A Few Days in Paris

Ah, Paris. Again. For the 10th—maybe 11th?—time, I returned to the City of Light, and let me tell you: she never runs out of charm. New corners, familiar haunts, and that dreamy Parisian architecture that always, always makes you stop in your tracks. This city ages like fine wine… though when visiting in July, you may start to feel more like boeuf bourguignon—because, oh la la, it was HOT.

Let’s talk about heatwaves for a moment, shall we? Paris in July is already a warm proposition, but toss in a heatwave and it quickly becomes a survival challenge. Picture this: limited air conditioning in museums and stores, a scarcity of truly cold drinks (ice is a rare species in these parts), and the Metro? Not air-conditioned. At all. If you’re considering visiting Paris in July or August… just don’t (unless you enjoy sweating through linen like it’s your full-time job).

But enough griping—because somehow, despite the heat, Paris dazzled anyway.

Shade, Stillness, and Saint-Chapelle

We stayed just next to the Luxembourg Gardens, and one blissful afternoon was spent beneath its regal trees, in the shade, book in hand. A warm breeze, the rustling of leaves, and the distant thwack of tennis balls—perfection. It felt like being let in on an age-old Parisian secret: when the city bakes, find a tree and stay put.

One golden evening, we drifted into our favorite place of all: Sainte-Chapelle. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, stepping into that kaleidoscope of stained glass is awe-inspiring. This time, we were treated to a Vivaldi concert—a live string sextet playing The Four Seasons in a room built for the divine. Music soared, the light shimmered, and for an hour, the world was nothing but magic.

Impressionism, Parables & Olympic Glimpses

A standout on this trip was our visit to the Musée Marmottan Monet. Even on a sweltering day (the top floors are not air-conditioned, consider yourself warned), it was a revelation. The largest collection of Monet’s works in the world lives here, nestled inside a former mansion, and every painting seems to glow from within. We were also lucky to catch a beautiful exhibit on Eugène Boudin, Monet’s mentor. Two generations of light-chasers, side by side.

Wandering the city always turns up surprises. In the Tuileries Garden, we glimpsed the 2024 Olympic Torch—a dazzling symbol of Paris’ summer spotlight. Nearer to the Seine, we happened upon a statue of Jean de La Fontaine, the beloved author of French parables (The Tortoise and the Hare, anyone?). He looked quite regal, surrounded by pigeons and centuries of French storytelling.

Movie Sets & Missed Cathedrals

Our morning in Montmartre was as picturesque as ever, complete with charming cafés, the scent of crêpes in the air, and cobbled streets that make your feet sore in the best way. To our delight, we stumbled upon the filming of a movie—set in the 1920s by the look of the costumes! It was like being dropped into Midnight in Paris.

We tried—tried—to see Notre-Dame from the inside. But despite multiple attempts, the timing was never right. Restoration work continues post-fire, and access is still limited. Next time, Notre-Dame. Next time.

Always Paris

Even on visit number ten (or eleven?), Paris keeps giving. It sweats you out, surprises you, fills you with music and light, and leaves you dizzy with beauty. From quiet moments under trees to concerts under stained glass, from failed attempts to see cathedrals to unexpected Olympic glimpses—it was all so very Parisian.

Just maybe… next time, we’ll come in October. 😉