🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ Travel Tips to Enjoy Paris Safely - Paris is incredibly safe, but I often get questions about safety from visitors. The Galeries Lafayette blog: Worried about safety in Paris? Discover why Paris is safe to visit and get practical tips to enhance your journey. Dive in for a worry-free Paris experience!

➡️  How to Visit Paris on a Budget (Travel Guide – 2024) - From Hostel Geeks: Enjoying Paris on a budget may seem like a far-fetched dream, but allow us to unveil the secrets for savoring the city’s charms without causing financial woes.

➡️ Flight Alert 🚨 - Consider booking your flight now for September or October. These are two of my favorite months in Paris, and prices are pretty low. From most major US cities, flights are starting between $400 and $600.

CAFÉ CULTURE
The Tour d'Argent Experience: Unraveling its Majestic Aura

In the heart of Paris, with views of the Seine and Notre Dame, La Tour d'Argent epitomizes French culinary tradition and excellence since its inception in 1582. Originally a 16th-century inn, it has evolved into a globally acclaimed restaurant. The Terrail family has been at the helm since 1911, making the "pressed duck" dish a signature offering and symbol of its rich culinary legacy. Each order of duck comes with a unique numbered certificate.

The restaurant's journey includes its establishment in 1582, its transformation into a celebrated dining destination in the 19th century, and successive innovations and leadership within the Terrail family. This lineage ushered in notable renovations and welcomed Chef Philippe Labbé in 2006. La Tour d'Argent offers varied dining experiences across its venues: The Restaurant, The Bar, The Roof, and The Apartment, each providing distinct atmospheres and breathtaking Parisian vistas.

Signature dishes, like the Duckling Frédéric Delair, seasonal offerings, and an extensive wine cellar of over 450,000 bottles illustrate the restaurant's dedication to culinary heritage and excellence. Under Chef Yannick Franques, the menu blends traditional flavors with contemporary creativity, upholding the restaurant's prestigious reputation.

Recent renovations by Franklin Azzi and a Michelin star recognition reflect La Tour d'Argent's perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Additionally, the restaurant's cultural impact is notable, with appearances in Pixar's "Ratatouille" and literature by John Goldsmith, Ernest Hemingway, Marcel Proust, and Jean Lartéguy highlighting its broad influence.

ART & LITERATURE
Victor Hugo: The Man, The Writer, The Legend

Victor Hugo, born on 26 February 1802 in Besançon, France, is a pivotal French writer whose works, notably 'Notre-Dame de Paris' and 'Les Misérables,’ have achieved global acclaim for their universal storytelling appeal. His early brilliance in Paris laid the groundwork for a literary career that profoundly impacted French literature and beyond, enriching Paris's cultural landscape.

Victor Hugo's diverse upbringing and early exposure to literature shaped his early life, leading to his first poetry publication in 1822. His works, including 'Han d'Islande' and 'Cromwell,' established his reputation as a versatile writer. 'Notre-Dame de Paris,' published in 1831, was a significant milestone, showcasing his skill in portraying Paris and its people. Hugo's election to the French Academy and the Chamber of Peers further solidified his literary prominence.

Hugo's oeuvre spans novels, poetry, and plays, with 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and 'Les Misérables' among his most celebrated works. These novels blend detailed character studies with a keen observation of the socio-political landscape, especially 'Les Misérables,' which explores themes of redemption and the human condition. His poetry and plays contributed significantly to the Romantic movement, challenging classical norms and embracing artistic freedom.

His political evolution from a royalist to a republican, prompted by the 1848 Revolution, marked his advocacy for social causes, leading to his exile after opposing Napoleon III's regime. This period of exile, notably in Guernsey, was one of his most productive, yielding works that combined personal narrative with broader commentary.

Hugo's influence extends to adaptations and inspirations in various media, showcasing his role as a cultural icon. Despite his death in 1885, Hugo's legacy endures through his profound impact on literature, character creation, and the transformative power of his themes and characters in French theater and beyond. His innovative approach to character and narrative inspires literature, demonstrating his timeless relevance and the depth of his contribution to the cultural and literary heritage.

I highly recommend stopping by the Maison de Victor Hugo when you visit Paris. This museum, housed in the building where the celebrated author once lived, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into his life and work. While admission is free, special exhibitions or guided tours may incur charges.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Retracing the Past: An Insightful Look at the History of the Pantheon in Paris

The Pantheon in Paris, originally intended as a church for Saint Genevieve, now stands as a symbol of French heritage. It evolved from a religious site to a mausoleum for France's most distinguished figures. Commissioned by King Louis XV and situated in the Latin Quarter, this edifice showcases the shift from a religious sanctuary to a tribute to national heroes, reflecting Paris's dynamic history.

Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot aimed to blend classical grandeur with modern ingenuity, resulting in a neoclassical masterpiece that challenges the structural achievements of its Gothic and Greek inspirations. The Pantheon's design, featuring a Greek cross layout, a dome supported by slender columns, and a facade with Corinthian columns, signifies its architectural and ideological shift during the Revolutionary era, transitioning from a church to a "Temple to Great Men and Women."

This transformation underscored France's evolving political and social ideals. The Pantheonization process began in 1791, making it a resting place for influential figures like Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and later Marie Curie and Josephine Baker. The crypt beneath the Pantheon holds 81 notable individuals who contributed to science, literature, and social reform.

The Pantheon's artistic elements, including the grand pediment by David d'Angers and the Foucault pendulum, enrich its historical narrative, while the dome offers panoramic views of Paris. The combination of artistic and architectural marvels, from frescoes depicting French history to the structural elegance of its design, celebrates France's cultural and intellectual legacy.

The Pantheon's evolution from a church to a national mausoleum captures the essence of French enlightenment and pride. It is a monument to those who have significantly influenced the nation's identity and values. It embodies France's respect for its historical figures and the enduring influence these individuals have on its culture and history.

DOG WALKING DIARIES

I’m considering a new series in which I present a weekly photo taken while walking our beloved pup, Nashville. This morning, I was strolling by a beautiful part of the city called Place St. Georges. Although it’s only a phone photo, I admired the morning light and beautiful architecture.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
"J'ai deux amours" by Joséphine Baker

This week, we highlight "J'ai deux amours" by Joséphine Baker, an appropriate homage considering our discussion on the Pantheon, her final resting place. Baker's exceptional contributions extend beyond her mesmerizing performances to her brave actions during World War II. Amid the German occupation, she cleverly used her sheet music to transport secret messages for the Resistance, demonstrating her fierce dedication to freedom and justice.

As someone I greatly admire, featuring Baker's beloved song allows us to celebrate not just her artistic legacy but also her unwavering spirit and significant impact on history, mainly as we reflect on her among the distinguished figures of the Pantheon.