Bonjour, friends!

This past week, Paris came alive for Fête de la Musique, the annual festival where every corner, square, and street seems to pulse with live bands and DJs playing well into the night.

We set out to discover new music across the city, but quickly found ourselves swept up in crowds so dense we couldn’t make it through on our bikes. So, we settled along the canal and soaked in the atmosphere from there.

In one of the photos below, you’ll see just how packed the streets were. And in another, our son joined the festivities in his own way, sipping a can of Orangina after spotting many people carrying cans of beer in the street. He wanted to be part of the fun, too.

👇 This is where I’m writing these opening paragraphs. My co-working space was helpful through the winter, but I’m enjoying working from cafe terraces again!

➡️ 2025 Grand Award Winner: Le Bon Georges: Le Bon Georges has just been honored with Wine Spectator’s 2025 Grand Award, celebrating its exceptional wine list and classic Parisian charm.

➡️ A Food Lover’s Guide to the Latin Quarter: Discover the Latin Quarter’s Food Scene with Michelin’s curated guide, featuring the best spots for classic bistros, cozy cafés, and hidden culinary gems.

➡️ The 9 Most Affordable Hotels in Paris That Are Actually Worth Staying At: Michelin’s Guide to the Most Affordable Hotels in Paris spotlights charming, budget-friendly stays across the city, proving you don’t need to splurge to enjoy Paris.

➡️ 11 of the best restaurants in Paris: The Times has rounded up the best restaurants in Paris, spotlighting everything from timeless bistros and Michelin-starred dining rooms to cozy neighborhood gems.

As much as I love Paris, I know there’s always room for small improvements. That’s what this new section is about - The little reminders and ideas for making daily life in Paris just a bit kinder and more connected. It’s to celebrate what makes this city special while encouraging us all to be better neighbors, visitors, and Parisians.

Living here, I see how easy it is to get lost in our private routines. We hurry through the bike lanes, cross streets focused on our phones, and sometimes forget that Paris is a shared space.

But it only takes a moment to make a difference. Let someone else go first in the bike lane. Say “pardon” if you’re in the way. Make eye contact with your waiter. Give a friendly wave to a pedestrian waiting to cross. Pause and let the parent pass safely with a stroller. These small gestures add up and make the city feel more welcoming for everyone.

What’s one small thing you’ve noticed someone do that made your day a little brighter in Paris?

Welcome to the 17th arrondissement, a district I haven’t explored as much as others. I’ve spent most of my “17th time” in the Batignolles area, which is lovely and a nice spot for families. I’ve only heard good things from people I know or have met who live there with kids.

This northwest neighborhood offers a mix of historic charm and modern energy, standing apart from the city’s busier core. From the lively Place de Lévis to the quiet Cité des Fleurs, the 17th feels like a place for locals.

The 17th began as rural villages like Batignolles and Monceau, incorporated into Paris in 1860 during Haussmann’s renovations. It evolved into a residential hub with Haussmannian buildings and quiet lanes. The Arc de Triomphe, a monument commissioned by Napoleon I, is shared by the 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements, standing at its central square as a tribute to France’s military history.

Parc Martin Luther King offers a modern green space with gardens and playgrounds, a good spot for families. Cité des Fleurs provides a glimpse of 19th-century Paris with its colorful houses and gardens. Place du Général Catroux features statues of literary figures like Alexandre Dumas. Place de Lévis is a local hub with a market and shops, adding to the neighborhood’s classic Parisian vibe.

The 17th’s cultural scene blends tradition and modernity. Théâtre Hébertot hosts contemporary plays and classics, a historic venue with a varied program. The Batignolles neighborhood features vibrant street art, with work by artists like Invader. Musée Jean-Jacques Henner displays works by the 19th-century painter in a restored mansion. L’Européen is a small venue for comedy and music. The district’s proximity to Montmartre’s artistic vibe in the 18th adds a creative touch, but the 17th has its own cultural offerings.

The 17th’s food scene reflects its diverse residents, with the Batignolles neighborhood as a highlight. This area feels like a village within the city, with a local vibe I enjoy. Its tree-lined streets and cozy cafés make it a great place to wander and soak up the Parisian atmosphere without tourist crowds. Restaurant Le Pantruche serves French cuisine in a welcoming setting. The Batignolles Organic Market offers organic produce, cheeses, and baked goods. Marché couvert Batignolles has a variety of food and is open every day except Monday. For a hidden gem, Square des Batignolles is a serene park with a pond and playground.

The 17th offers accommodations for all budgets. Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles provides budget-friendly rooms. Hôtel Eldorado offers boutique charm with colorful decor. Splendid Étoile has upscale rooms. For budget travelers, Hôtel des Batignolles offers simple rooms. The 17th’s residential feel and metro access make it a practical base, close to central Paris but calmer.

If you’re exploring the 17th arrondissement, make time for Square des Batignolles, a hidden gem in the Batignolles neighborhood. This park, created in 1865, offers a serene English-style garden escape with a pond, waterfall, rose garden, carousel, and playground. It’s a quiet spot where you can wander and soak up the local vibe, away from the usual tourist crowds.

The park’s tree-lined paths and family-friendly spaces make it a favorite for residents, adding to the village-like charm of Batignolles. It’s easy to reach from nearby metro stops, fitting well with a visit to the area’s cafés or shops.