You know that between July 14th and, say, August 20th, France, and Paris in particular, are practically "closed". Not much is going on - culture wise - as everybody is on vacation somewhere in the sun. To "feed" the tourists - and the Parisians who have to stay in the city during the summer months (hence journalists who work on the September issue of their magazine!) - well the Paris town hall organizes each year les Quartiers d'été, a series of cultural activities that take place everywhere in the city. Tonight (Wednesday) I went to the music kiosk of the Luxembourg gardens to listen to Sandra Nkaké. It was really cool.
Many towns and cities in the US also have free Summer Concerts and other cultural events. It's a good way to keep a small town economy going! You may not have to pay for a ticket, but there's always a nearby bar, restaurant or treat stand to patronize.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI've only been back to Paris during the summer ONCE, during the anniversary of the Eiffel Tower, actually, and I positively hated that experience. The only good thing, though, is that I was able to drive within Paris easily and even occasionally - but not always - find a non-paying parking place in the street (an impossible task comes September).
What a beautiful woman Ms. Nkake is - it sounds like her music was beautiful, too. Wish I could have been there.
ReplyDeleteMy friends in the South always mention this. Many cafes and bars in Montpellier just close for the month, but the student population will always find somewhere open. I didn't notice this so much in Nice. Live music anytime for me is a bonus.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it might be a good time for tourists, at least with less crowding. But if nothing's open, maybe not so good!
ReplyDeleteNot sure August would be my first choice for when to visit now. (too many of my fave restaurants are closed), but when I lived in Paris I loved being there in August because it was so calm and empty. Glad to hear that the city hasn't shut down completely.
ReplyDelete(Eric -- you work on the Sept. issue in August? In NYC, we work 3 months ahead—that means Christmas in September.)
I didn't know about les Quartiers d'ete. I love the way Paris always thinks about cultural activities!
ReplyDeleteMusic in the Luxembourg gardens on a summer's day. Beautiful man!
ReplyDeleteNo summer quarter for PDP and I enjoy each piece Of the gift every day.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you in your office Eric, (If so or at least in Paris). I love the great job you do in your professional life (which is not PDP isn't it?!) because I'm also a reader of the magazine. Hope you still manage to have a quiet week at work and enjoy the quietness of Paris. You'll be missing this time when all Parisians will be coming back!!!! So enjoy it now :)
Live music is usually a great pleasure. I'll try to go and see something before it ends.
Nb: nothing to see with the post but speaking of 'the reader' I recently watched the movie named like that and loved it. Has anybody seen it?
Bises.
I was in Paris on Monday. Didn't notice any difference.
ReplyDeleteWell, not exactly IN Paris but flying over it at 30,000 feet on my way back from holiday on Menorca. (bliss)
Still, it's great to be back at work!
(liar, liar, pants on fire)
The small town I live in, about an hour East of NYC, has a small community band that plays every Thursday evening in July. It is in the classic band shell in the Village Park overlooking the town dock and harbor. I went with my family as a boy and now take my Wife. They are really quite good and location is amazing as the sun sets over the water. It's one of the reasons we live where we do, even though on the outside the events are "for tourism". I suspect it is the same case in Paris.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you have to remember to be a tourist in your own town...
Sean
"I love Paris in the summer...when it sizzles..."...actually I have only been in Paris in the summer twice, once at the end of June and once in July and it was fine. August could be another story, I'll wait for September. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEuroStyle...well put. I agree 100%! Sounds nice Sean.
ReplyDeleteI am almost there mentally, Sean, for it is so well described. Nice, very nice.
ReplyDeleteBon courage Drummond : you've lost nothing from your cleverness & humour during your holidays as I see!
Off to bed. Good night everyone in Paris!