le 2 juillet 2026
Bonjour tout le monde et bienvenue to the Paris Postcard – your weekly roundup of happenings in the City of Light.
July begins with a celebration of the enduring friendship between France and the United States as both nations commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Throughout the summer, museums and historic sites are participating in the America250 France initiative, exploring the extraordinary relationship forged by Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis de La Fayette during the American Revolution. It is a reminder that America’s story was written not only in Philadelphia, but also in the salons and palaces of France.
At the Château de Versailles, the weekend of July 4 and 5 is devoted to America and Versailles, a special program celebrating the palace’s pivotal role in the birth of the United States. Visitors can explore how Benjamin Franklin won over the French court, how Louis XVI recognized the young republic in 1778, and how Versailles ultimately became the setting for the 1783 Treaty of Paris negotiations that formally ended the Revolutionary War. Historical reenactments, family activities, exhibitions, and evening spectacles make this one of the season’s most memorable events.
At the Musée Carnavalet visitors can discover exhibitions and guided programming, 1776-2026: 250 Years of Franco-American Friendship, which examines the city’s role as the diplomatic heart of the American Revolution. Through the stories of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de La Fayette, the museum traces how Enlightenment ideals circulated through Parisian society and helped forge a lasting Franco-American alliance.
Meanwhile, the Archives Nationales opens its remarkable collections at the absolutely gorgeous Hotel de Soubise. The exhibit, Lafayette Entre France et l’Amerique: Histoire et Legende, reveals original diplomatic correspondence, treaties, maps, and official documents that illuminate France’s involvement in the American quest for independence. Few places offer a more intimate glimpse into the negotiations, alliances, and political decisions that reshaped the eighteenth-century world. This exhibit is free and runs through July 14.
One of the most anticipated events of the summer this week as Paris Plages celebrates its 25th edition, running from July 4 through August 30, 2026. This year’s edition takes on a special meaning, unfolding under an American theme in honor of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, subtly weaving Franco-American friendship into the rhythm of Parisian summer life. Visitors will find shaded lounging areas, pop-up cafés, sports and cultural programming, and a distinctly festive atmosphere that invites Parisians and travelers alike to slow down and savor the season.
This week is also the perfect time to pack a picnic lunch and visit the Statue of Liberty on the Île aux Cygnes. This 37-foot replica was inaugurated in 1889 and serves as a lasting symbol of the friendship between France and the United States. The original Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with its internal framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel, was a gift from the French people to the American people in honor of their shared ideals of liberty and democracy.
#ICYMI
Earlier this week, I shared a simple saffron aioli recipe—an effortless way to bring a touch of French summer to your table. And, a few weeks ago, I also explored how French philosophers helped shape the ideas that influenced America’s founding, from Enlightenment salons to the language of liberty.
As summer unfolds across Paris, take time to savor its rhythm—early morning walks, long lunches in the shade, and evenings along the Seine as the city slowly cools. With the heat of July upon us, remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, and celebrate the season safely. Paris is at its most beautiful when enjoyed slowly.
Vive la France. God Bless America. A bientôt!
xoxo, Jeannine
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