Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s cinema via socially-distanced boats. As creative ideas go, the Parisians have certainly pushed the boat out in 2020. This outdoor cinema extravaganza marks the inauguration of the Paris Plages 2020 celebrations. As part of this annual summer festival, artificial beaches pop up along the Seine transforming the City into a trendy beach resort.
What is outdoor cinema on water?
Outdoor cinema on water (cinema sur l’eau) kicks of the celebrations on Saturday 18th July with a special screening of the aptly titled “Le Grand Bain”. In keeping with the water theme, a group of forty-something men form the world’s first male synchronised swimming team.
The lucky spectators have been selected through a raffle process. Thirty-eight boats will compete for front row seats. Each boat seats four to six occupants and will be composed of family or friends. For those who missed the boat however, all is not lost as there are 150 deckchairs lining the Quai de la Seine.
What is Paris Plages about?
Paris Plages launched in 2002 and provides a fantastic opportunity for Parisians and tourists alike to enjoy a more relaxed City vibe during the holiday season. A bit like Camden beach but on much bigger scale. This year’s event runs from the 18 July on the banks of the Seine and on the Bassin de la Villette. Swimming, kayaking and energetic arts are the order of the day. But there’s also plenty of sun, relaxation and ice cream – all conducted in a socially-distanced way. The event organisers expect more Parisians to take part this year as traditional weekend and city break tourist numbers may decline.
The inaugural outdoor cinema event is an amazing visual spectacle and really creates the wow factor in terms of innovation. In these times of restrictions, it’s great to see such a fun event injecting hope and optimism back into the heart of the City. It would certainly make me grab my bucket and spade and jump on the next Eurostar. London – take note!
Paris Plages runs from 18 July to the 30 August 2020.
What should London do to bring vitality back into the City? Drop me a line below.