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

• Paris Food: Parisian Pastry Shops: A Sweet Journey

• Visiting Paris: Choosing Between a Hotel and Airbnb in Paris

• Featured French Song: Saint Privat - La fille du Notariat

PARIS LINKS

➡️ Paris Discovery Guide: What's Happening in Paris: This guide from Paris Discovery Guide covers events and activities happening in Paris, including European Heritage Days, Paris Fashion Week, and more.

➡️ Paris cinema, transformed by Renzo Piano, offers a certain type of prestige and exclusivity: Le Monde covers the transformation of a Paris cinema by renowned architect Renzo Piano, offering a luxurious movie-going experience.

➡️ Notre-Dame receives eight restored bells: Five years after its devastating fire, the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral's restoration reached a new milestone with the return of eight of its bells, just months before it is set to reopen, on December 7.

Snapshots of Paris

Welcome to "Snapshots of Paris," your weekly peek into our Parisian adventures!

1. (top left) Moulin Rouge, but you knew that. 😉 

2. (top right) Le Pure Cafe in the 11th.

3. (bottom left) The Best Food Tour in Paris - More to come on this!

4. (bottom right) Canal Saint-Martin near La Villette.

The Lion & The “Bralella”

He loves walking in the rain and holding his own “bralella,” which requires special attention when we are crossing a street.

PARIS FOOD

Parisian Pastry Shops: A Sweet Journey

Paris is a city that speaks to the senses, and nowhere is this more evident than in its pastry shops. These sweet havens aren't just places to grab a quick treat; they're living, breathing parts of Parisian culture. Let's explore a few spots that capture the essence of this delicious world.

Imagine stepping into Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris. Nestled in the 2nd arrondissement (the OG location), this place has been serving up heavenly treats since 1730. Their kouign-amann is the stuff of legends - a buttery, caramelized delight that practically melts in your mouth. And if you're lucky, you might catch sight of their picture-perfect choux pastries and eclairs.

Now, let's jump to the present day with Pierre Hermé located throughout Paris. This guy is often called the "Picasso of Pastry," and one bite of his Ispahan croissant will show you why. It's a magical blend of rose, raspberry, and lychee that'll make your taste buds dance. And don't even get me started on his macarons - with flavors like smoked tea and saffron, they're in a league of their own.

For something truly eye-catching, pop into Cédric Grolet Opéra near the Louvre. Grolet's fruit-shaped pastries are so realistic, you might do a double-take. But trust me, they taste even better than they look. Even his everyday items like Paris-Brests and pain au chocolat are out of this world.

Here's a fun spot: Fou de Pâtisserie in the 2nd arrondissement. It's like a greatest hits album of Parisian pastries. You can sample creations from top chefs all over the city, from Nina Métayer's chocolate-praliné-olive concoction to Christophe Michalak's zesty lime-basil cream puff.

Last but not least, there's Bontemps in the Marais. This place feels like stepping into your chic Parisian grandmother's living room, complete with a vine-covered courtyard. Their specialty? Sablé shortbread that'll transport you straight back to childhood.

Each of these spots offers a unique flavor of Paris. They're not just about sugar and butter (though there's plenty of that); they're about experiencing the city's passion for creativity, tradition, and of course, indulgence. Whether you're a pastry buff or just someone with a sweet tooth, these Parisian gems are sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories.

VISITING PARIS

Choosing Between a Hotel and Airbnb in Paris

So, you're heading to Paris? Exciting! Now comes the big question: where to rest your head after a day of croissant-munching and Eiffel Tower-gazing. It's the classic showdown - hotel vs. Airbnb. Both have their perks, and it really boils down to what kind of Parisian adventure you're after.

Hotels: Convenience and Service

Let's talk hotels first. If you're all about that pampered life, hotels in Paris have got you covered. Imagine having a concierge at your beck and call, ready to snag you a table at that impossible-to-book restaurant or tickets to a sold-out show. And let's not forget the daily housekeeping - because who wants to make their bed on vacation? Some of these places are like palaces, with spas that'll make you feel like royalty and restaurants that'll have your taste buds doing the can-can.

Airbnb: Space and Local Flavor

But maybe you're more of a 'live like a local' type. That's where Airbnb shines. Picture yourself in a cozy Parisian apartment, complete with those charming shuttered windows you've always dreamed about. You'll have more space to spread out, which is great if you're traveling with your squad or the fam. Plus, you get to play pretend Parisian, shopping at local markets and whipping up your own French feast in your temporary kitchen. It's like starring in a French rom-com!

Making Your Choice

So, what's it gonna be? If you're all about convenience and don't mind splurging a bit, hotels might be your jam. They're often smack in the middle of all the action, perfect for first-timers wanting to tick off all the tourist boxes.

On the flip side, if you're itching to really get under the skin of Paris, an Airbnb could be your ticket. You might find yourself in a quirky neighborhood you'd never have discovered otherwise, stumbling upon the cutest little café that becomes your morning ritual.

At the end of the day, there's no wrong choice - it's Paris, after all! Whether you're living it up in a swanky hotel or cozying up in an Airbnb, you're in for an amazing time. Just remember, wherever you stay, there's bound to be a fresh baguette waiting just around the corner!

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Saint Privat - La fille du Notariat

"La fille du Notariat" is a song by the musical project Saint Privat, which was started in 2004 by Austrian electronic musician Klaus Waldeck (known professionally as Waldeck). The project combines Waldeck's electronic sounds with the vocals of lead singer Valérie Sajdik.

Saint Privat's music often features French lyrics and blends electronic elements with a vintage, nostalgic sound. "La fille du Notariat" continues in this style, offering listeners a unique fusion of electronic and retro influences with French vocals.

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.