Hit the beach! Not all Parisians are able to quit the city in August, so Mayor Delanoë brings the and to them with Paris Plages, a boon for summer visitors as well. There is something for everyone at Paris’ two man-made plages (beaches) – one located in the city center on the Right Bank of the Seine, the other at the Bassin de La Villette – everything, that is, except a swimmable body of water. But never fear! Misting machines keep the population cool between games of petanque, trips to the awesome pirate playground, dancing lessons, foosball tournaments, reading at the free library, or just plain hanging in the quintessential striped beach chairs reminiscent of the Cote d’Azur, set up on the tons of soft sand floated down the Seine just for the occasion. This is a great way to spend a cheap, restful day amongst real Parisians.