France launches the first containment exit phase this May 11th, 2020. So far, it is not possible to go further than a 100km-distance from your home, excluding a compelling reason. So, for Parisians, it is not possible to go to the beach. Yet, they can rely on the return of Paris Plages.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo confirmed the operation will continue as planned at the AFP. The summer event that makes Paris looks like a sea resort by the Seine and the canals is usually paced by entertainments and activities along with pools in the Bassin de la Villette since 2017. But amid the coronavirus epidemic, these festivities will have to be adapted to the health recommendations.
It is then a “light” Paris Plages version that will wait for Parisians starting mid-July. Yet, as for World Music Day, usually hosting shows all around the city, Anne Hidalgo is much more pessimistic and says she does not think it will take place this year.
But how will Paris Plages look like with the coronavirus epidemic in the background? So far, the different organizers of the event are studying the solutions considered to uphold health recommendations and social distancing. According to our peers from 20 Minutes, swimming in the Bassin de la Villette pools – possible since 2017 – will be possible and facilities will start to be set on Monday May 18th, 2020.
Please also note that if France starts exiting containment on May 11th, 2020, whether this phase is a success or not will be assessed in three weeks. As of May 7th, 2020, the Île-de-France region is in a red area. This date was the day said to confirm the beginning of deconfinement. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve by mid-July.
