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In Paris, often referred to as the City of Light, a unique app called Jveuxdusoleil, meaning ‘I want sun,’ is transforming the way locals and tourists enjoy the city’s iconic cafe terraces. Launched in 2020 by Jean-Charles Levenne, the app uses advanced technology to map the sun’s path through Paris’s narrow streets and towering buildings. By analyzing data on building heights and solar positions, it pinpoints exact locations where users can bask in sunlight at any given moment. The app also allows users to contribute by suggesting new spots or reporting inaccuracies, such as unexpected shadows from trees, turning it into a collaborative tool.
The concept of Jveuxdusoleil connects deeply with a cherished Parisian custom: spending hours on a cafe terrace, observing the hustle and bustle of daily life. In Paris, these terraces are more than just dining spots; they are social spaces where people face the street, sip a single coffee for hours, and feel no rush to leave. However, this tradition is at risk. Over the last century, the number of bistros in France has plummeted from 500,000 in 1900 to under 40,000 today. In Paris, the decline is even starker, with numbers dropping from around 5,000 in the 1970s to just over 1,000 now. Factors such as rising property prices, changing lifestyles, and the rise of technology are often cited as reasons for this loss.
Ironically, while technology is partly blamed for reducing face-to-face interactions—think of food delivery apps replacing cafe meetups—Jveuxdusoleil offers a counterbalance. It motivates people to step outside, rediscover the joy of sitting in the sun, and engage with the real world. The app’s popularity soared in 2025, particularly after Paris experienced one of its gloomiest winters in 2024. In a single week in March, nearly 20,000 users flocked to the app, eager for a glimpse of sunlight.
Levenne, now a yacht captain, maintains the app as a personal project without earning any profit. Despite the costs he incurs to keep it running, its simplicity and focus on real-life experiences have won the hearts of many. Jveuxdusoleil stands as a reminder that technology, when used thoughtfully, can help preserve cultural traditions even in a fast-changing world.