The Magic of Paris in July...

Welcome to Paris in July! And thanks to Karen at “A Wondering Life” and Tamara at “Thyme for Tea” for creating this month-long blogging event. As one of the co-hosts this year, I look forward to joining bloggers from around the world as we share posts all about our favorite city.

I am starting off with my thoughts on Paris at this time of year…

When I think of July in Paris, one clear memory from a few years ago comes to mind… A streak of warm temperatures and sunshine that carried us from the start of the month almost to the end. 

On that last evening of heat, we entered the gardens of the National Archives, climbed to our spot on the temporary bleachers and watched a magnificent performance of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It was part of my favorite festival: “Les Etes de la Danse.” The beauty of the greenery surrounding us and the elegance of the dancers made this a moment to remember.

And then, the next day, the deluge. The Parisian rain made its comeback, washing out the month of August. But at least we had our July, our lovely Paris in July.

Warm weather and sunshine are elusive in Paris, with its climate of rain 50 percent of the year. July, however, is a month in which the sun usually wins the battle against the raindrops (crossing fingers as I write this).

So, as I did that year at the National Archives, where can one now enjoy the arts on these wonderful warm days? Try the “Kiosques en Musique,” featuring music at various garden pavilions. If you love jazz as much as I do, check out the Paris Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral de Paris. Although “Les Etes de la Danse” is now held indoors, if you go, you can always start or finish your evening at a sidewalk café!

What to drink and eat when feeling overheated in Paris? Cool limonade (a very mild lemon-lime soda with less sugar) at a café in the afternoon and rosé in the evening always does the trick. And what better than Berthillon ice cream? Check back here on July 12 to find out about my stop at the famous ice cream shop on the Ile Saint-Louis!

So how does July in Paris feel? Magical. And here’s why: In Paris, it is the month of summer that tourists and residents share. Many Parisians leave on vacation in August and shops and restaurants close for at least part of the month. The city is calm, quiet. That Paris is interesting of course. But I can’t help loving the Paris that sparkles, moves and surprises me as I sit at a café table on a warm July day and watch the activity that never seems to fade.

Another View: 

Fellow Paris-based author Vicki Lesage is teaming up with me on a few “Paris in July” posts! We each will be writing our own take on a particular Paris-related theme. So what does Vicki think about Paris at this time of year? Voila:

July is here! Which means summer really and truly has arrived. At least in Paris! While the season officially starts on June 21, you can never be sure the weather is going to be its hot, humid, summery self until July. And usually Parisians don't pack that first suitcase and say au revoir to the city until July starts. What does July mean for me, an American living in Paris? Click here to read more…