Row up, row up. To mark the return of the Paris Plages urban beach, France’s capital is treating locals to a one-night-only floating cinema
Normally at this time of year, the Canal de l’Ourcq is in its prime – buzzing with small electric boats zipping up and down its tranquil course during peak tourist season. With the absence of most international visitors, however, the eye-catching red-and-white vessels are being put to innovative use for a special floating movie night in the nearby Villette canal basin.
To celebrate the return of Paris Plages, the annual urban beach initiative that takes over the banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette, the city is inviting 150 lucky locals to its first-ever ‘Cinéma sur l’Eau’ event.
Taking place on July 18 for one-night only, Parisians will be able to sit back and relax in one of 38 small boats in groups of two, four or six (from the same family or group of friends).
On screen, watch Gilles Lellouche’s 2018 comedy ‘Le Grand Bain’, which tells of a group of middle-aged pals who give synchronised swimming a go – with predictably hilarious results.
Tickets are available for balloting now, with entries closing on July 15. Spots are cost-free and there’s even complimentary ice cream thrown in too. And fortunately, even if you don’t quite manage to bag a boat, 150 more spectators will be able to watch from deckchairs on the quay opposite the screen.
