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Paris terrace lovers turn to Technology to chase the Sun
In the quiet month of August, as many Parisians leave for the coast, those who remain continue the timeless quest for sun-drenched terraces to enjoy an apéritif. A new digital tool, Jveuxdusoleil (“I want sun”), has made this pursuit easier by pinpointing sunny spots on Parisian terraces using sun-positioning algorithms and building-height data.
Created in 2020 by Jean-Charles Levenne, the app helps users locate terraces bathed in sunlight while darkened ones disappear from the map. Community input allows users to suggest new spots or report inaccuracies, making the app a constantly evolving tool.
Terraces in Paris offer more than a seat—they provide a window into city life. With tables facing the streets and no tipping culture pressuring turnover, Parisians can linger for hours, enjoying the city’s art de vivre. Photographer and journalist Pierrick Bourgault emphasizes that terraces allow social interaction and observation, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Jveuxdusoleil has grown steadily, especially after France’s unusually dark winters. Its minimalistic design, focusing on sunlight and time, appeals to users seeking simple, practical solutions for an authentic Parisian experience.
Despite a declining number of bistros—from 500,000 in 1900 to fewer than 40,000 today across France—the app represents a technological embrace of the terrace culture. Bourgault notes that while technology contributes to bistros’ decline, apps like Jveuxdusoleil can reconnect Parisians with the streets and the sun.