July 21, 2003	Monday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 20, 1424

PARIS, July 20: The “beach” along the Seine River in the heart of Paris opened on Sunday for its second year.

With three times more sand (3,000 tons in all) than last year, more deck chairs and more parasols, the Paris Beach will be able to accommodate more than the 2.3 million visitors of its inaugural year.

However, if this overcast but muggy opening day was any indication, long queues will again be the rule rather than the exception on the 3-kilometre stretch of riverbank.

In addition to an enlarged menu of sporting events, 32 concerts, eight dances and a special tribute to the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt will be offered to beachcombers and sun-worshippers.

Some things have not changed from last year. Beach volleyball will again be played in front of the elegant facade of the Paris City Hall, just a few hundred metres from the beach.

And there will be no swimming allowed in the Seine’s murky green waters. Visitors will be have to resort to sprayers, sprinklers, a water jet and a water labyrinth to cool off.

The “beach” closes on August 17.—dpa