For the last few years the annual Paris Plages event has been dogged by either bad weather or absolutely terrible weather. This year, however, a miracle has occurred – it’s going to be sunny and hot!

And now that work on improving the banks of the Seine is finished, Paris Plages is going to be bigger than ever, stretching along the banks of the Seine from Pont des Arts to Pont de Sully, and a second venue on the bassin de la Villette with even more on offer!

So – good weather, loads of room for relaxation, new attractions (like the zip-line over the water)… what’s not to like? Here’s all the info…Paris Plages is expanding and spreading out this year, with almost  3km alongside the Seine, and 5,000 tons of sand brought up the river by boat to make temporary golden beaches.

The number of activities on offer is incredible this year, with dance lessons, table football,tai-chi, six boules courts, private beaches for kids from 3-6 years old (with a climbing wall, mini zip-line…), an exhibition (with workshops), a temporary library, picnic spots, bars, ice-cream sellers, drinking water fountains with free flat and sparkling water…

To check out the map, click here.

And on the square in front of Hôtel de Ville, you’ll be able to see beach volley, concerts for the Fnac Live festival, more show live on a big screen on Friday and Saturday nights (for example, Benjamin Biolay and Marc Almond at the Théâtre du Châtelet)…

As for the bassin de la Villette, the event’s second site, this is where you’ll find most of the new stuff – the zip-line over the canal and electric karting, as well as the favourites from past years – a BMX circuit for kids, canoeing, pedal boats, roundabouts, an electric boat, bars, traditional ‘guinguettes’, eight spots to play boules…

For the map, click here.

In all, it’s a month of fun that anyone staying in the city over summer shouldn’t miss!

Paris Plages 2013 runs from 20th July – 18th August

Open every day from 8am – midnight

Free!

Official site: quefaire.paris.fr/parisplages

Twitter: here

French-speakers can check out the press release below. Click the fullscreen button at the bottom right, or simply click here.