Mon banc dominical - chercher l’ombre.

Benches beneath a flowering tree on Quai de l'Ourcq in Paris with dappled shade, cobbled paving and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
On Quai de l'Ourcq, beneath the generous canopy of summer colour, these seats seem made for slowing the pace. The contrast of cool shade and bright sunshine gives this corner of Paris the feel of a small urban refuge. 

Today, with the heat pressing down across the city, the choice seems obvious.

Not every Parisian bench is positioned by chance. Along stretches of Quai de l'Ourcq, trees and seating create pockets of shade that become prized spots in warmer weather. On days like this, the old idea of chercher l’ombre - finding the shade - feels less like a preference and more like a small Paris survival skill.


Bon dimanche à tous ! Have a peaceful day, find some shade.

Paris has many views — but the one from a Sunday bench might be the most honest.”


Part of the “Mon Banc Dominical” Series

Each Sunday, we find a quiet corner of Paris — a bench, a park, a view — and let the city breathe for a while.

Browse the full series

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