Bonjour and welcome to "Things to Do in Paris" on this vibrant Friday, August 15, 2025! Whether you're waking up with the city or just arriving, Paris today is buzzing with festive energy, plenty of sunshine, and a crisp late-summer breeze. After yesterday’s brief rain, the air is fresh and clear, perfect for outdoor adventures. As the city celebrates the Assumption holiday, the atmosphere is both spirited and reflective—expect a mix of cultural events and relaxed summer vibes unfolding across the boulevards.

Let’s dive right into some can’t-miss happenings lighting up Paris today:

1. The Assumption Feast at Notre-Dame is front and center this morning. For the first time since its reopening, the cathedral plays host to a grand Marian procession, beginning with an early Mass at 8:30 a.m. followed by traditional liturgies and solemn processions weaving through the heart of the city. Visits are restricted to liturgical celebrations, so this is a rare chance to witness a centuries-old tradition in a truly iconic setting[3].

2. If you’re in the mood for some Parisian magic after dark, don’t miss the open-air projection of George Balanchine's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at 11 p.m. on Esplanade Tranquille. Prepare for Shakespeare-meets-ballet under the stars, with sets and costumes by Christian Lacroix and music by Mendelssohn—a unique ballet-and-cinema fusion swirling in the city air[5].

3. For families and explorers: the century-old Carrousel des Tuileries in Jardin des Tuileries remains a favorite, with its whimsical, fairy-tale animals spinning beneath leafy trees for just 3€. Alternatively, Parc Diderot offers free swimming and paddling for kids and adults seeking a refreshing escape from city heat[4].

4. The hidden rooftop at Hôtel Rochechouart invites you to sip cocktails against a panoramic backdrop of Sacré-Cœur. With only a handful of tables, it’s one of the most photogenic and romantic sunset spots in Paris—ideal for winding down or sparking up a Friday night adventure[1].

5. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the newly reopened ephemeral terrace at Palais Galliera, Paris’s fashion museum, for a coffee or light lunch with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower—truly, a chic Parisian pause to be savored[1].

On the local news front, Parisians are excited about Maison Faitout's reopening in the 20th arrondissement: a revamped eatery, part café-bar and part fine-dining with a sustainable focus, located just beside the Petite Ceinture railway. Also, transit runs smoothly today with additional late-night metro service scheduled for festival and Assumption celebrants[1].

For must-do activities, don’t leave without a Montmartre stroll—explore the village streets, snap city panoramas, then reward yourself in a hidden bakery tearoom decorated in lush Art Nouveau style at 10 Place des Petits Pères[1][6]. Layer in a Seine picnic: grab fresh baguettes and cheeses, and claim your patch of riverside grass for unbeatable Eiffel Tower views.

Paris tip of the day: Locals love the labyrinthine Eugénie Djendi Garden in the 15th arrondissement—a secluded green maze perfect for reading, meditating, or just escaping the tourist trail[4].

And for those planning ahead: Paris gears up next week for the legendary Rock en Seine festival and open-air “Ciné-Jardins” film nights, so mark your calendars and tune in tomorrow for your front-row guide to what’s next in Paris delights[7].

À demain—enjoy your unforgettable Friday in the City of Light!