(Fig. 1) A scene of the bustling Seine stretch in front of the Mitterrand National Library, 13th arrondissement, at Paris Plages.

(Fig. 2) Paris Plages is a favorite spot for Parisians and tourists to stroll during the summer holidays. (Fig. 3) This year, the white sand beach invited an artist to create sand sculptures on-site, attracting many visitors to stop and watch.

(Fig. 1) Most people chatting or daydreaming under the trees are young. (Fig. 2 Left) A unique view from under a Paris bridge facing Notre-Dame. (Fig. 2 Right) Rare views of the "mouche" boats and the Île de la Cité skyline. (Fig. 3) Many elderly people come to learn dancing. (Fig. 3) Children boating and playing in the water at the Villette basin north of Paris. The famous beaches along the Seine in 2007 ended with a heavy rainstorm on August 19. The month-long Poetic Paris Beach attracts thousands of locals and international tourists every year, becoming the largest public carnival ritual of Paris's summer vacation season. The riverside beach has become a grand recreational venue for summer tourism and leisure. Starting from the city center (stretching from the Passerelle des Arts near the Institut de France to Pont de Sully), last year it expanded to the Seine stretch in front of the Mitterrand National Library in the 13th arrondissement, and this year it extended to the Villette basin north of Paris. One can imagine that the success of these years makes Paris proud. It allows Parisians who do not travel for vacation to enjoy a unique seaside atmosphere and experience, while also attracting curious participation from tourists worldwide.

Under waving flags and rows of palm trees, Paris Plages offers a distinct style. Adults can relax lying on the white sand or canvas chairs, sunbathing, reading, watching passersby and mouche boats on the Seine, practicing Tai Chi, learning dance, listening to concerts, swimming, rowing, playing in the water, dancing under trees, playing pétanque, or daydreaming under large trees. Young people play volleyball on the white sand; children play on the beach, boat, swim, climb rocks, paint, listen to storytellers, and enjoy clowns (all activities are free). Crowds stroll leisurely along the Seine, admiring the unique scenery. Cafés on the beach are often full; ice cream stalls have long lines. At noon or evening, groups of friends and families picnic in the picnic areas or by the river, enjoying Paris's rare outdoor life with a special "sea" flavor and poetic quality.

This year, however, the weather was uncooperative. The sun seemed shy like a modest woman; anything without rain was considered good weather. Throughout the summer, days were cloudy with occasional showers. Temperatures were not high, feeling somewhat humid and crisp like autumn. Tides felt slightly cold. Thus, it was rare to see beauties and handsome men in bikinis sunbathing on Paris Plages this year. No one used the heat mist zones. One can imagine that in the continuous rainy weather, outdoor activities depended on the sky. Calculating, July had only two days of blue skies and bright sun, and August so far seems to have no more than three sunny days. I wonder why the Paris sun has been so shy lately. Is it because Parisians are too romantic? Nevertheless, the 2007 Paris Plages did not lose its charm due to the bad weather. Instead, it attracted even more locals and global pilgrims to Paris. Paris's poetry and aesthetics, changing with the climate, possess extraordinary charm, intoxicating people in its gentle embrace.