In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Cafe Culture: Al Fresco Delights at Amour Restaurant

• Hidden Gems: The Global Gardens of Albert Kahn

• Travel Tips: Elevated Glimpses – Paris' Best Lesser-Known Rooftop Views

• Art & Literature: Paris' Literary Hotels

• A Peek into History: The Panthéon's Tribute to a Nation's Greats

• Fun and Unusual Stuff: The Vampire Museum

• Featured French Song: Angèle - La Thune

Found in Paris - Fun & Useful Stuff From The Web

➡️ Live Webcam in Paris - Earth TV has great live feeds of different parts of Paris. I just watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

➡️ Spotify Playlist: French Cafe Lounge - This is a playlist I have used for years at my live art shows. It's full of great songs you can play in the background to infuse a French vibe into any situation, like a dinner party.

Cafe Culture: Al Fresco Delights at Amour Restaurant

Amour Hotel Restaurant

Nestled in the spirited South Pigalle, the Hôtel Amour is a poetic tribute to Paris's bohemian allure. Within its walls is the Amour Restaurant, a sanctuary that melds timeless romance with culinary charm.

The restaurant's interiors harken back to an older Paris, a tableau of epochs past where artists and muses might have intertwined their tales over sumptuous meals and velvety wine. But the real pièce de résistance is the garden. A verdant embrace in the heart of the city, this space offers patrons a tranquil escape from the urban hum. Its tapestry of plants and dappled sunlight makes it an ideal backdrop for any meal.

From a personal sojourn for brunch, the garden setting proved to be the highlight. Although the food was decent, it was this outdoor serenity that truly enhanced the dining experience. Admittedly, the restaurant's ambiance hinted at a need for a refresh, and the staff, on that occasion, seemed a tad distant. Yet, the essence of the location, its undisturbed aura of nostalgia, was enchanting.

pite its quirks, the Amour Restaurant remains an emblem of Paris's ineffable charm. While not every dish might dazzle, dining amidst the garden's splendor is an experience worth relishing. It's a gentle nudge to revel in the imperfect beauty of Paris, and, indeed, to consider a return visit, if only to once again be cradled in that lush garden embrace.

Hidden Gems: The Global Gardens of Albert Kahn

bustling surroundings of Paris lies an unexpected sanctuary of tranquility: The Albert Kahn Museum and Gardens. Situated in Boulogne-Billancourt, this green haven is a tribute to its namesake, Albert Kahn—a banker with a profound vision for world peace.

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking you've stumbled upon a portal to various corners of the world. The gardens sprawl over nearly four hectares and are thematically designed, representing different world cultures. From the orderly harmony of the French formal garden to the serene ambiance of the Japanese village garden, from the wooded settings reminiscent of Vosges landscapes to the pristinely manicured English garden—each area transports visitors to a different realm.

Burdens are just the beginning. Inside the museum, you'll find one of the most remarkable collections of early color photographs—the autochromes. Kahn's vision led him to send photographers to the farthest reaches of the world, capturing everyday life in its rich diversity. Today, these photographs offer a unique and vivid window into a bygone era.

Whether you're a garden enthusiast, a history buff, or simply in search of a peaceful respite from urban hustle, The Albert Kahn Museum and Gardens promises a rewarding escape. It's a testament to the idea that understanding and celebrating diverse cultures can pave the way to global harmony. Don't miss the chance to explore this lesser-known gem on your next Parisian adventure.

Travel Tips: Elevated Glimpses – Paris' Best Lesser-Known Rooftop Views

Whnris, one's mind often drifts to iconic viewpoints: the sprawling panorama from Montmartre or the breathtaking sights from the Eiffel Tower. Yet, beyond these famous spots, Paris holds a myriad of hidden rooftop treasures, waiting to be discovered. Here's a curated list of the city's top lesser-known vantage points:

Le Perchoir Marais: Tucked atop the BHV Marais department store, this bar offers an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, all while you sip on expertly crafted cocktails.

Terrass" Hotel Bar: Located in Montmartre, while it's in a well-trodden area, its rooftop is a less-explored gem. Overlooking the heart of Paris, it's perfect for a sunset view with gourmet bites.

Institut du Monde Arabe: Not only a hub of Arab art and culture, but its terrace also provides an expansive view of the Notre Dame, the Seine, and beyond.

Printemps Department Store: Ascend to the 9th floor, and you'll be greeted with a 360-degree view encompassing the Garnier Opera House, Sacré-Cœur, and the Eiffel Tower.

42°RAW: More than just a rooftop view, this vegan eatery atop the Maison du Danemark on the Champs-Elysées offers views with a twist of sustainable dining.

The Rooftop of Galeries Lafayette: While the store is widely visited, many overlook its terrace, which boasts views of the Parisian Opera and the distant Montmartre.

For those yearning to experience Paris from above, these spots offer a fresh perspective, away from the typical tourist trajectory. As you rise above the city's streets, take a moment to revel in the grandeur of Paris, seeing it anew from these elevated retreats. Whether it's a morning coffee, a sunset cocktail, or just a quiet moment of reflection, these rooftops promise a unique Parisian experience.

Art & Literature: Paris' Literary Hotels

Paris, renowned as a hub for artists and writers alike, is dotted with historic hotels that whisper tales of literary luminaries. Each hallway, suite, and salon has played silent witness to the musings, debates, and writings of the greats. Here’s a tour through two of the city’s most storied literary accommodations:

Hotel Lutetia: Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the elegant Hotel Lutetia has been a literary landmark since its doors opened in 1910. It wasn't just the luxurious Art Nouveau architecture that drew in the literary elite; the Left Bank district had long been a magnet for the arts.

• Famous Guests: James Joyce is rumored to have penned parts of Ulysses here, and the hotel's guest list also boasts names like Samuel Beckett, André Gide, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Their echoes, some say, still permeate the corridors.

• Today: The recently renovated hotel pays homage to its literary past. The Lutetia's Bar Joséphine is named after the iconic chanteuse Joséphine Baker, who was also a regular guest. Here, under the frescoed ceilings, one can sip on literary-inspired cocktails and imagine the spirited conversations that once filled the room.

Hotel Montalembert: A stone's throw away from the Musée d'Orsay and the Seine, the Hotel Montalembert is another gem in the literary crown of Paris. Established in 1926, its intimate setting became a haven for writers and intellectuals.

• Famous Guests: Esteemed authors like Guy de Maupassant and Anaïs Nin found solace within its walls. Nin, in particular, was known to have frequented the hotel during her time in Paris.

• Today: The Montalembert remains a chic retreat. The in-house library, lined with books and portraits of the literary figures who once stayed there, is a testament to its rich past. Here, nestled in an elegant leather armchair, one can't help but feel a connection to the literary greats.

For the bibliophile traveler, these hotels offer more than just luxurious stays—they're a journey into Paris' illustrious literary history. From the echoing laughter of the Lost Generation to the fervent scribbles of novelists, these hotels keep the spirit of literature alive in the City of Lights.

A Peek into History: The Panthéon's Tribute to a Nation's Greats

Nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the majestic Panthéon towers above Paris with an air of stoic reverence. An embodiment of the nation's turbulent history, it stands as both an architectural marvel and a mausoleum for France's most distinguished citizens.

Historical Overview: Originally conceived as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, the Panthéon's destiny shifted with the turbulent winds of the French Revolution. Its role has since oscillated between a religious institution and a secular mausoleum, mirroring the nation's complex relationship with church and state.

Architectural Grandeur: Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. Its soaring dome, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, is an engineering marvel, while the ornate Corinthian columns and detailed pediments are a testament to the era's opulence. Inside, the vast nave, flanked by chapels, showcases intricate frescoes depicting the life of Saint Genevieve.

A Repository of Legends: Beneath the grandeur of the main hall lies the crypt, a solemn space where France's most illustrious figures rest. Philosophers Rousseau and Voltaire were among the first to be interred here, their burials symbolizing the nation's acknowledgment of their immense contributions. Since then, the crypt has welcomed a pantheon of greats, from Emile Zola to Victor Hugo and Marie Curie—the latter breaking barriers as the first woman to be laid to rest there based on her own merits.

The Panthéon Today: Today, the Panthéon stands as a symbol of the French Republic's core values: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Periodic ceremonies still take place, inducting individuals who have profoundly impacted the French ethos.

Visiting the Panthéon isn't just a walk through an architectural marvel—it's a journey through time, retracing the steps of individuals whose ideas, writings, and actions have indelibly marked the course of a nation. As you ascend the steps and pass beneath its mighty columns, take a moment to reflect on the weight of history it carries and the visionaries it celebrates.

Fun and Unusual Stuff: The Vampire Museum

Tucked away in the heart of Paris, the Vampire Museum is a haven for those with a penchant for the macabre and the mysterious. More than just a collection of artifacts, this private museum offers an immersive experience into the world of vampires, blending fact, fiction, and folklore.

Upon entering, one is greeted by an array of intriguing exhibits, from antique vampire-hunting kits and old texts detailing methods to ward off the undead to film memorabilia from cult classics. The museum challenges preconceived notions, shedding light on how different cultures have perceived and depicted these nocturnal creatures throughout history.

The curator and creator, Jacques Sirgent, is a scholar of the undead and has a passion for unraveling the mythologies behind the vampire legend. His personal touch is evident in the collection, as he often guides visitors himself, sharing chilling tales and debunking popular myths. One might learn about the origins of Dracula, rooted in both Bram Stoker's imagination and the real-life Vlad the Impaler, or explore the tales of the "revenants" from local French folklore.

But beyond the artifacts and tales, the museum evokes an atmosphere that transports visitors to another world. Dimly lit, with walls the color of dried blood and archaic symbols adorning its interiors, the museum feels like stepping into a gothic novel.

While not for the faint of heart, the Vampire Museum is a testament to Paris's capacity to surprise even its most seasoned visitors. Whether you're a fan of supernatural fiction or simply curious about the myths that have terrified and fascinated humanity for centuries, this museum promises an experience unlike any other in the City of Lights. So, if you're looking for an unusual twist to your Parisian adventure, dare to step into the world of the undead and see Paris through the eyes of a vampire.

Angèle - La Thune