beach, so should you put it on in the Paris Plages, too. The sun is the sun, no matter where you are. If you think the big buildings in Paris will protect you from its intensely bright rays, you're sadly mistaken! The sun will affect you just as much in the Paris Plage as it would on real coasts. I even forgot to put it on once, about two years ago, and it gave me the worst sunburn in recent memory! Take it from me—put on your sunscreen!

Expect A Lot of Activities

I guess I should also tell you that there will be all sorts of activities in the Paris Plages, so you might want to prepare for them. You're not necessarily required to participate if you don't want to, but it's worth mentioning since you might think that these man-made beaches are just that. Sure, for the most part, they are relaxing and perfect to get some sun in summer, but they also hold events like parties, DJ sets, games, and more. This is all the more reason to go there early to snag a good spot that's a fair distance away from all the hullaballoo.

Pack Your Own Lunch

I always pack my lunch when I go to the Paris Plages, and so should you! I get it! The place has snack stalls, and it's not like there aren't cafes and bistros nearby, especially the one by Rives de Seine, but believe me when I say that this isn't the way to go! There will be long lines and, in some instances, they might run out of food! Avoid all that hassle by bringing your own food so you can also stay in your spot all day long!

Look Out For Your Kids

Paris is not a dangerous city, but it's still a big metropolis. It's not the type of place to leave your kids on your own, no matter how safe you think it is. So when you go to the Paris Plages, make sure you know where your kids are at all times. Tell them to play near you, or to at least stay in an area where you can still see them. You especially need to keep your eyes on them when they swim at the Basin de la Villette. This one gets extremely crowded on hot days, making it easy for the little ones to get lost (or worse) when you're not careful!

You Can Only Swim in Certain Parts

Unfortunately, the Paris Plages aren't a free-for-all for swimmers. For now, you can only swim in the one by Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement. They're practically pools built for the very reason. I heard that they're making it possible to swim in the Seine River, but I highly advise against it. No offense to the city and all, but the river still isn't that clean for swimming. The Olympians may have survived it last year, but those are world-class athletes with strong bodies. For us normies, we're better off just relaxing on the man-made shore.

Bring Extra Clothes

Don't just bring one normal outfit and your swimsuit when you go to the Paris Plages. You never know what might happen! And if you're like me, you wouldn't want to walk the very fashionable streets of Paris in your tankini. I can't tell you how embarrassed I felt when I had to go back to my rental apartment because my day clothes got drenched. The stares I received are still etched on my mind! Avoid going through that humiliation by bringing more than one set of normal clothes when you go!

Keep Your Stuff Close to You

You probably don't need me to tell you, but I'm gonna anyway—keep your stuff close to you. Again, don't underestimate how crowded the Paris Plages can get every summer. Not all of us could afford to escape to the French Riviera or even the Greek Islands by the time the heat reaches its peak in mid-July. Hundreds, if not thousands, still go to the Paris Plages to cool off. And as you may well know (if not, you should!),the city is infamous for its pickpockets. Don't fall victim to any of them by packing your stuff in a sturdy bag and keeping it close to you at all times.



The Paris Plages is one of the best things about summer in Paris. You’ll want to check out these man-made beaches when the heat gets a bit too much at this time of year! So here are a few tips on how to go about it.