Grande Soirée d’Été

It’s time to catch up on some of the things I’ve been doing in Paris besides walking. The month of June drew near its close with a lovely summer party hosted by ALORA, the OECD employees association. From 6:30 p.m. to midnight (and beyond), La Grande Soirée d’Été Annuelle offered apéritif, dinner buffet, and dancing to a DJ at the OECD headquarters building in La Muette. Despite some construction along the edges, the imposing building and its broad veranda and terrasse provided an impressive setting for a summer party. Partygoers feasted outdoors-- where two grills served up steak and bratwurst, marquee’d bars offered beer and wine, and dessert stations displayed an assortment of pastries and cheeses--and danced enthusiastically in one of the handsome reception halls inside. Secretary-General Angel Gurria and his wife Lulu greeted guests with a charming informal speech in French and English. The late dusk, with sunset coming near 10:00 p.m., made the day seem to go on forever. It was the perfect summer party.