Paris brings the beach to the Seine

Municipal workers set up an artificial beach on the banks of the Seine. Paris recreates a beach on its river bank with palm trees, outdoor showers and beach chairs each summer Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images Palm trees stand above the Seine Photograph: Julien Hekimian/Getty Images A palm tree is moved into position on the banks of the Seine in Paris Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images People lie on deckchairs on the opening day of Paris-Plages Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images Sand castles on the artificial beach Photograph: Lucas Dolega/EPA Children play at a water fountain set up on the beach Photograph: Lucas Dolega/EPA People enjoy the sunshine on their makeshift beach Photograph: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters Children play in the refreshing mist installed to cool people down Photograph: Lucas Dolega/EPA People sunbathe on the opening day of Paris-Plages Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images People stand under water sprays Photograph: Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images Parisians enjoy a bit of shade on the city beach Photograph: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters