Paris-Plage.

1,500 tonnes of sand have been poured onto nearly 4 km of the famous Parisian quayside to create Paris-Plage once again this summer. This year is dedicated to Brazil and for the occasion the quays have been re-named Copacabana, Ipanema and Maracana.

Energetically promoted by the socialist mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delano, Paris-Plage has become a summer-time fixture in the French capital and last year had a total of 3.9 million people visiting its beaches. This year promises to be even more elaborate than the last, with three different beaches covered with either sand, boardwalk or grass and lined with 60 palm trees. Deckchairs and beach umbrellas add to the sensation of being on La Croisette in Cannes, rather than in the centre of Paris. Sports on offer include beach soccer, volleyball and rowing and there is music, samba dancing and plenty of places to eat and drink.The barge that was used to transport the sand has been converted into a floating restaurant, joining the 5 bistrots, 3 icecream kiosks and 2 picnic areas already established. For the occasion, boats will provide transport to the beaches six times a day, three from upstream of the capital and three from downstream. Paris-Plage is open to the public from 7.00-24.00 every day until 21 August.