We are already almost at the halfway point of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and it's a big day on the water, with a number of rowing and kayaking finals. This is a marathon, not a sprint. So, in case you need some sustenance to keep going, here is a map to Paris's best bakeries, some of the city's classic cinemas and a secret escape to an Irish garden – well, almost.
Let them eat.... croissant.
Or flan, pain aux raisins, brioche or indeed, like Marie-Antoinette famously said, cake. Pastries are a serious business throughout France and few take them more seriously than the Parisians. Is your croissant flaky enough? Too flaky? Does it smell of butter (which is a good thing)? It is hard to imagine breakfast in Paris without a croissant and a coffee. But not all croissants are made equal, there can be a world of difference between a good one and a bad one.
First things first, how to identify a croissant with butter or without? A croissant au beurre is normally straight, whereas a lighter croissant nature is more crescent-shaped. But this is not the moment to skimp on butter. Butter for the win.
Everyone has their own favorite neighborhood bakery and my own personal pick is Alexine at 109 Avenue Saint Ouen, which is on the border of the 17th arrondissement and on metro line 13, if you are heading to Olympic events at the Stade de France. They also have a branch at 40 Rue Lepic in the heart of Montmartre.
Today will be a big podium day at Vaires-sur-Marne. The brand-new nautical stadium east of Paris is hosting some hot ticket finals. The women's double sculls finals will kick it all off at 10:30 am, followed directly by the men's. Then there will be the women's and men's four finals. Head to the nearby fan zone in Torcy for a few hours of entertainment and refreshments and to watch the other sporting finals, before returning to the stadium for the men's kayak single final at 5:30 pm.
If you need to escape all things Olympic, and also the dazzling sunshine that arrived a little belatedly at these Games, head into the comfortingly dark embrace of one of Paris's classic cinemas. There are many to choose from including the cinematic institution that is Le Champo in Paris's 5th arrondissement and Studio 28 in the 18th.
But one of the most special is Le Louxor in Paris's 10th arrondissement. As the name suggests, Le Louxor is actually designed in neo-Egyptian style, both inside and out. It is a listed historic building and you will understand why when you stand in front of its wonderful facade. It has a great program that mixes up classics and new releases, but there is a particular treat on offer at the moment: They are running a Studio Ghibli retrospective until August 13. You can enjoy such greats as Spirited Away, The Cat Returns and, my own favorite, My Neighbour Totoro. To prolong your escape from the Games, head up to the very special roof-top terrace, where you can enjoy a glass with an amazing view of the Sacré Cœur.
You don't have to be Irish to enjoy the Centre Culturel Irlandais (CCI) in Paris's 5th arrondissement. Located very close to the Panthéon, the CCI is year-round a destination for Irish cultural activities, with concerts, exhibitions and artists in residence. It has risen to the Olympics occasion to celebrate 100 years since Ireland first participated in the Games with an exhibition in its heavenly courtyard. Interesting fact: Ireland won its first medal as the Irish Free State in the 1924 Olympics, but not with an athletic feat, with an artistic one. Jack B Yeats' painting Liffey Swim won the silver medal at the Games in Paris that year.
Stepping through its giant doors is like stepping into another world. The 18th-century building was originally a seminary and it has retained this sense of calm and space. For the Games, the CCI decided to provide a haven for Irish athletes too, offering them a few days of "downtime" after they finish their events. So you might find yourself eating your sandwich beside a newly crowned Olympic star. The shaded courtyard is open to the public every afternoon, you don't need to book a ticket, just come in, it's the perfect place for a picnic. Irish singer-songwriter Mick Flannery will be performing a special free concert in the courtyard on August 9th.
If you're going to the nautical stadium mentioned earlier, it is roughly 75 minutes by public transport from the center of Paris and it is not recommended to drive there. One route is to take RER A train to Bussy-Saint-Georges station, followed by a free shuttle bus to the venue. You can also take RER E train from Paris to Chelles Gournay station and there is another free bus service to bring you to the venue.
For "how to get there" advice for any Olympic venue, the official website is pretty handy.
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 from you.
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Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.