Paris Plage opens today

For the past few summers, the banks of the Seine in Paris have been transformed into a beach-- Paris Plage. This offers Parisians and tourists a rather surprising plot twist when strolling along the river.

For several weeks, the roads along the Seine are closed, and a "beach" is created. Tons of sand are crated in, potted palm trees are placed, beach chairs and umbrellas are arranged. The typical Paris dress code is reduced substantially. :-0

This year, the plage visits Paris for a month, from 21 July to 21 August 2008. Don't forget your bathing suit!

UPDATE: To kick things off there's a free concert tonight (by the Ensemble orchestral de Paris at 6pm, followed by a giant picnic. We may be going.