July and August are my favorite months in Paris. Why? Because the city, and my neighborhood in particular, empties of Parisians. Suddenly, a quiet descends and it’s wonderful. Cars and families head to the mountains, the seaside, the countryside and those left behind can breathe and reclaim the city.

Here’s a summer post I wrote two summers ago –

A perfect day today … far too beautiful to stay indoors. Grabbing my panier, I headed out to my local market this morning to buy papaya, mango, ginger-root and melon, among other things. Melons are in abundance this summer. Monoprix was selling them for a euro apiece last week.

Mountains of Cavaillon melons from the Vaucluse region side by side with peaches, cherries and heaps of fragrant basil. I plan to make a big batch of pesto as well as tomato sauce from scratch.

We’re spoiled for choice in this land of abundance. Here’s a trio of fresh-caught rouget, bass and shrimp (prawns).

I came across this stall where the most beautiful hand-woven baskets were being sold. “What is the material of these baskets?” I asked the saleswoman. “Plastic.” she replied.  Which means not only durable, but waterproof (great for the beach). I also loved her rings and bracelets.

These ones you could slip your laptop into. Or papers and magazines.She works with a Mexican associate, she told me, hence the bright colors.

I love them. Unfortunately I had no cash left. Even though I have a surplus of carry-all bags, I’ll return next Sunday to buy one.

Here’s the smoothie I made when I got home: melon, papaya, apple, coconut milk, orange juice and ginger-root. As usual, I forgot the mint. Why do I always forget to buy fresh mint?