🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ The 12 best places for breakfast in Paris: TimeOut produced this article, and it’s excited me to try a few new breakfast spots!

➡️ What to do in Paris in October 2023: Directly sourced from the official Paris website, this list of October events is a must-see if you're planning a trip to the City of Light this month. Consider it your go-to guide for discovering various engaging activities around the city.

➡️ Rental e-scooters cleared from Paris streets as ban comes into effect: From Le Monde: The French capital is the first in Europe to completely outlaw the scooters from its streets, loathed as a pedestrian-bothering nuisance by some but mourned by others.

READER POLL
The Results From Last Week

Thank you to all our dear readers who took the time to participate in our recent poll. Your input is invaluable to us, and we're thrilled to see that 'Café Culture' and 'Hidden Gems' resonate deeply with so many of you. Your favorites are our favorites too! We'll be placing particular emphasis on these beloved sections to make your reading experience even more delightful. Keep an eye out for some extra-special content in these categories!

CAFÉ CULTURE
Café des Deux Moulins: Step Inside Amélie's World

Are you a fan of whimsical characters, playful storylines, and the bohemian spirit of Montmartre? If the answer is yes, then you're in for a treat. Today, we invite you to experience Café des Deux Moulins—a café that's not just a Parisian delight but a cinematic icon immortalized by the romantic comedy "Amélie."

The Cinematic Connection:

Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, Café des Deux Moulins gained worldwide fame as the workplace of the charming and quirky Amélie Poulain, the protagonist of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's iconic film. Since releasing "Amélie," this café has become a pilgrimage spot for fans, romantics, and café enthusiasts alike.

Atmosphere:

Stepping inside the café, you'll immediately sense a blend of everyday Parisian life with a dash of movie magic. The decor remains largely the same as in the film, with its Formica bar, tobacco counter, and quaint dining space offering you a tangible piece of the movie.

Food and Drink:

While you might not find the exact crème brûlée that Amélie so delicately cracks in the movie, the café does serve a delightful menu of classic French dishes, pastries, and coffee. The staff, although not as cinematic, bring their own brand of charm to the place.

Whether you're chasing the nostalgia of "Amélie" or looking to capture a slice of authentic Parisian café culture, Café des Deux Moulins welcomes you with open arms and warm coffee. Next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Montmartre, visit this charming café. After all, life might be a series of absurd accidents, but it's cafés like these where we find our moments of serendipity.

HIDDEN GEMS
L'Oasis D'Aboukir: A Thriving Vertical Forest Amidst Historic Streets

In the bustling 2nd arrondissement of Paris, known for its historic architecture and lack of traditional green spaces, a living masterpiece adorns the corner of Rue des Petits Carreaux and Rue d'Aboukir. Welcome to L'Oasis D'Aboukir, a vertical garden conceptualized by the renowned French botanist Patrick Blanc.

The Making of a Vertical Oasis:

The sheer scale of this vertical garden is awe-inspiring. Covering a staggering 250 square meters, it reaches a height of 25 meters on the facade of a five-story building. Over 7600 plants of 237 different species find their home here. Blanc crafted this living art using a metal frame layered with PVC and two layers of polyamide felt, mimicking cliff-growing mosses supporting plant roots. Through an intricate network of pipes, a nutrient solution is provided, ensuring the plants thrive.

A Storied Corner:

The vertical garden was installed in the spring of 2013 and officially inaugurated later that year. Interestingly, the same corner showcases photographs from 1930 and 1950, offering a glimpse into the history of this transformative space. Rue d’Aboukir itself carries historic weight, named after a battle won by Napoléon's French army in 1799. Young Napoléon even lived on this street, which once served as a garment district and later a hub for internet startups in the 1990s.

Why It's a Must-See:

The contrast of this vibrant green wall against the backdrop of classic Parisian architecture is truly captivating. Beyond aesthetics, L'Oasis D'Aboukir serves an ecological purpose, improving air quality and providing a habitat for urban wildlife.

Where to Find It:

83 Rue d'Aboukir, 75002 Paris, France - This breathtaking garden is in the Sentier neighborhood of the 2nd arrondissement. It's an easy walk from iconic sites like Les Halles and Palais Royal.

While visiting, take note of the vibrant life this wall has attracted, from insects to birds. The garden shows what is possible when creativity, ecology, and history intersect in urban spaces.

ART & LITERATURE
Classic French Posters: The Timeless Art Form that Captured Parisian Culture

Imagine the Paris of the late 19th century—its darkened city walls suddenly awash in vivid hues of red, yellow, and blue. This transformation can be credited to the pioneering work of Jules Chéret, the father of the modern poster. Along with iconic artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, Chéret changed how Paris and the world thought about posters.

The Dawn of the Poster Age:

Before the turn of the 20th century, Chéret had already created over 1,000 posters, all infused with his signature theatrical, airy style. These weren't just advertisements; they were works of art. Chéret's lively female figures, lovingly called "Cherettes" by the Parisians, became iconic features that brightened the cityscape.

The Law of the Poster:

The impact of these posters was so profound that it led to legislation. In 1881, a law was passed creating official posting places to prevent the city from being visually overwhelmed. Chéret himself organized the first French group poster exhibition in Paris just three years later, solidifying the poster's place in Parisian culture.

A Canvas for All Trades:

From theaters and exhibitions to a range of consumer goods like alcohol, oil, and perfumes, Chéret's Cherettes became the face of Parisian consumer culture. The subject matter was almost inconsequential; what mattered was the unmistakable Chéret flair—those bright bursts of color and an enchanting woman who couldn't be ignored.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Subterranean Symphony: Tracing the Historical Tracks of the Paris Metro

In 1900, Paris stepped into a new century, an era often touted as the halcyon days of Paris. It also ushered in an age of unprecedented mobility with the inauguration of its Métro system. Today, the Paris Métro is one of the busiest subway systems in the world. Still, its history is a tale of engineering ingenuity, artistic flair, and the spirit of a city constantly on the move.

Engineering Marvel:

While London may have beaten Paris to the punch by establishing the world's first underground railway, the Paris Métro was revolutionary in its own right. It required the development of pioneering techniques to navigate the Seine and Paris' intricate underground waterways while respecting the city's historical landmarks.

The Guimard Entrances:

Hector Guimard, an architect under the Art Nouveau influence, gifted Paris with the Métro's iconic entrances. These ornate gateways, featuring swirling iron lattices and elegant glass canopies, have become as synonymous with Paris as the Eiffel Tower itself.

A Cultural Cornerstone:

The Métro is more than just a transportation system; it's a cultural phenomenon. Its stations have inspired countless artists, writers, and filmmakers. From the replica statues at Louvre-Rivoli station to the whimsical décor at Arts et Métiers, each station is an art exhibit of its own.

A Parisian Staple:

The Métro has seen Paris through two World Wars, social upheavals, and countless tourist' itineraries. It's an essential part of the city's lifeblood, offering a microcosm of Parisian society—love affairs, philosophical debates, and impromptu musical performances all take place within its carriages.

The "Châtelet Les Halles" Enigma:

Fascinatingly, Châtelet Les Halles isn't just another subway stop; it's one of the world's largest underground stations, linking five Métro and three RER lines. Yet, many Parisians deliberately avoid it, opting for less congested alternatives. The station's enormity and complexity make it an engineering marvel and a place locals love to avoid for fear of spending half a day lost underground!

PARISIAN MUSINGS
French Idioms & Coffee: The Layers of "Prendre un café"

In the heart of Paris, the phrase "Prendre un café" holds a special place in the local lexicon. Literally, it means "to take a coffee," but this French idiom encapsulates far more than a caffeine fix. It's a nod to the culture of lingering in cafes, engaging in thoughtful conversation, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment of solitude.

According to Urban Dictionary, the phrase can imply you're looking for more than just a cup of joe; it's a flirtatious invitation to a romantic date. The term evokes images of mythical cafes in Paris by the Seine, where lovers steal away for clandestine rendezvous.

While Urban Dictionary emphasizes the romantic undertones of "Prendre un café," the phrase also extends to cultivating meaningful platonic relationships. It's not just about coffee or flirtation; it's an invitation to pause, disconnect from the outside world, and genuinely connect with someone. Whether it's a blossoming romance or a deepening friendship, "Prendre un café" is a versatile expression that invites you to focus on the person in front of you.

So how do you "Prendre un café"? Is it a morning ritual, an afternoon pause, or a subtle hint of romantic interest? We invite you to share a sentence using this nuanced idiom, and we'll showcase our favorites in the next issue.

From solitary reflection to flirtatious encounters, "Prendre un café" is a versatile idiom that captures the multifaceted charm of Parisian café culture. We can't wait to hear how you bring this phrase to life in your own world. À la vôtre!

 FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
"Un jour ou deux" by Emma Hoet

This week, let the melodious voice of Emma Hoet transports you straight to the heart of Paris with her captivating song, "Un jour ou deux." With a blend of nostalgic lyrics and a contemporary beat, this track captures the ephemeral beauty of love and life in the City of Light. Whether you're a longtime fan of French music or a curious newcomer, "Un jour ou deux" offers a sonic experience that's as enriching as it is evocative. Press play and let yourself be whisked away on a poetic Parisian journey.