Like the rest of us, France has been through the wringer in 2020. It's been a year without much in the way of fun or frolic, and definitely light on the joie de vive.
It's little wonder that the local government in Paris is looking for ways to lighten the mood there - and they've happened upon an event that looks like it has the potential to be tres magnifique.
Every year, the city's government brings the beach into the city with the Paris Plages, a festival that sees the scenic banks of the Seine transformed with sand, deck chairs, and umbrellas.
You might even see some swimming pools and palm trees pop up.
Well, there's no entry fee, at least, which makes it all the more appealing to the locals, who use the time to relax and recharge without having to escape to the coast.
It's also another big draw for tourists on top of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
So, this year the festival is getting a big addition: a floating movie theater. Yes, a big screen, out in the middle of the Seine, that people can watch from boats like a drive-in movie.
A fleet of 38 boats, each of which seats up to six people, will be available, with those in the boat expected to be family or close friends with whom you're social distancing. There will also be 150 deck chairs available for those who would prefer to watch from solid ground.
French cinema chain mk2 is partnering with Haagen-Dazs to pick up some of the tab to keep this Paris Plages celebration free for attendees. Yep, once again, there will be no entry fee for guests.
On July 18, the lucky winners will be treated to a floating showing of Le Grand Bain, an appropriate choice as it's a comedy about a group of men who start up their own synchronized swimming team.
There's just one question mark for those in the boats: what do you do when you've had a bit too much beaujolais and need to pee?
So, that will be worth keeping an eye on for anyone who wants to bring this charming Parisian idea to their own neighborhood.
