Happy Fourth of July!
Bonjour,
I failed to say Happy Fourth of July in yesterday’s post! So hope you had a great day of rest, food, fireworks and fun. It’s easy to lose touch with reality over here. Today, July 5 is the start of Le Tour de France and Paris Plage or the Paris beach. I just read that there were two dozen people standing in line at 8am this morning to be the first to swim in the Seine. It’s literally across the street from our apartment so photos to come.
The weather is absolutely perfect for right now, but not to last. It is Paris the way we like in the summer. Gorgeous blue skies, breezy, cool for July (in the 70’s) and daylight until almost 11pm. Now that’s a near perfect summertime day! BUT, the heat is returning.
I am struggling mightily with the vertigo which affects everything so we were off to a slow start. yesterday. Our decision was not to linger in the apartment on such a wonderful day. My choice was lunch at Place Dauphine on Ile de la Cité, called one of the most romantic spots in Paris. It’s a quiet, hidden away area full of cafes to grab a bite to eat or drink. Because of the lack of rain, it was, however, extremely dusty. Paris parks are not paved and I forgot and wore sandals. It is not as quiet as it used to be sadly. It has been discovered!
Place Dauphine was one of the first projects commissioned by Henri IV. After the completion of Pont Neuf in 1606, the king wanted to make use of the three acres of undeveloped land on the western end of the Île de la Cité. Plans for Place Dauphine were drawn up between 1607 and 1610, and included rows of houses with matching facades built around a triangle structure. Remarkably, this general layout has remained unchanged for over 400 years. Another rare feature of Place Dauphine is that the buildings were built for merchants and commoners rather than the elite like other architectural developments of the period like Place des Vosges.
The equestrian statue of Henri IV located on Pont Neuf near the entrace to Place Dauphine was installed in 1614, and the last of buildings enveloping the Place Dauphine were completed in 1616. These buildings were originally just three storeys tall, consisting of two ground floor shops in each unit, two floors of residential space and a small attic space. Over the years a vast majority of the buildings have been heightened and extensively remodeled, with the exception of the two noticeably shorter units located closest to Pont Neuf. (Wikipedia)
Inside La Samaritaine, we discovered a huge selection of the popular Jelly Cats. If you have a granddaughter as I do, you know about these! My Avery so wanted to come to Paris and shopping for these was partly why. So I’m dedicating this post to her. (Avery, tell me which one you like, and I’ll buy it for your Christmas stocking!)
Personally, my favorites are those customized for Paris: the palm trees for Paris Plage, the Mille Feuille and the lemon tarts. Here are some shots from inside the beautiful store, a must see if you’re in Paris because of the history which I’ve shared many times before.
After a long nap for me and just a snack in the apartment that slightly qualified for dinner, Bernie convinced me to walk along the river…packed on Friday night and so lovely.
A bientôt
L & B
July 5, 2025 @ 9:31 am
Bonjour,, and happy 4th to you! I am looking forward to the Quatorze Juillet which is celebrated here. The holiday first began as a one block street fair outside of the Alliance Française. and now it has grown to a 5 street fair of booths selling French food, clothing, wares etc along Madison Avenue. Like Topsy it gets bigger every year. I go early to sing the Marseillaise which opens the fest,,, and to buy my châtaigne jam. it is the only time I see it in NYC, and I am addicted I dont really buy much there, but I do get a plate of poutine. ,,,okay so not really French, but French Canadian. Thats also not seen much here except at this fair! love your pictures, thanks! Paris Plage is a hoot, but I would be so afraid of swimming in that water! I do like your choice of Il de la Cité. thats my fave part of Paris and where I would love to have an apartment. enjoy, hope the cooler weather holds
July 5, 2025 @ 9:43 am
Thanks for the info on Quatorze in NYC! Didn’t know that. July is a fun month in Paris for sure.
July 5, 2025 @ 11:30 am
You’re such a trooper to go on despite the vertigo, and to share the pictures and experiences with us. Though we have young granddaughters, we didn’t know about Jellycats. Talk about “playing with your food.” I, too, liked the palm trees. The 4th was noisy here in our little town, and we’re glad that part is over, but the patriotic songs always make full hearts.
July 5, 2025 @ 12:26 pm
Thanks very much, Linda! Looks like a beautiful Parisian day!
July 5, 2025 @ 1:27 pm
Thanks for thinking of me, Linda! Love the shoes EXCEPT for me they are way too pointed – my foot doctor would be proud of me for saying that! I can’t imagine that woman being comfortable in them. So at this point comfort trumps beauty! I’m so sorry about the vertigo, praying it will magically disappear. Best to Bernie!
July 5, 2025 @ 6:25 pm
Yes, love the hat so classic Paris. The pictures of your walk along the river were so reminiscent for me of my many walks there. Thank you so much for sharing the Paris spirit and energy with us.!
July 5, 2025 @ 6:48 pm
Happy to hear you are pressing on, despite your vertigo. You must take advantage of the cool weather when it presents its self. You hat photo made me smile. The buildings, people, food and your surroundings all make for interesting photos.
Cindi