In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Personal Update: Historical Exploration Paired With a Parisian Portrait Session

• Cafe Culture: Restaurant Paul on Place Dauphine is a Parisian Classic

• A Peek Into History: From Royal Retreat to Parisian Playground: A Stroll Through the History of the Tuileries Garden

• Featured French Song: Gillian Hills - Zou Bisou Bisou

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ The most beautiful Rooftops in Paris this summer - From Paris Secret: Looking for a hot spot high up in the mountains? Follow the guide and discover the best Rooftops in Paris!

➡️ Sails Fall Off The Moulin Rouge - This BBC article discusses the collapse of the windmill on top of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret club. No injuries were reported, and the cause is still being investigated.

➡️ The 37 best restaurants in Paris right now - From Conde Nast: It's not all croissants and steak frites – from falafel to fine dining, these are the best restaurants in Paris right now.

PERSONAL STUFF
Historical Exploration Paired With a Parisian Portrait Session

Bonjour from Paris!

This week, I indulged in a passion project that blends two of my favorite things: photography and showcasing the beauty of Paris. I've created a historical walking tour with a twist – portrait sessions sprinkled throughout the journey!

Imagine strolling through Paris' most picturesque quarters, pausing to capture the city's grandeur and your personal connection to it in stunning photographs.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts! Would you be interested in this walking tour? Let me know by replying to this email. Would you love to experience a historical exploration paired with a Parisian portrait session?

À bientôt!
James

P.S. Speaking of exploring Paris on tour, I had a delightful surprise this morning! Gloria, a long-time reader of The Paris Love Letter, reached out and joined our brand-new Paris Walking & Portrait Tour. It was such a pleasure getting to know Gloria and showcasing some hidden Parisian gems while capturing her connection to the city through photos. Thank you, Gloria, for joining the adventure! You can find her on Facebook at Fall in Love with Traveling.

CAFE CULTURE
Restaurant Paul on Place Dauphine is a Parisian Classic

Restaurant Paul came onto my radar as a recommendation from our beloved friend, the “Mystery Parisian,” after my guests on tour this week asked for a classic Parisian restaurant recommendation in the area. After their visit, they emailed, “Thank you for the recommendations! We had a great time at Restaurant Paul!”

With that type of feedback and a stamp of approval from the Mystery Parisian, I had to find out more…

Founded in the late 1800s, it started as a bohemian hangout for artists and intellectuals – "Au rendez-vous des Cochets" it was called back then, which translates roughly to "Meeting Spot of the Roosters." Today, the "roosters" have been replaced by a delightful mix of locals, lawyers on lunch break, and curious.

Step inside and be transported to a quintessential Parisian scene. Think warm lighting, polished wood tables draped in cloth, and a gentle buzz of conversation – the very essence of a Parisian bistro. Indulge in fabulous classic French fare and snag a seat on the terrace if the weather's warm. There, you can sip your wine and people-watch.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
From Royal Retreat to Parisian Playground: A Stroll Through the History of the Tuileries Garden

Standing between the Louvre's timeless halls and the grand Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is a Parisian landmark that whispers tales of France's past. Its metamorphosis from a royal playground to a beloved public park reflects the nation's own dramatic evolution.

A Medici Masterpiece Takes Root

Our story begins in 1564 with Catherine de Medici, the powerful widow of King Henri II. Yearning for a slice of her native Italy, she commissioned a magnificent Italianate garden flanking the Tuileries Palace. The name itself is derived from "tuile," meaning tile. Before the gardens, tile factories once occupied the space, hinting at the land's humble pre-royal beginnings.

Le Nôtre's Grand Design

Over time, the garden mirrored France's shifting fortunes. In 1667, it opened its gates to the public, a novel concept for royal gardens and a sign of a more inclusive future. But it was André Le Nôtre, the visionary landscape architect under Louis XIV, who shaped the Tuileries Garden's destiny. Le Nôtre, a champion of the French formal style, imposed order on nature, crafting a masterpiece of geometric patterns, sprawling terraces, and a majestic octagonal basin. This enduring design, an example of French horticultural artistry, continues to be the garden's defining characteristic.

.Revolution and Renewal

The Jardin des Tuileries, once a symbol of royal grandeur, became an unwitting witness to the French Revolution's fury. Pivotal events unfolded within its manicured borders, including the formation of the Paris Commune in 1871. The revolution's flames consumed the Tuileries Palace, leaving only the gardens as a poignant reminder of a bygone era.

A Parisian Oasis Emerges

From the ashes rose a new chapter. Napoleon Bonaparte ushered in an era of public access, transforming the Tuileries Garden into a vibrant social hub. The gardens seamlessly blended with the city's evolving face as Paris modernized under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann's grand plan. Fountains and sculptures became companions to the new cityscape. Throughout the 19th century, the park's westward expansion towards the Seine solidified its position as the beating heart of Parisian life.

Paris, Unscripted: Snaps of Daily Wanderings

Carrying my professional camera can be cumbersome, but the cameras in our pockets are more than adequate for capturing the city’s beauty while on the fly. Here are a few places I ventured through the city this week!

1. Along the river by Pont d'Iéna

2. Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole

3. Place Dauphine

4. Looking at Île de la Cité & Pont Neuf from Left Bank

5. Berthillon - Best ice cream in the world

6. Pont Neuf & Left Bank from Square du Vert-Galant

7. Place de la Concorde

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Gillian Hills - Zou Bisou Bisou

Add a touch of French flair to your playlist with "Zou Bisou Bisou," a playful 1960s tune by British singer Gillian Hills. With its flirty lyrics and catchy melody, this charming song is a delightful introduction to the yé-yé genre, a popular style of French pop music from the era.