Unto the beach, citoyens

Paris Plage, a three-kilometre temporary beach along the Seine, is to reopen on July 20 with even greater temptations to lie back, soak up the sun, and look across the river to the Louvre.

Aside from several hundred deck chairs and sun loungers, the illusion of a seaside vacation will be enhanced by rows of hammocks.

Last year, 2.3 million people visited Paris Plage, a stretch of closed-off right-bank expressway between the Tuileries and the Quai Henri IV, opposite Notre Dame.

The mayor, Bertrand Delanoe, announced yesterday that he was doubling the amount of beach by importing 3,000 tonnes of sand, which will cover one of the capital's most important road links until August 20.

Holiday activities range from daily gymnastics to nightly concerts on a floating stage. Half the €1.5m (£1m) cost is being subsidised by sponsors who will provide picnic areas and a free lending library.

Budapest, Brussels and Toulouse are copying the Paris example this year, and beaches are likely to spread to other European cities next year.

Last year, the car lobby protested because of traffic jams caused by the loss of a key artery. But Mr Delanoe said he would also increase the sanded sports area around the Hotel de Ville where athletic competitions will be staged.