Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Summertime Beaches
Presaging the latest anti-auto revolution that ushered in Les Berges de Seine were the Paris
Plages (Paris Beaches), with traffic supplanted by palm trees, bars, cafes, sun lounges, para-
sols, water fountains and sprays, and sand brought in by barges lining the river from mid-
July to mid-August.
The Paris Plages were established in 2002 for Parisians who couldn't escape to the coast
to cool off in the summer months. They now extend for more than 5km on sections of both
banks during the season, and also incorporate activities such as
pétanque
(similar to bowls)
and concerts.
Seine-Side Entertainment
In addition to Les Berges de Seine, entertainment options include floating nightclubs aboard
boats moored in southern Paris, such as the red-metal tugboat Le Batofar, and even a float-
ing swimming pool, Piscine Joséphine Baker.
On the banks, riverside venues include the Docks en Seine, home to the French fashion
institute, the Institut Français de la Mode, which incorporates vast outdoor terraces, uberhip
bars, clubs and restaurants, an entertainment-themed contemporary-art museum and more.
River Cruises & Tours
The best way, of course, to become acquainted with the Seine is to get out on it. A plethora
of companies run day- and night-time
boat tours
(usually lasting around an hour) with com-
mentary in multiple languages. Many cruise companies also offer brunch, lunch and dinner
cruises and the standard of cuisine is generally high (this is Paris, after all).
An alternative to traditional boat tours is the Batobus, a handy hop-on, hop-off service
which stops at eight quintessentially Parisian attractions: the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées,
Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre, St-Germain des Prés, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame and
Jardin des Plantes. Single- and multiday tickets allow you to spend as long as you like sight-
seeing between stops.
