Relaxing on the beaches of Paris. Photo credit: Besopha, http://www.flickr.com/photos/26700188@N05/5989839022/
“Sand in my shoes, sand from Havana, calling me to that ever so heavenly shore”: So go the lyrics from the old Bobby Short song. Not normally a sensation associated with a hot summer metropolis.
However, once again, this summer les Paris-Plages have returned to the French capital, sat upon the banks of the Seine. An innovation introduced by mayor Bertrand Delanoë, the sham sea shore first appeared in summer 2002. This year, according to the international press, the beach is spread along three different spots replete with palm trees, each offering a host of activities including roller-blading, sailboats and kayaks. The beach and sun lounger hire is free, but activities are charged.
Now, I am no major fan of beaches. And, for that matter I don’t really like sand in my shoes. Or in my sandwiches, or anywhere where sand tends to get. But I do like the broader point demonstrated by the Paris-Plages. It is hard to imagine a national or federal government of any political stripe introducing such an idea where the expected benefit is limited to a particular place. Effective local development demands an instinctive awareness of what the denizens of the locality might use at a particular time. Love or hate the concept, it is a potent advertisement for the purpose and power of a city mayor with a bold personality and the ways in which such a leader, uniquely, might bring their political capital to bear.
It is not hard to imagine the same idea gaining ground in a city like London, little by little. One of the major draws of les Paris-Plages has been the promise of a promenade for residents taking a “staycation” and those who are – for whatever reason – unable to leave the capital, which can be oppressive during the summer months. In these financially straitened times, we should make more of an effort to bring out the benefits of the London waterfront. Even if Boris couldn’t build a beach, there are other things that might work. You could, for example, host sailboats on the South Bank, pleasure boats near Pimlico or tennis near Temple.
