Letter from Paris: July 8, 2026 News Digest

Following its successful launch last year, the city has opened the Seine again to swimming. Take your pick between three sites: Bras Marie (Central Paris), Bras de Grenelle (15th arrondissement), and Quai de Bercy (12th arrondissement). It’s a big hit with the public — since swimming in the Seine officially opened, nearly 20,000 people have taken a dip. It’s a great way to cool off, particularly during the heat waves that are increasingly common in the capital.

Speaking of canicules, there’s been a mad rush for air-conditioning units amid a shortage. As reported by France 24, “police were called to supermarkets in the Paris area [last] Thursday as huge crowds descended on discount stores hoping to get hold of affordable air-cooling units before the third heatwave of the year engulfs the French capital.” Lidl was the scene of the incidents. “With few air conditioners on sale elsewhere for less than €1,200 ($1,400), police were called to at least two stores as huge crowds descended on Lidl supermarkets trying to get their hands on basic models on sale for as low as €179.”

In an incredible display of craftsmanship, a gorgeous guitar has been handmade from wood repurposed from Notre Dame cathedral. Called the “Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris” guitar after the public institution that oversaw the restoration, this unique instrument was designed and crafted by luthier Jonathan Berg — requiring over 1,000 hours of work. It features delicate brass inlays in a “lace-like” pattern inspired by the design of the cathedral’s south rose window, as well as a quote from Théophile Gautier’s poem: “The cathedral gleams like an enamel jewel.” The oak was taken from a floor in the north belfry that was badly damaged during the 2019 fire, and could not be reused during the 2024 restoration.

Are you watching the FIFA World Cup? France has advanced to the quarter finals after an ugly match with Paraguay. As told to the BBC: “Paraguay’s players were an absolute disgrace,” said former England goalkeeper Joe Hart. “If they were on my team, I’d be dragging them off the pitch.” Reporters were stunned that even with Paraguay’s “dark arts” and some 13 fouls, they didn’t get a yellow card. “Referee Ilgiz Tantashev – whose overall performance was widely criticized for being too weak – reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor, and awarded a penalty.” France next plays Morocco on Thursday.

A new garden was inaugurated on Friday, July 3 in the Chemin de l’Île Departmental Park (Hauts-de-Seine). The Jardin des Papeteries was developed on the former industrial site of the Papeteries de la Seine, which operated there starting in 1903. The design pays homage to the site’s history while fostering biodiversity through the creation of new natural habitats, ecological water management, and the development of areas for walking and nature discovery.

Heading to the Château de Versailles this summer to check out the musical fountains show? Make sure you take time to see the newly restored Salon de Diane, located in the King’s State Apartment. The restoration started in October 2024 and painstakingly touched up the rich decoration dating to the 1670s: the painted ceiling depicting the goddess of the hunt, marble revetments, woodwork, metal elements and gilding.