The French Riviera: long known as one of Europe’s most fashionable destinations, with its sun-drenched beaches and crystal blue waters attracting visitors from across the globe.
And now, as the weather finally warms up and the euphoria of summer in London builds, city dwellers and day-trippers can get their own taste of the French Riviera at King’s Cross – but with a twist!
For three glorious months, King’s Cross will transform into the perfect summer escape by the water, where visitors can take in the peace and tranquillity of the Regent’s Canal and enjoy the cooling effects of the Granary Square fountains, right in the heart of the city.
And for a bit of nostalgia, expect to see a few British classics along the way – think delicious ice creams and family-friendly games – all without leaving the city. King’s Cross will have it all!
Here’s how to get involved…
Club Pétanque
Following the huge success of Club Golf and Club Curling, this summer King’s Cross presents Club Pétanque, a fun and free activity for everyone. Bringing a King’s Cross twist to Provence’s well-known activity, four Pétanque courts of 12-17 metres long will take centre stage in Lewis Cubitt Square from June until the end of summer. Teams can ‘rock up’ and play whilst enjoying the classic sandy pitch. Bringing colour, excitement and play to the landscape, Club Pétanque will become the perfect go-to location for family and friend get-togethers, picture moments and office events.
Return of the 99
This summer, King’s Cross is bringing back the 99p flake ice cream in partnership with resident ice cream parlour, Ruby Violet. Reminiscent of the time when a vanilla soft whip and flake cost 99p, for two glorious weeks from 22 July, King’s Cross will offer special, limited edition 99p ice creams with extraordinary flavour toppings, inspired by the British seaside. Visitors can expect the unexpected, with delightfully unusual pairings such as sea salt and sand, like salted chocolate brittle and sprinkles.
Breathing workshops
A Riviera summer comes with long, peaceful mornings spent at a slower pace – the sunrise warming people’s skin as they enjoy the calming sounds of trickling water and plenty of fresh air. This summer, King’s Cross is encouraging people to recreate those moments of relaxation and reflection, reminiscent of mornings in the South of France.
To help visitors find their holiday zen, international breath and body coach and bestselling author, Rebecca Dennis will host a series of morning breathing workshops throughout June, July and August on the Canal Side Steps, set against the peaceful sounds of the flowing Regent’s Canal. Rebecca will help people invigorate before the day ahead as she performs two free live workshops on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June at 8.30am each day. All are welcome.
In addition, three 15-minute workshops will continue to be broadcast on rotation on the Screen on the Canal daily from Friday 30 June throughout the summer to continue to encourage visitors to stop, listen and…breathe. Most sessions start at 8.30am but times will vary so visit the King’s Cross website for the full timetable.
Screen on the Canal is London’s most idyllic outdoor cinema and is returning to King’s Cross with a full programme of blockbusters, family favourites and cult classics running throughout the day and every evening.
Chrissy Cullen, Place Marketing Director said: “Who needs the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera when you’ve got all the water, ice cream and fun activities you need at King’s Cross!? As always, we’re putting our signature twist on a much-loved classic which is welcoming for everyone – we can’t wait to see you all here this summer!”