600,000 People on Paris 'Beach' Along River Seine

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, July 23, 2002

600,000 People on Paris 'Beach' Along River Seine

More than 600,000 people were attracted to "Paris Beach," a city-sponsored project that opened Sunday along a 3,000-meter stretch of the right bank of river Seine, the city hall announced Monday.

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More than 600,000 people were attracted to "Paris Beach," a city-sponsored project that opened Sunday along a 3,000-meter stretch of the right bank of river Seine, the city hall announced Monday.

"I am glad that people enjoy their holiday in Paris. I am glad to see Parisians and people from outskirts come here to fish, dance and picnic," Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe said.

The municipality of Paris transformed a 3,000-meter stretch riverside of the Seine into a beach-like section.

Decorated with 80 palm trees, 300 blue lounge chairs and 150 blue parasols, the bank facing the Islet of Cite and the Islet of Saint-Louis in the heart of Paris was transformed into a beach section.

"Four of 10 Parisians do not leave for holiday, so it is good for them to enjoy sunshine in downtown," said Annais, a 19-year-old university student and volunteer working for the project.

Along the bank, some part of which is less than 20 meters wide,adults were seen in swimwear, napping or reading on lounge chairs and children playing sand. Swimming in the Seine is forbidden.

In fact, the sand does not stretch to the water's edge. The road along the edge is full of strollers since automobiles are banned in summer to leave place for rollerbladers and cyclists.

The city hall also plans cultural programs from classical concerts, jazz show to dance parties on the "beach."

The project, which cost 1.5 million euros (1.52 million US dollars), will last till August 18.

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