In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Paris Links: Links to useful articles I’ve found online this week

• Snapshots of Paris: This week’s collection of photos

• Olympic Games: Volleyball Victory and Olympic Vibes

• A Peek Into History: Cimetière des Innocents: Paris' Oldest Cemetery

• Featured French Song: Camélia Jordana - Moi c'est

PARIS LINKS

➡️ 15 Interesting Facts and Secrets About the Eiffel Tower - From Travel + Leisure: Explore the history, science, and stories behind the most famous landmark in Paris.

➡️ How to Spend a Perfect Day in Paris for $25 — Pastries, Galleries, and Notre Dame Views Included - Also from Travel + Leisure: I lived in Paris, and here's how I'd spend a day in the French capital on a tight budget.

➡️ See 18 of the Most Incredible Pictures Taken at the Paris Olympics So Far - From People: Getty photographers reveal the secrets behind some of the most breathtaking images from the Paris Olympics

Snapshots of Paris

This collection of photos, a mix of Canon and iPhone shots, offers a glimpse into my Parisian adventures this week.

1. (top left) Fontaine des Innocents, near Les Halles

2. (top right) The Marais, looking at Saint-Paul

3. (bottom left) The Lion playing football (soccer)

4. (bottom right) Looking downriver from Pont Neuf

Olympic Games

Volleyball Victory and Olympic Vibes

I recently had the absolute thrill of attending my first-ever Olympic event, thanks to generous friends visiting from the States. We caught a women's volleyball match between the USA and Poland, and the energy in that arena was electric!

From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by how well-organized everything was. The staff were super friendly and helpful, making the whole experience smooth sailing. The crowd was absolutely wild, cheering after every point and creating an amazing atmosphere.

Seeing the USA team win and advance to the next round was a total rush. It was incredible to be part of that energy. It's safe to say, that I'm now officially a fan of volleyball, a sport I’ve played recreationally, but never experienced at a professional level!

A PEEK INTO HISTORY

Cimetière des Innocents: Paris' Oldest Cemetery

The Fontaine des Innocents stands in Place Joachim du Bellay near Les Halles, once the site of a vegetable market on the former Cimetière des Innocents.

This 9th-century cemetery, Paris' oldest, served the city for centuries. It was linked to the 12th-century Eglise des Saints-Innocents, honoring children killed by King Herod.

Closed in 1780 due to overcrowding, the cemetery's bones were moved to the Catacombs.

Fontaine des Innocents: A Renaissance Gem

Designed by Pierre Lescot and sculpted by Jean Goujon in 1549, this fountain is a French Renaissance masterpiece.

Originally part of the church, it was moved in 1860 and completed as a square pavilion.

The fountain features:

• A cupola with fish-scale-shaped metal sheets

• Cascading water from a bronze cauldron

• Four facades with arches, naiads, and Corinthian columns

As Paris' oldest monumental fountain, it became a Historical Monument in 1862.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Camélia Jordana - Moi c'est

Camélia Jordana is a French singer-songwriter, known for her emotive voice and intimate songwriting style. "Moi C'est" is one of her most popular songs, released in 2019. The lyrics, which translate to "It's Me," are a poignant introspection on identity, self-acceptance, and the struggles of growing up. The song features Jordana's signature vocals and a minimalist instrumental arrangement, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that showcases her storytelling ability.

Join Me for an Unforgettable Paris Tour!

You’re invited to explore Paris's enchanting streets (and parks) with me! Whether you're a cycling fan or prefer a leisurely stroll, an adventure awaits you. For an exciting bike tour, head to BikeAboutTours.com (message me if you want me to guide you—we have several guides at BAT). If a private walking tour is more your style, visit ParisLoveAffairTours.com for a personalized experience.