Paris in the Very Hot Summer

There’s a special kind of silence when the city is held hostage by heat. Streets shimmer, the metro feels like a slow-cooking oven, and even the pigeons look for scraps of shade. Paris was unbreathable for a few days, heat rising from the pavement, every step a reminder that hydration isn’t optional.But this is Paris: as soon as the sun turns fierce, everyone flocks to terrasses and cafés, searching for the coldest drinks in town. Suddenly, every iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water feels like a luxury. Maybe it’s just me, but I think everyone here develops a sixth sense for spotting the nearest eau fraîche, bistro, bakery, or even a shady fountain. If you’re reading this in the cool, count yourself lucky. If not, keep a bottle close. The season’s only getting started.

Author

Chris Vianney
June 19, 2025

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Verveine

When the heat sets in, skip the stove. This colorful fruit salad is summer in a glass, quick, hydrating, and a little bit elegant, thanks to the lemony lift of verveine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup watermelon, cubed

  • 1 cup cantaloupe, cubed

  • 1 cup honeydew melon, cubed

  • A few sprigs fresh verveine (lemon verbena)

  • 1–2 tsp sugar or honey (optional, if your fruit isn’t super sweet)

  • Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

  1. Toss all the melon cubes in a bowl.

  2. Add verveine leaves and lemon juice.

  3. If you like, sweeten with a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of sugar.

  4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

  5. Remove verveine before serving (or leave a few leaves for a pretty touch).

Serve in small glasses for an effortless, cooling treat.

Small Talk: “La Ficelle”—The Baby Baguette

You’ve seen it in the bakery: a slender baguette, barely thicker than your finger, tucked among the grander loaves. That’s la ficelle, the baby baguette. It’s everything you love about a classic baguette, just… mini.

Ficelle means “string,” and that’s the idea, light, crisp, with a golden crust and an airy, delicate center. It’s perfect if you want a fresh bread experience without committing to a full baguette. Tear off a piece while it’s still warm, dip it in olive oil, or pair it with cheese, no rules, just simple pleasure.

If you grab one straight from the oven, beware: you might finish half before you even get home. But honestly, who’s judging?

So next time you’re at the bakery, consider a ficelle. It’s the little things that make everyday life feel a bit more special.

Shopping List

  • Watermelon (or mixed melons: cantaloupe, honeydew)

  • Fresh verveine (lemon verbena)

  • Lemon

  • Honey or sugar (optional)

  • A ficelle or baguette (fresh from the bakery)

(And maybe a bottle of sparkling water, because staying refreshed is non-negotiable this week.)

Editor’s Note

Whether you’re basking in the summer sun or hiding out in the coolest corner you can find, remember: simple pleasures go a long way. A glass of fruit salad, a ficelle still warm from the oven, or just the pause that comes with a cold drink on a busy day—these are the moments that turn ordinary days into small celebrations.

At Savouriche, we’re here to remind you that inspiration (and refreshment) is never far away. Keep cool, stay curious, and don’t forget to treat yourself—sometimes, it really is the little things.

À très bientôt,
La Table Savouriche

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