The sun is coming back for the first Sunday of our Paris 2024 Olympic Games season, and wouldn't it be a good time to cool down by the pool? Indeed, while today sees medal-winning events in archery, canoe slalom, and mountain biking kick off, the main Olympic discipline on everyone's mind today will no doubt be swimming.
First off, however, maybe it's time for a relaxing Sunday shopping trip? First, however, check store times in advance, as many grocery stores and little boutiques may only be open in the morning!
Le Monde recommends the Marais, a charming and lively neighborhood in the heart of the capital. Long known as a haven for Paris' Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities, the medieval-style streets of this area have become the heartland of fashion in the city of Haute Couture.
The aspiring fashionistas would do well to mind French shopping etiquette: To begin with, saying bonjour to the shopkeeper on entry is a must. You wouldn't want to start things off on the wrong foot while shoe shopping! After that, just browse and enjoy the atmosphere. Don't directly barge in with a question, and doubly so if the shop assistant is busy. Wait for them to come to you, or politely wait near the counter, until you hear the magic phrase: Est-ce que je peux vous aider? ("Can I help you?") While you are very likely to be served in English, trying out your best Parlez-vous Anglais? is always a nice touch.
Let's dive back in the water! Tonight, at the Paris La Defense Arena, the final for a key swimming race will be held: The men's 400-meter individual medley.
Last year, French champion Léon Marchand smashed the previous world record, which had been set by none other than the legendary Michael Phelps since 2008. While Phelps had improved on his 2002-era time of 4:11.09, reaching 4:03.84 by 2008, Marchand's time of 4:02.50 cemented his reputation as the man to beat in this highly technical event.
No surprise, as the local lad shares a coach with Phelps, Bob Bowman, who has mentored the Frenchman through a series of record-breaking victories in the NCAA Men's Swimming and Diving Championships. With such a star-studded track record, no wonder the waterborne wunderkind is tipped as one of France's best shots at the gold.
If you're in the mood for a country getaway, complete with a pool to try Marchand's strokes out for yourself, why not book a couple of nights outside of Paris in the Sandaya campsite, located a short RER A train ride to the north-west of Paris, on an island in the Seine. The campsite is modern, well-equipped, surrounded by natural beauty, and lies just 3 stops and a short walk away from the La Defense Olympic venue.
After last night's secret cocktail escapade, you'll be needing a coffee or three. Yet, while specialty coffee culture has taken the world by storm, from Melbourne to Buenos Aires, your local French café might not have gotten the memo, and may serve you an over-roasted mini-expresso if you ask for un café.
So, if you want a truly quality coffee experience, Le Monde recommends a flight of trendy cafés: Café Tabac (a shot of energy before taking the stairs up to Montmartre cathedral), Comets (browse some hand-picked vinyls while you wait), O Coffee (the real Aussie surfer experience, perfect after a long night of watching the Olympic surfing in Tahiti), Noir (with some 15 cute cafés around the city), Terres de Café (for an ethically-sourced brew), and, of course, the trendy South Pigalle neighborhood's iconic KB, a must-try.
Oh, you want more? Modern specialty coffee in the city of café culture isn't enough for you? Well, for a holiday away from your holiday, try our five favorite international-style cafés.
Did you get to watch the opening ceremony? Have you heard any booing at any of the matches? Are you finding the arenas easy to access? Frustrated by long queues or impressed by efficiency? Did you run into one of your sporting heroes? We'd love to hear about your experience of the Games.
Reach out to us by email (writetous@lemonde.fr) or on our social media accounts: Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok. We may publish your photos or comments in one of our daily guides.
"Marchand Madness" spectators heading to the Paris La Defense Arena have several options for transport there: On the RER line, they can either alight at the La Défense or Nanterre Préfecture stations, and then walk around 600 meters to the venue. La Défense station is also on Métro line 1, train lines L and U (which goes past Versailles, in case you didn't get your palace fix yesterday), and the T2 tram.
For the latest traffic updates before you head there, do check the official RATP transport network and Citymapper websites, or even X, where each métro line also has its own account.