This year's "Paris Beach" runs from July 21 to August 21, under the Artistic Stroll Bridge up to the Sully Bridge
On sunny and breezy days, it attracts numerous Parisians for sunbathing on the beach
Crowds of leisurely people fill the area on sunny days or weekends
Walking in the summer heat under a cool mist feels truly comfortable
The most special feature this year is that Europe's Disneyland also joined in with sand sculpture promotions
In the hot summer, riversides and shaded areas are great places to escape the heat
Reading is Parisians' favorite leisure activity - people can borrow books directly and sit or lie comfortably on air cushions under trees to spend a wonderful afternoon
Parisians enjoy outdoor leisure on beautiful days with blue skies and white clouds
Paris Beach not only provides relief from the heat but also offers views of passing boats and scenery from different perspectives
Sunny and breezy Parisian bridges are particularly bright and charming
Leisure by the Seine easily evokes a holiday atmosphere
Paris Beach is also a good place for couples to romance - especially romantic along the riverbank

Paris Beach has been running for ten years. This unique metropolitan public activity has become the most important and significant leisure institution during Paris's summer holidays. Since Socialist Mayor Bertrand Delanoë took office in 2002, leading with political creativity, many countries have now emulated this model. It is understandable that Paris’s cultural charm and innovative spirit are so captivating. Paris Beach has become the most popular summer leisure activity in the metropolis, attracting pilgrims from around the world who consider it a must-visit. It has become an alternative synonym for Paris summers, with numerous tourists hoping to experience its enchanting beach firsthand.

Each year, Paris Beach offers activities suitable for all ages, such as the expansive sand area beloved by young people and children, pétanque (France’s national sport), rock climbing and rope sliding for kids, morning Tai Chi, afternoon dance classes teaching various styles to adults and children, quad biking for teenagers, performances and juggling by street artists, an outdoor library, coffee and ice cream shops, all drawing large crowds. This year, Disneyland Paris also joined in, carving a magnificent Sleeping Beauty castle and cute Mickey and Minnie Mouse figures on the sand. The industrial city area hosted science experiment spaces, offering scientific trial knowledge for teenagers and children. A Franprix supermarket set up a booth to introduce dietary preparation and tell legends and stories about fruits. Municipal units established points to educate Parisians on environmental awareness and urban resource recycling. FNAC store specially exhibited a marathon photography exhibition featuring works by 600 amateur photographers.

Whenever possible, I go to experience the Parisians’ beach. This year, however, the weather was particularly unusual; even the sun played hide-and-seek with the Parisians. Partly cloudy with intermittent rain, the temperature and climate shifted through four seasons in one day. The breezy, sunny summer vanished. Even the weather presenter remarked that summer had yet to arrive. In July, only July 30th featured blue skies and white clouds (in August, only the Assumption Day was clear; sunlight this year was rare). My wife and I took advantage of the clear day to relax at Paris Beach. Although it was not a weekend, many people were sunbathing under the bright sun, and excited children were building sandcastles everywhere. Crowds strolled along the Seine riverbank to unwind. I took this opportunity to appreciate the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river and bridge, especially enjoying the unique features of Parisian bridges beneath them. It was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Following the Seine riverbank from Paris Beach, passing the Arab World Institute and the outdoor sculpture park, then straight along the river to the Bibliothèque nationale de France (Mitterrand Library), my body and mind felt refreshed, and my eyes delighted. We completed a large loop, ending a wonderful and rare afternoon in Paris perfectly.