🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ Christmas window displays 2023 at the big department stores - Here is Paris je T'aime's recent feature on this year's enchanting Christmas window displays. Witness the iconic Parisian department stores – from Printemps Haussmann to Bon Marché Rive Gauche – transform into dazzling spectacles of holiday magic. Each façade becomes a canvas of wonder, showcasing the timeless artistry and joy of Parisian Christmas.

➡️ All the Light We Cannot See - Recently, we delved into a new Netflix series. While it doesn't quite capture the depth of its literary counterpart, it's still a compelling watch. The series boasts impressive production quality and stellar performances, beautifully bringing to life the intersecting tales of a blind French girl and a German soldier during WWII's twilight. It's an adaptation of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, blending history and human emotion. For those who prefer the written or spoken word, the original book is available on Amazon in various formats, including Kindle, audio, paperback, and hardcover.

➡️ How to Cheat at French Verbs - On my journey to mastering French, I'm always on the lookout for resources to ease the learning curve. Recently, I've been engrossed in a book that's proving to be quite a gem. Its cover playfully proclaims, 'The Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Hacks - Or, how a lone American chick turned French grammar upside down -- and lived to conjugate again.' It's a refreshing take on the language, blending humor with practical guidance, perfect for anyone navigating the intricacies of French grammar.

CAFÉ CULTURE
The Cozy Corner: Paris’s Enclaves for Book Lovers

Amidst the bustling streets of Paris, there exist hidden havens for bibliophiles seeking a retreat—a place where one can curl up with a good book and a steaming cup of café. In these intimate spaces, the love for literature and the reverence for a good brew come together to create the perfect reading nook.

Shakespeare and Company Café is one such spot that seems to have leaped out of the pages of a novel. Located next to the famed English-language bookstore, this café offers a serene view of the Seine and Notre Dame. Here, amidst the scent of aged paper and coffee, you can lose yourself in a literary classic or a newly discovered tome.

Café de la Mairie, just a stone's throw from the Place Saint-Sulpice, presents the quintessential Parisian café experience with a 1970s vibe and a literary twist. Its quiet ambiance makes it the ideal spot to delve into your latest literary find.

For a touch of the bohemian paired with literary history, Le Procope is the oldest café in Paris and once a meeting place for iconic writers like Voltaire and Rousseau. It’s a space where history lingers, and the literary conversation continues to this day.

Le Café Livres near the Hôtel de Ville invites you to immerse yourself in a book from their extensive library. With walls lined with books and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a refuge for those who wish to read and dine in a cozy corner of the city.

Lastly, Merci Used Book Café offers a modern twist on the Parisian literary café. With its industrial chic decor and shelves filled with second-hand books, it's a place where contemporary design meets the timeless charm of a Parisian café.

These snug cafés provide not just a warm drink but a sanctuary for the mind and soul, where the bustling city outside quietly fades into the background, leaving only you, your thoughts, and the turn of the page.

HIDDEN GEMS
Hôtel Particulier Montmartre: A Secret Garden Retreat

Tucked away in the bohemian heights of Montmartre, the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This exquisite hotel, nestled in a discreet and quiet avenue, is not just a luxurious place to stay but also a delightful spot for an afternoon visit.

Behind its private gates lies an enchanting garden, a rare green space that feels like a world apart from the lively Montmartre streets. It is the most extensive private garden in the area, offering a lush, leafy escape where one can enjoy a leisurely brunch, an afternoon tea, or an evening cocktail under the stars.

The hotel itself is housed in a mansion that exudes old-world charm, with each suite uniquely designed to tell its own story. The intimate and artistic atmosphere of the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre captures the essence of its neighborhood's rich artistic heritage.

Visitors can wander through the garden's winding paths, relax on the elegant garden furniture, and soak up the serene ambiance. It's a hidden gem that offers a moment of tranquility and a breath of fresh air amidst the urban energy of Paris.

ART & LITERATURE
Paris in the Cinema: Exploring Iconic Film Locations

Paris, a city celebrated for its cinematic allure, has been the setting for many iconic films. Its streets, landmarks, and hidden corners have been immortalized on the silver screen, providing the perfect backdrop for romance, mystery, and adventure.

One of the most magical moments in film is found on the steps of the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, located near the Panthéon in the 5th arrondissement. It is here in "Midnight in Paris" where Owen Wilson's character is swept away into the city's past, meeting legends of literature and art. The steps, with their view of the charming Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève, capture the essence of Parisian romance.

Fans of "Amélie" will delight in visiting the Café des Deux Moulins at 15 Rue Lepic in Montmartre. This charming café, where Amélie worked, is a pilgrimage site for those seeking a taste of the film’s whimsical portrayal of Paris.

The Louvre, one of Paris's most iconic landmarks, played a central role in "The Da Vinci Code". Visitors can walk through the grand corridors of the museum, especially the Denon Wing, and retrace the steps of the film’s protagonists as they unravel a thrilling mystery.

For a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as seen in "Mission: Impossible – Fallout," head to Trocadéro Gardens. This spot offers one of the best views of the Tower and is a popular location for both filmmakers and tourists alike.

Another must-visit location is the picturesque Pont Alexandre III, featured in films like "Me Before You". This ornate bridge, spanning the Seine River, provides a breathtaking backdrop and is synonymous with the romantic imagery of Paris.

By visiting these sites, fans can step into the scenes of their favorite films, experiencing the magic of Paris as both a stunning film set and a captivating city in its own right. Each location not only offers a connection to beloved cinematic moments but also showcases the enduring charm and beauty of Paris.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Père Lachaise Cemetery: Echoes of Parisian Legacies

Père Lachaise Cemetery, resting in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, is not just a burial ground; it's a profound mosaic of history, art, and tribute. As the world's most visited cemetery, Père Lachaise holds stories that span centuries and cultures within its gates.

Established in 1804 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the cemetery was initially outside the city limits. Its early years saw few burials, but this changed dramatically after the remains of famed playwright Molière and medieval lovers Héloïse and Abélard were transferred here. These reinterments sparked a trend that turned Père Lachaise into a prestigious final resting place.

The cemetery is a testament to diverse architectural styles. From Gothic graves to Haussmannian burial chambers, each monument reflects the aesthetics and values of different eras. The grave of Oscar Wilde, designed by Sir Jacob Epstein, is a striking example, adorned with a modernist angel sculpture and covered with the lipstick marks of admirers.

The labyrinthine paths of Père Lachaise are a journey through history. The graves of Jim Morrison, frontman of The Doors, and Édith Piaf, the beloved chanteuse, draw fans from around the globe. Their resting places have become pilgrimage sites, demonstrating how the cemetery transcends death, becoming a space of communal memory and homage.

Père Lachaise is also a place of revolutionary history. It hosts the Mur des Fédérés (The Communards' Wall), where 147 Communards, defenders of the Paris Commune in 1871, were executed. This spot has become a symbol of resistance and a site for political homage.

Visiting Père Lachaise is more than a walk through a cemetery; it's an exploration of the narratives that weave the fabric of Paris's history. Each headstone, crypt, and monument tells a story of a life lived and a legacy left behind, making Père Lachaise not just a repository of the dead, but a guardian of history and a mirror reflecting the evolving society of Paris.

PARISIAN MUSINGS
Parisian Window Views: A Glimpse into the City's Soul

There's something deeply enchanting about the views from Parisian windows. Each framed perspective offers a unique vignette of the city, a snapshot of its ever-changing narrative. As someone captivated by these views, the first thing I do when visiting a friend's apartment in Paris is to gravitate toward the windows.

From these windows, one can witness the rhythm of Parisian life. With their constant flow of people and cars, the bustling boulevards present a lively tableau of urban dynamism. Conversely, a window overlooking a serene courtyard or a hidden alley can reveal the quieter, more contemplative side of Paris. It’s like watching a silent movie, where stories unfold in real-time, unscripted, and purely authentic.

Each window view is like a painting, constantly evolving with the time of day and the seasons. The warm golden hues of a Paris sunset, the twinkling lights of the city at night, or the gentle fall of rain on cobblestone streets – these are moments that imprint themselves in the memory, evoking a sense of connection to the city.

The higher the vantage point, the more sweeping the view. From an upper-story window, the panoramic vistas of Paris’s rooftops are a reminder of the city's architectural harmony and history. The iconic zinc roofs, punctuated by chimneys and the occasional glimpse of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur, are quintessentially Parisian.

But it’s not just what you see; it’s also what you feel. Looking out of a Parisian window can stir a range of emotions, from a profound sense of peace to an exhilarating feeling of being part of something larger than oneself. It’s a moment of reflection, a brief pause in the day to observe and be present.

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

This week, we journey back in time with the iconic Joséphine Baker and her timeless classic, 'J'ai deux amours.' Capturing the hearts of listeners since the 1930s, this song is not just a melodic delight but also showcases Baker's profound love for Paris and her roots. Her velvety voice, intertwined with the soulful lyrics, beautifully expresses her dual love for her country and the City of Light. Baker's legacy as an artist and her deep connection with Paris make 'J'ai deux amours' a musical embodiment of affection and belonging.