In pictures: Paris-on-Sea

Sunbathers have been flocking to France's newest beach - the right bank of the River Seine in Paris. The three-kilometre (two-mile) stretch, known as Paris Plage, was created at a cost of 1.5m euros ($1.51m), and plays host to concerts and sports such as volleyball.

For those who couldn't go to the beach, Mayor Bertrand Delanoe vowed to bring the beach to them (AP)

Capital dwellers have been flocking to the newly-built beach, where they can lounge by the palm trees (AFP)

This is the closest would-be beach bums will get to the water though, as the Seine is too dirty to swim in

The project has drawn huge crowds, although some critics dismiss it as a gimmick (AP)

The many activities on offer include rock-climbing, rollerblading and cycling (AP)

The Stade de France has also been given a summer makeover and turned into a giant beach for a week (AFP)