Paris is currently experiencing a loss, with all restaurants closed and a curfew in place that has silenced its nightlife. The beloved tradition of the aperitif at cafes has been lost, leading to a sense of gloom in the city. Taboos are being broken as people resort to eating sandwiches on benches in the rain. They now opt for takeout through "click-and-collect" services instead of dining out early, which they see as a negative American influence. They sadly observe the outdated menus of closed restaurants offering traditional French dishes. The city has lost its vibrant atmosphere with the disappearance of museums, tourist attractions, outdoor terraces, movie theaters, and the lively energy of its streets. Instead, a melancholy mood has taken over the city, akin to a dense fog. In 1983, Saul Bellow described how the gloom in Paris is not just due to the weather, but also has a spiritual impact on people's character, opinions, and judgment. Despite this, Bellow would still indulge in sauvignon blanc and charcuterie when feeling down during the dreary Parisian winter. Now, in the midst of a damp and COVID-19-stricken Paris, the city's empty streets resemble a tedious argument, with sunlight making only brief appearances, leaving doubts about its reality. New York does not experience drizzle or long periods of gray skies like Paris. The adjustment has been difficult, especially in a Paris that feels devoid of its essence. Alain Ducasse, the famous chef, described the current atmosphere as incredibly sad and imprisoning. The French are struggling without the social aspects of life they are used to, such as meeting for drinks at a cafe or exchanging kisses. The traditional "bisou" on both cheeks as a greeting or goodbye is no longer a part of daily life. With over 74,000 deaths in France due to the pandemic, everyone is aware of the restrictions in place. Nearly every major city worldwide has experienced loss of life, employment, and normalcy. Paris is not the only city facing hardships. However, each city is adapting in its own unique way. In New York, the most noticeable absence is the vibrant energy that typically characterizes the city. In Paris, the lack of lively social gatherings that inspire people is seen as a major loss. The disappearance of refined pleasures that the French have perfected over centuries has made life dull and monotonous. There seems to be no exciting options for entertainment. A friend recently complained of feeling trapped, saying, "Paris is all we have." He purchased a dog so he could take it for walks after the curfew. Frédéric Hocquard, who is in charge of tourism and nightlife at the mayor's office, informed me that there was an 85% decrease in tourist numbers in Paris last year. Visits to the Louvre and Versailles, which are currently closed, were down by approximately 90%. He described the situation as "catastrophic." Hotel occupancy is currently at approximately 6%, but one positive note is that the number of Parisians visiting the Eiffel Tower last year has doubled. According to Hocquard, one sign of a true Parisian is never having gone up the Eiffel Tower, but this trend is starting to shift. The increase in visitors can be attributed to the lack of other options available in Paris. Despite the low hotel occupancy and general unhappiness among Parisians, there are some advantages to this situation. Traffic is moving smoothly, and markets are bustling with vendors like oyster shuckers and butchers meticulously preparing their products. The debate over the ripeness of Camembert cheeses and the unique presentation of rum baba cakes with syringes injecting rum add to the city's charm. The islands in the city still face the elegant low-slung bridges, while 19th-century lampposts along Rue de Rivoli create a surreal atmosphere reminiscent of a film noir. It is noted that with a press pass, one can venture out after curfew. Paris in a peaceful state is also Paris lost in thought. Ducasse mentioned that after one hundred days, the revival would start. When asked if he had gone on any trips, he mentioned that he had only traveled to Bologna in Italy to find a skilled gelato maker. Following the success of his chocolate business a few years ago, Hocquard's next business venture will involve ice cream. He is also considering hosting concerts and outdoor activities in parks, along the Seine river, and even at unused airports in April and May. Despite his optimistic outlook, there remains the challenge of addressing the current situation. On a recent snowy Sunday, the author visited the Tuileries in search of entertainment and found solace in the formal design of the garden, with its gravel paths, trimmed trees, and geometric layouts. A carousel was the only attraction that was still operating. Colorful horses, along with an ostrich, a car, a plane, a ship, and a few Cinderella carriages went round and round. My partner and I decided to ride the horses. The music playing was from North Africa, and there were a few children present. The carousel, a small wonder, took me back through my occasional visits to Paris dating back to the mid-1970s. I knew that Paris would be there again, even if not this spring, at some point in the future. I observed a crow picking up a discarded French fry and flying away to sit on a bench. I looked at a wall adorned with plaques commemorating French soldiers who died during the liberation of Paris in 1944. The youngest soldier, Jean-Claude Touche, was only 18 years old. The pandemic has created a war-like atmosphere during times of peace, but it will eventually come to an end. Just like Humphrey Bogart's iconic line in "Casablanca," reminding Ingrid Bergman of the memories they shared in Paris, now is the time to imagine and cherish the beauty of the city. Copyright 2021 The New York Times Company.