The French capital has put a lot of energy into developing its urban beach and riverside culture; the Paris-Plages have been a feature on the banks of the Seine since and the city continues to build up its riverside as a destination every year.
Of course, the artificial beaches, complete with 5, tonnes of sand, deck chairs and volleyball, are a huge draw for visitors. The main beach, the first to open, is a 3. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo is aiming to allow swimming in the Seine — currently off-limits — by This year the beaches are open from 18 July until 21 August.
For years the city has boasted one of the best urban beach scenes in the world, made up of countless bars along the Spree. The Strandbar Mitte bar is one of the oldest, with deckchairs, palm trees, and fresh pizza to enjoy with a bottle of beer. Other long-running beach bars include family-friendly African-Caribbean music venue, YAAM , which is the place for anyone seeking a sun-soaked, reggae-infused chill out; and riverside clubs, such as Club Der Visionaere , a cluster of canal-side shacks in Kreuzberg where you can enjoy techno beneath the shade of a huge weeping willow tree.
From May to September you can cool off at Badeschiff, a stylish floating bathhouse and beach area where you can relax and enjoy some yoga or standup paddleboarding classes.
The whole area is a fantastic, ambitious, architectural endeavour, with ideas of urban sustainability running through it; the sauna, for example, is made from recycled materials and the changing rooms built from 12, recycled glass bottles. Meanwhile in Stockholm, you can find a tranquil retreat in Långholmen Island — a green oasis that was the site of a prison until The prison is now the STF Långholmen Hostel room in dormitory from £25 — a great place to pitch up for a summer break in Stockholm if you want to punctuate exploring the city with swimming and sunbathing.
