Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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…



23 comments:

  1. Thanks for the enthusiastic review of Paris in July. I've been in Paris twice during July. The first time on a student bus tour, where I first discovered Turkish toilets near Notre Dame. The next time as an au pair when I took two little girls to Luxembourg Gardens and ate ham sandwiches on baguettes. Ever since, I limit my visits to spring or fall.

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    1. Oh, those Turkish toilets are never fun... ugh! The Luxembourg Gardens time sounds a lot better. Spring and fall are also great times to visit Paris and a bit less crowded.

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    2. I was at a restaurant just the other day that had a Turkish toilet. Crazy that they still have those!

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    3. Glad I avoided that and waiting until the train! Was definitely the easier, and probably more hygienic, option!

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    4. Yeah, it was super disappointing. The first time in ages I was out of the house without kids and could finally go to the bathroom alone and THAT'S what I got? Boo.

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  2. I was in Paris in 1991 for 3 days but your post has brought back so many memories...and also makes me realise how lucky I was to get 3 perfect days of (hot, sunny) weather in the middle of August.

    Are you on instagram so we can follow you through the streets of Paris?

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    1. Bonjour! Yes, three days without rain is indeed lucky at any time of year... I'm not on instagram but I am on Twitter so please feel free to follow me there! It's "Adria_in_Paris." Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. As you are one of the hosts with twitter, I wonder if you'd consider joining me in using hashtag so we can find ea other's #PARISinJULY tweets ...?
      [I am @_eHope ]

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    3. Hi! Sure, I've been tweeting but using lowercase #parisinjuly for the tweets. I don't know if it's case sensitive. I prefer lowercase as it's easier from my phone but I can switch. Let me know. Merci :)

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  3. Sounds lovely, I've always been partial to the rain myself, which is part of why I love Europe so much. :)

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    1. Ha, ha! You would love living in Paris then... As soon as we have a few days of sunshine, the rain is on its way. :)

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  4. Ah! I've never 'done' Paris in July. I see I must......

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    1. It is a great time to visit if you like warmer temperatures and sunshine... but of course the rain rarely stays away for too long!

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  5. It's so funny to think about Paris and sun, no? It's almost jarring when it's sunny. Something feels off, and Truman show-ish. Like ... what ... is ... happening. I enjoy the gray days mostly because it's better for taking photos, but there is nothing better than a sunny day followed by a golden twilight.

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    1. Yes indeed! We are so used to rain here that when we have this sort of sunshine, people are just amazed... and everyone runs to the park to soak it up. I agree that the gray day does produce a great photo. :)

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  6. Fingers crossed the sun wins out over the rain in Paris this July! It's been a battle down here in Toulouse, but wishing for sunshine when I'm up that way next weekend. Look forward to following along with your Parisian posts this month! :)

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    1. Thanks, Amy! It's raining right now but I'm hoping it will clear up later...

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  7. Beautiful descriptions of Paris. I have never been but definitely dream about it. :)

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    1. Thank you! Hope you will stop by my blog and the others this month for more Paris in July posts :)

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  8. a wonderful sensory experience of being there, I anticipate more from you later this month! TY, Adria!
    and for popping in to FHC , sharing your love of Montreal - I too was intrigued ...
    I look forward to seeing you again =)

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    1. Thank you! And yes, Montreal is beautiful... and the people are so friendly!

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  9. Alas, my Paris visits have been in the spring -- one rather perfect weather-wise, one rained all day, every day, for ten days. Didn't matter -- I was in Paris!

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    1. Ah, yes, the Paris rain... Thank goodness this city is so beautiful when skies are gray! I recently had friends in town and they too saw Paris in the rain (and, like you, they loved it anyway).

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