Saving summer

Parisians' mood might be at an all-time low thanks to bad weather, Olympic mayhem and political volatility. So the upcoming summer vacation could be the only saving grace right now.

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Saving summer, is all we have right now in France where the extreme right-wing party is seeing a surge in votes following a snap legislative election, determining who becomes Members of Parliament. This isn’t the place for political debate, nor am I a political analyst. But I can share that as we wait for the results of the 7th July round, the general feeling in the French capital is one of doom and gloom as we wait to find out à quelle sauce on va être mangé (meaning, in what way are we going to be eaten). Perhaps the Olympics, kicking off on 26th July, will infuse a little unexpected joy for Parisians? While we wait for vacation time, here are some ways to enjoy the start of summer, regardless. Roxy x

4 things on my radar this July

Party on the rooftop of… an airport. You read right. On 17th July, French Touch music fans will be able to party all night long on the roof of Charles de Gaulle airport’s terminal 1. Headliners include groups Air and Phoenix, as well as DJ and producer Etienne de Crécy. Best of all? It’s totally free. Registration opens Wednesday 3rd July at 11h (Paris time). Check out this post for more details.

What if there was another way? It’s what Virginia transplant Anne Ditmeyer asks in her nifty little manifesto Override, which she’s just self-published in the hope of empowering her readers to slow down enough to remember what matters, to get on their way to reaching their goals while reminding them that it shouldn’t be a race to get there; to savour each moment. I spoke to her this week for (spoiler!) a longer interview in September’s Breakfast Scrolls newsletter as she’s having her book launch this Wednesday 3rd July the at newly opened Messy Nessy’s Cabinet on the Left Bank.

The Japanese flea market is back at La Cité Fertile in Pantin on the outskirts of the city this week (5-7th July), headed up by the famed antiques dealer Koji Fukushima. Whether you’re after a summery kimono, saké cups or kokeshi dolls, this is the place to go. Just get there early because I’ve heard the queue is out of this world.

There’s new life on the horizon for Barbès. For six weeks (until 28th July), the landmark Tati store that used to deal in discounted goods (boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart) in the 18th arrondissement, will see new light of day after being closed since 2021. It’s not reopening as a store, but as District 23, a pop-up sports hub in partnership with Jordan, the brand. The aim is to bring the locals closer to the global Olympic action with collaborations emphasising the importance of giving young people access to competitions, as well as fostering community interaction through a free, welcoming space for young people. Get all the details by scanning this QR code.

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On the menu

Châlet des Iles, Bobun at Café Lux, Patrick at La Baignoire, La Pouke au Pot, squid and hummus at Châlet des Iles, inside L'Orillon

Two options to heaven at Café Lux. There isn’t a lot of information about it out there, but trust me, the bobun’s so good that I’ve been craving it since I went a couple of weeks ago. It’s basically a little nook with tables outside that serves two dishes: bobun with meat and without. It’s fresh, it’s tasty, and the noodles are large rolls rather than the usual long and thin noodle. Makes it tastier and easier to eat. As I said, I’m counting the days until I can go back. 73 rue Saint-Maur, Paris 75011 (€)