PARIS WHEN IT RAINS

Giving my best Audrey in the Jarin de Luxembourg

For many of us even a mention of the word ‘vacation’ has us fantasizing about ourselves lounging on a beach somewhere, tropical drink in hand. At the very least we picture ourselves able to stroll around town comfortably in a sundress or sandals. While this wish holds true of most getaway destinations, Paris is an exception to the rule in that it’s magic can actually be enhanced by gray skies and the occasional downpour.

The best illustration of this point comes from Woody Allen’s 2011 film, Midnight In Paris. Gil, the main character and a hopeless dreamer, loves to wax lyrical about the added romance that brings the city to life whenever the skies open up. In fact the closing line of the film, spoken by Lea Seydoux (a perfect paradigm of the modern Parisian) sums up this notion with a simple sentence: “Actually, Paris is the most beautiful in the rain.”

            After devouring the requisite crepe that every visitor must sample (I went with dark chocolate and almonds), we spent the morning strolling along the Seine and through the charming Latin Quartier. Another great side effect of the weather was that it completely emptied out the streets (and major monuments such as Notre Dame that would otherwise be crawling with fanny-pack-wielding families). Paris was ours for the taking!

            When the downpour became torrential, we conveniently found ourselves next to the famed Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. The department store, which has been around since the early 20^th century, has played host to many iconic fashion moments over the years. The central dome, covering its luxury cosmetic department, is it’s best-known component and can be found on many an instagram grid. The rest of the massive space is similarly not to be missed; particularly their witty window displays.