The French charity Secours Populaire brought children from dozens of different countries -- including those living through war, poverty or natural disasters -- to join kids from France for a day of summer fun, allowing even those with limited means to take a vacation at the height of the French holiday season.
Thousands of children fanned out around Paris for a treasure hunt, while others played in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower or took boat tours on the Seine.
The association's head of international cooperation Corinne Makowski said the event aims to help some temporarily escape injustices and troubles that make taking holiday time off impossible.
Amrla Shoufi attended the event with a delegation from civil war-torn Syria, his last full day in France before he returns to his home city Sweida near the Jordanian border.
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The 17-year-old said the ten days of painting, climbing, swimming and sightseeing were a welcome relief from the dangers of his home country. "It's great to have a chance to get peace when you are at war," he said.
Next to a concert stage, 10-year-old Chris Delaroux, also from Metz, painted a multicolor model of the Eiffel Tower, drawing inspiration as he sat in front of the iconic Paris monument.
The event capped his two weeks at a camp where he said he played and created memories with children from all over the world, and learned to embrace similarities rather than focus on differences.
"We are all the same," he said.