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a musing Aida
France
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2022
Paris on my mind
I have neither TikTok nor Instagram. TH-cam only.
Business enquiries: amusingaida@gmail.com
I have neither TikTok nor Instagram. TH-cam only.
Business enquiries: amusingaida@gmail.com
Why Paris empties out for a month
Few foreigners believe that Paris actually closes for a month in summer, as its residents take vacation.
But there's a very good reason for that... as you'll see.
It’s the height of summer in Paris, and the city feels delightfully... empty. No need to fight for the best seats in cafés because, well, most of them are closed. And most of my friends have vanished too, off on their long vacations, leaving me in a quieter, lonelier version of the city I love.
So, why resist the flow? I pack a small bag and join the exodus. Half the population has already streamed out of Paris, and while many head south to crowded beaches, that’s not my scene. Instead, I set off east, toward the beautiful Bourgogne-France-Comté region, close to the Swiss border. It’s a historic area, full of ivy-covered villages and 17th-century hilltop fortresses. The Doubs River snakes through the landscape, and it’s such a relief to wake up to the sight of green hills instead of concrete buildings. Though I do miss my morning coffee, and the local cafés are proving elusive.
Every year, Paris empties out for a month. It’s a tradition that feels uniquely French, but also necessary. Paris can be a bubble-a world of high culture, politics, and intellectual debates, detached from the rest of the country. Other regions sometimes feel neglected by the capital, which is why this great summer migration is so important. For a while, we Parisians are reminded that there’s more to France than our precious city. It reconnects us with the rest of the country, and in turn, strengthens the ties that bind us all together.
Here, time slows down. I stop for a medieval lunch in a small village and feel like I’ve stepped through a tunnel into another era. It’s magical, in a way that Paris’s history sometimes isn’t-because it’s not just about the past, it’s living in it for a moment. Time stretches; schedules blur. You eat when you’re hungry, and that’s really all you need to worry about.
Being away from Paris makes me appreciate it even more. Paris is an idea-a vibrant, intense force. But France is a destination, and stepping outside the city reminds me of that. Eventually, I’ll return, along with everyone else, for la Rentrée, when the city bursts back to life. But for now, I’m happy here, letting the summer sun and slower pace recharge me.
*** Shot on on iPhone, edited with LumaFusion on an iPad
*** Music from Artlist
But there's a very good reason for that... as you'll see.
It’s the height of summer in Paris, and the city feels delightfully... empty. No need to fight for the best seats in cafés because, well, most of them are closed. And most of my friends have vanished too, off on their long vacations, leaving me in a quieter, lonelier version of the city I love.
So, why resist the flow? I pack a small bag and join the exodus. Half the population has already streamed out of Paris, and while many head south to crowded beaches, that’s not my scene. Instead, I set off east, toward the beautiful Bourgogne-France-Comté region, close to the Swiss border. It’s a historic area, full of ivy-covered villages and 17th-century hilltop fortresses. The Doubs River snakes through the landscape, and it’s such a relief to wake up to the sight of green hills instead of concrete buildings. Though I do miss my morning coffee, and the local cafés are proving elusive.
Every year, Paris empties out for a month. It’s a tradition that feels uniquely French, but also necessary. Paris can be a bubble-a world of high culture, politics, and intellectual debates, detached from the rest of the country. Other regions sometimes feel neglected by the capital, which is why this great summer migration is so important. For a while, we Parisians are reminded that there’s more to France than our precious city. It reconnects us with the rest of the country, and in turn, strengthens the ties that bind us all together.
Here, time slows down. I stop for a medieval lunch in a small village and feel like I’ve stepped through a tunnel into another era. It’s magical, in a way that Paris’s history sometimes isn’t-because it’s not just about the past, it’s living in it for a moment. Time stretches; schedules blur. You eat when you’re hungry, and that’s really all you need to worry about.
Being away from Paris makes me appreciate it even more. Paris is an idea-a vibrant, intense force. But France is a destination, and stepping outside the city reminds me of that. Eventually, I’ll return, along with everyone else, for la Rentrée, when the city bursts back to life. But for now, I’m happy here, letting the summer sun and slower pace recharge me.
*** Shot on on iPhone, edited with LumaFusion on an iPad
*** Music from Artlist
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Unfortunately, the locations flashes are so quick, they are useless.
Apologies for that. Got carried away. I've learned my lesson though for my next video, coming out this week, so thanks for the feedback.
From Australia: THE best insight I have ever seen on Paris. I am lucky to have been to Paris more than 20 times (over many years), its my favourite city! Thank you for bringing memories of some places I have enjoyed and ideas for new parts I must go on my next trip in April 2025. All presented with in style and with a sense that you really do know, understand and love the city. Fabulous.
Thanks! I'm really glad the video gave you an overview. Brief, I know, but I didn't want to overstay my welcome. Hope you visit next year yields some great new discoveries!
I definitely fit in this atmosphere
You are so comfortable in the Parisian environment that it is fun to follow your lead. Perfect. Wonderfully done!
Thanks! Yes, I'm very comfortable in Paris - it's truly my home city. I hope some of my recommendations also meet your what you're looking for in the city -- there are so many different ways to see Paris!
Covid killed kissing on the cheek, so don't bother with that anymore :s
That's so 2020
@@amusingaida That still true tho
Wash your hair with distilled water! No minerals!
That would mean a helluva lot of distilled water
Beautiful video, informative and really well presented! Merci!
Thanks! That's great that you liked it
Disrespect is earned. Respect is the default...
PARIS IS EMPTY WITHOUT YOU AIDA.FRANCE IS EMPTY WITHOUT YOU.😍🤩😘
I'm going to Paris this weekend!! I'm super excited! Mercí, I can hardly wait to get there!
Great! A bit of rain from Saturday night, but otherwise lovely... You know the city well?
Nice vid., esp. for where to avoid the messy trashy stuff.
Thanks. (Even some areas close to the overly touristed areas can be worthwhile -- if you just try getting off the beaten path.)
Hi; I am 63 years old and like your idea that "In the meantime, I am going to just leave life to the fullest as much as I can." You are so natural and sincere. The video is great. By the way, I have began to think of similar musings at 60s.😂
Thank you so much for the comment. A lovely compliment. And does this mean I'm ahead of the curve, reflecting on this now? Or just preoccupied with it way too early?
Nice video! What about a new one about your rentrée in Paris? 😊
Thanks! A video about La Rentrée? I'm already deep in my next production, on a different musing, but maybe next year.
In 2023, spent the month of July in Paris(from the US) skipped last year because of the Olympics, and return for 2025. La vie est courte et moi aussi(life is short and so am I -at 5 feet😂).
Haha... a month is a decent chunk of time to make the most of the city!
Great reporting! Can you leave the street names on the screen a little longer though! ;-)
I loved this,,,,can't wait to get back to Paris....thank you!!
@@bonniedonohue6206 So happy to hear that. Thanks!
Love the latest video Aida, but I have to disagree with you that you are "..not a philosopher". Isn't Philosophy just the science of curiosity? Your videos portray beautifully what it is to exist in your world and your curiosity about life in France (and in general) is infectious. Oublier Satre and de Beauvoir!
Haha... I think curiosity pushes along all branches of thought and science, including philosophy. So I'll take the offered compliment. Thank you!
I was in Paris a few days ago for the Paralympic Closing Ceremony. My partner and I had a great time in the charming, vibrant Paris!. We stayed near Place d'Italie (13th arrondissement) and moved around the city on foot and by public transport. Paris was very organised, clean and safe! The journey to the Stade de France stadium was smooth and confortable by train. Paris hosted marevellously the Olympic and Paralympic Games! Missing Paris already!! Paris, Je t'aime🗼🗼🗼🗼🗼
I have good friends who live in that part of the 13th -- it's pretty good and, as you say, public transport is easy. Glad to hear you enjoyed the Paralympics.
good you're back 😀
Thanks - and working on the next video!
@@amusingaida can't wait 😀
Thank you for the update on the Maris! I used to live near Place de Voges on rue Pas de la Mule and love the area. Also, I appreciate the tips on France, never know it all even after 5 years there.
It's still a lovely area, even if the character is changing. You used to live in the heart of it.
the real reason d-day happened in june, because the allies knew no one would be in france?
Très amusant
Living in France I hate that the people are liars and cowards. Everything is a formalized lie told to make people ignore the corruption and the stupidity. During the German occupations parents told their children to go along with the Germans, not to resist, and hopefully they will be forced out by the brave British and Americans. Okay, that's a survival strategy, except that the cowardice and lying did not end with the war. People lie to their children. Every school is great even if they stink. Every job is great, even if it is low paying and has no future. Every artistic performance is great, even the though the cowardliness of the French killed their imaginations so their art works are horrible. No one seeks out French music, cinema, or dance unless they want to show how him they are by admiring the bland and prosaic French culture. How to get the French to like you? How to get the French to never interact with you. That is the goal of anyone sane.
How lovely & calming this film. I love your taste & the camera-work. I just got back from Paris visiting my son & my old haunts. My favorite part of living there was la rentrée & it was so fun so have a little reminder of that these past few days. But when I was living there I so enjoyed the summer jaunts with my ex to all the rest of France. I am so looking forward to moving back. Thank you for your thoughts, your beautiful presence & your films.
So happy to hear how you liked this video! It sounds like you dived back into Paris enthusiastically in our recent visit. Yes! Move back and make it a daily adventure!
Been coming to Paris for the last four years every summer and I can't make myself stay anywhere else but Le Marais :-) summer 2025 again for several weeks! I also feel like it is so easy to explore the rest of Paris, and all the other arrondissements from here... Not to mention all the free art galleries you can pop in ... Superb !!!
You're right: the Marais is ideally located to walk to the rest of central Paris. I still recommend it for people who want convenience or are new to Paris. Just the day-to-day living there is changing a bit in ways I'm appreciating less. A fairly personal take from a resident. But it's an incontournable part of Paris!
I do agree so much, specially with 11th arrondissement, near oberkampf you have the fantastic "atelier des lumières", I let you discover... and after that, vin terrasse rue Oberkampf "pour finir pompette" 13th you have a place called "la butte aux cailles" with a little bar, very little called "merle moqueur" and good restaurant. I am a child of 13th ardt.... and just for you... fantastic french food restaurant near Place d'Italie called "Virgule" rue Veronese just push the door and enjoy ... low price fror high taste. Welcome to the tourists but don't talk so much about good place in Paris, we must protect the secret, it's why you'll gonna love these places. Welcome and enjoy !
Yes, I love the Atelier des Lumières (saving that for a future video). And the Butte-aux-Cailles actually features in my video when I go to the 13th (love that quartier - so different from the rest of the arrondissement). Thanks for the resto recommendation - those are always welcome!
Dole est décidément une très jolie petite ville !
C'est vrai ! C'était une jolie découverte pour moi
Such self content in the city, in the girl. Beautiful! 🐦🐦
Thanks for that!
Moved here last year, I fell in love with Bagatelle thanks to your video. A lot of the areas you didn't spend much time on I actually love, especially the Epinettes section of the 17th. And the 11th is my least favorite district. Lots of bars... had enough of that in my 20s. But the list is good if that's your interest. Im definitely a tea shop and bookstore girl.
Wow - that warms my heart to know you followed up on the Bagatelle video by going to see it and loving it. I agree the arrondissements video missed so many cool little quartiers... but it was definitely a time-limited endeavour, covering all of Paris like that. Now Paris tea shops and bookstores... that could be an idea for a video...
This is such a useful video, briliantly explained. I found your channel last year when i spent couple of months in Paris, and I wish I bumped into something like this at that time. Anyway, kepp up with the good work, i really enjoy your content 🥰
Many thanks! Here's hoping future videos I put out will bring you some value - before your next trip to Paris
But how could you leave out the wonderful Goutte d'Or, the charm of la Rue Saint-Denis? | Seriously ... this is possibly the best, most complete brief yet comprehensive overview of the city I've run across online -and presented by a charming, knowledgeable local who speaks excellent English. I can personally verify it all, and I've been fortunate enough to get to know the place hors saison [If there actually is such a thing in Paris!] when it's not crawling with visitors, by day, by night and on my own. She leaves out a few things -maybe quite a few- but how could you not? It's Paris, and they're there for you to discover. Bravo. C'était génial ...
Haha, yes there are some shady corners of Paris. Thanks for the big thumbs-up in your comment. That video was quite the project.
Mesdames messieurs, cette dame a raison! Merci, bonsoir.
Merci beaucoup !
That was a trick question. You will never get respect from the French.
@@izbavitelj1464 faux cynisme
What a beautiful video! I love your production. Everything flows so well just like the river. Your music selections are perfect for each vignette. Do you listen to FIP radio? It is my favorite station which I stream in Los Angeles, California. You should come here and be a movie producer.
Yes! FIP radio -- I've even recommended it on my channel (in the recent video on Paris tips). Happy to hear it's also being listened to over there. As for movie ambitions - ha! I enjoy my TH-cam hobby, but there are some very talented people on the platform who are way ahead of me in terms of production values. I just do what I can.
This video is incredibly well done. I am a proud new subscriber.
That is lovely to hear. Welcome on board!
The music you have chosen for the video is excellent and very harmonious. By the way, I am learning English through your videos, not just about Paris. I have downloaded all of your videos about learning English. Thank you for everything and for your positive energy.
Thanks -- and it's great to see the breadth of your vocabulary in your comment. That shows a quick mind that enjoys learning. Keep going with English -- it's already better than a lot of native English speakers.
You need to live the signs in the video of the streets longer. And best way to get to each district.
You're right. A few people have mentioned that. I'll leave up the location graphics longer next time.
I love your cute dog. What kind of dog is it? Very helpful video for foreigners like me and learning French. There's more cultural exchange than language, that is more important to me.
My poor little dog is no longer with me. He was a berger picard -- a shepherd dog from northern France. And yes, cultural understanding is key - hand in hand with language learning.
@@amusingaida I'm sorry for that. But the memories you have with your dog last long. Thanks for sharing the mind & culture of France again, your video makes my learning journey even more motivated.
Great content! Thanks
Thanks for finding it -- and enjoying it. I tried hard!
very well produced
Thanks -- you mean the images?
Smashing the like every video. Great video's thanks from New Zealand
Thanks -- that is amazing to hear. I look back on some of my videos and wince, thinking how much better I could make them today. Maybe in a couple of years I might be closer to the sort of vision I have for this little efforts....
You are really full of it, aren't you? Why continue the old cliché of Paris being empty in Augut? You know it isn't at all. We appreciate there being fewer people than usual, but it is far from empty, and only a few places are closed. It sounds like you posted this from 30 years ago.
Such aggression is disappointing to read. Paris was exceptionally quiet this year - partly because of the Olympics. You take exception with the word empty? It sums up the experience felt this year, but perhaps you need mathematical videos more than vlogs/essays told from a personal viewpoint.
Bon, voila... en gros: 10:33 "Do's " <> 10:53 "Don'ts". De rien.
Nice video! It was relaxing just watching it. Also, I never commented about FIP Radio, which you recommended in another of your other TH-cam posts, because I wanted to explore and listen for a while. Now I don't remember which vid, so I will say here...Great Recommendation! FIP is great! Such genre variety! Quelle différence! There are pieces I don't normally hear, even from familiar artists, even from the States. Thanks.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video - and very happy to hear the FIP recommendation was rewarding.
@4:54 You say "The moment I knew that I could actually fit in in France ...." So where are you from originally ?? "S'il vous plait," of course.
Well I'm French but had a mixed bag of countries I lived in before settling in Paris. So an outsider looking in, but also an insider navigating these familiar waters.
@@amusingaida That's great !
Hi! We Americans never get a month off unless we're retired. Years ago it was common to get two weeks off for family travel..often challenges of survival between parents and children or sibling vs sibling. Europeans have always been light years ahead of us regarding the value of vacations to decompress and recharge. There seems to be an added positive for you...doing it in the French countryside. But...a kid horseback riding, swimming in the lake, eating hot dogs on the grill and making smores after wasn't too bad for a kid either! 😋
I hear a nostalgic ode in what you say.... Thinking back to a time lost. Are Europeans light years ahead? I don't see it like that. Europe has its way of functioning, which is focused a lot more on daily personal life. But America rewards long hours and efforts at innovation. I think there's plenty of room on the planet for both... and indeed, the barriers are not so big for citizens of one Western region to try out life in another, if it appeals better. For me, definitely I prefer the French respect for personal time, because that suits who I am. But I understand European friends who go to the US in search of financial or professional rewards. That suits them...
@amusingaida I hit 78 in May...everything is nostalgic now. 😁 But..your sociological comments are fair and probably true. Living in 🇺🇸 all my life...I see the much darker side of my country which I abhor..but I've always been a closet eternal optimist. It's interesting how Europeans who move to France flourish in their new environment (they say)...but I seldom hear French expats say much of anything??? Interesting topic. Lovely weather here in Wisconsin today! Hope the same for you in Paris! Bonjour!
Anyone ever told you that you look like the actress Brooke Adams? She was in "Days of Heaven" and "The Dead Zone" in the late 70s. Same gorgeous smile and brown eyes. Ahem, anyway, cool video. Love those shots of the sun's rays on buildings.
I'd never heard that before -- but now I've looked up old photos of her I guess I see where you see some points of resemblance. Dark hair, dark eyes and lots of teeth in a smile...
@amusingaida haha, glad you took the comparison in the right spirit. Definitely a compliment 😀 btw thanks for the Pili Pili recommendation. Visited tonight and had a blast 😉