urban beaches

In 1996, the city of St. Quentin (also in Picardy) decided to turn part of its centre-ville into a beach. The intention was to provide its citizens who could otherwise not take a vacation with an urban get-away. In 2002, Paris followed suit with Paris Plage, and it has been such a success that landlocked cities across Europe are providing a little fun in the sun for their citizens.

Amiens is not to be left out! I stumbled across Amiens: les couleurs de l'été during my wandering through the town this afternoon. For eight weeks this summer, three different locations were transformed into tropical paradise, complete with coconut trees, sand and waterfalls. Taking advantage of this summer's rare sun, I joined others on the grassy area and relaxed in a lawn chair for a bit. Actually, it was so peaceful and warm that I took a short nap under the sun.

And to think, in December, this same spot will be turned into an ice rink...