Paris brings the beach to the people

by Katie Hammel on

The last time I checked, Paris had more cobbled streets than sandy shores, so I was a bit surprised to find out about the Paris Plage project, a man-made beach created every summer (for the last seven) right in the heart of the city.

The project costs about 1.5 million euros each year and uses nearly 2,000 tons of sand to transform busy roadways into sandy beaches along the Seine River. The project came about when the mayor decided that everyone should be able to take a summer beach vacation, even if they can’t leave the city. The project was so popular, it has grown from year to year and now encompasses three locations and attracts nearly 4 million visitors. The Louvre/Pont de Sully beach features a climbing wall, swimming pool, and outdoor concert space. The Port de la Gare beach offers free wi-fi and art classes. And the Bassin de la Villette beach features free water sports like sailing and kayaking.

Beaches are open from 8 a.m. – midnight from late July to late August.

Top ten European island beach destinations

by Scott Carmichael on

European hotel booking site Trivago has compiled a list of the top ten most popular European island destinations.

The one thing these islands all have in common is amazing beaches. The lineup varies from the couples friendly island of Santorini, to the party capital of the world – Ibiza.

So, if you happen to be heading to Europe this summer, or just need to dream of a destination not commonly found on the “must visit” list of most Americans, check out the top ten lineup for some beachy inspiration.

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When in the Netherlands – stay in the fabulous Kurhaus hotel

by Scott Carmichael on

Most tourists heading to the Netherlands prefer to stay in Amsterdam – that is after all where most of the “action” is. If you’d prefer to see more of the country you really need to grab a train to The Hague. This governmental capital of the country borders the nations most popular beach destination – Scheveningen.

If you have the time, you definitely need to consider spending a night in the Kurhaus hotel. The history of this amazing beach hotel reaches back to 1818, and the building survived fire, war, renovations and the shortest concert ever performed by the Rolling Stones. The name “Kurhaus” comes from the German word to cure – the wind off the North Sea is considered to be one of the most beneficial in the world.

Rooms start at EUR141 (add about EUR40 for a beach side room). For EUR1075 a night, you get the presidential suite, complete with your own private balcony.

During the summer, the beach is packed with tourists enjoying the comfortable waters or having lunch at one of the many beach pavilions Scheveningen is so famous for. Of course, they had to spend hours in their car getting there, and all you have to do is walk downstairs.

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SkyMall Monday: Genuine Turkish Wrap

by Mike Barish on

I love the beach (yes, I do leave the SkyMall Monday headquarters from time to time). When I’m not admiring my Alien Gnome Bandits or towing my nieces in a shoe-shaped raft, you can find me relaxing on the beach with a good book, some sweet tunes and the tiniest bathing suit I can find [Note: I have photos of me in said bathing suit, but Gadling’s editors threatened me with great bodily harm if I included them in this post]. The problem with my tiny bathing suit, though, is that it has no pockets. Sure, I could wear my denim cutoffs, but denim just doesn’t breath. So, what is a man in a tiny bathing suit supposed to do with his Chapstick, sunscreen, keys, iPhone, water, magazine, book and other accessories. Use a backpack, you say? And get tan lines from the straps? Would I be wearing a banana hammock if I didn’t care about tan lines? Geez! No, I need something that is comfortable, is made for the beach and will keep my valuables snug (just like my mankini does). Only one thing could solve a problem of such epic magnitude: SkyMall. And wouldn’t you know it, our favorite catalog has just the product for this conundrum. Everybody, I’d like you to meet the Genuine Turkish Wrap.

Finally, someone has made a towel with pockets. And it has snaps to keep it secure so that I only show off my budgie smugglers when I’m ready for the sun. It’s like a towel and a skirt had a baby and that baby was a boy! Think my analogy is weak? Well, Ivan Drago thought America was weak and how’d that turn out? But don’t take a jingoistic film sequel’s word for it. Check out the product description:

While most towels come loose easily and must be constantly re-tied around the body, these wraps fasten in place and are fitted with pouch pockets…into which lip balm, jewelry, sunglasses, suntan lotion, or shampoos can be placed

It fits multiple shampoos! Plural! Beat that with your regular beach towel that holds no shampoos. And the really good news? The product description goes on to say that “one size fits most.” That’s potentially great for you…maybe…it depends…but probably…fingers crossed.

So, rub some zinc on your nose, pour yourself into your tiniest swimsuit and invite the sexiest girl you know (because there is also a Genuine Turkish Wrap for the ladies). We’re going to the beach!

Check out all of the previous SkyMall Monday posts HERE.

Daily beach gear deals – rolling cooler, sunscreen and more

by Scott Carmichael on

Here are the hottest beach gear deals for today, Monday July 20th 2009. Remember, these deals are often only valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone.

Beach weather makes one thirsty – so how about finding a way to drag up to 50 cans of soda (or beer) with you for under $25? Buy.com is selling a rolling cooler cart for just $24.95 with free shipping. Available in blue and red. Click here for this deal.

If you have the same skin complexion as I have, then you probably have shares in sunscreen companies. That said – it is good advice for everyone to cover themselves in a bit of protection during the summer months. If you don’t get scared away from buying products from a company with “liquidators” in their name, then check out this awesome deal on Hawaiian Tropics “Sun Junk” sunscreen. You get three cans of their SPF30 product for just $12.99, shipped for free. Since these normally sell for $10 each, this really is a hot bargain. Click here for this deal.

Got kids? Or just a huge Disney fan yourself? Check out the Disney store clearance of Beach towels – all for just $5.99 each! They have Little Mermaid, Cars, Wall-E and more. Best of all, they can be personalized! Click here for this deal.

And finally in today’s beach deals lineup, is the Rio Portable beach cabana for just $33.95 (with free shipping). This folding SPF50 shelter is large enough for 2 full size beach chairs, and keeps you protected from onlookers, wind and the sun. The cabana folds into a portable carrying case. Click here for this deal.