🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ The 49 Best Hotels in Paris - This is a recent and exciting guide to Paris hotels from Condé Nast Traveler, co-written by one of my favorite Paris journalists/writers, Lindsey Tramuta.

➡️ Paris Attitude - Paris Attitude offers several thousand ready-to-live-in apartments in Paris for mid and long-term stays. It’s a trusted site. I haven’t personally booked an apartment with them, but I know people who have, and their experience was fantastic.

CAFÉ CULTURE
Discovering the Best Courtyard Cafes in Paris

Paris, the city of lights, is renowned for its history, culture, and culinary prowess. Despite its popularity, this city is still filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Tucked away from the bustling streets, these courtyard cafes offer an oasis of tranquility and a unique culinary experience.

Ralph's: A Slice of America in Paris

Nestled within one of the most picturesque courtyards on the Left Bank, Ralph's presents a unique blend of American and Parisian charm. Its setting, surrounded by lush greenery and iron furniture, invites guests to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere.

Ralph's Menu 

The menu showcases a variety of American classics, including juicy burgers, succulent steaks, and refreshing salads. Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring that all dietary needs are met. The dessert menu is a collection of indulgent American desserts guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Plaza Athénée's Cour Jardin: A Luxurious Escape

The Cour Jardin of the Plaza Athénée symbolizes luxury and sophistication. Featured in various films and TV shows, including the Parisian episodes of Sex and the City, this courtyard offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Cour Jardin's Menu 

The menu at Cour Jardin changes with the seasons, offering refined dishes that reflect the freshest ingredients. Angelo Musa, a renowned pastry chef, provides desserts, offering guests a taste of gourmet French pastries.

Hôtel Grand Amour: A True Parisian Experience

The terrace at the Hôtel Grand Amour offers a fiercely Parisian experience. The chef, Antoine Villard, who has previously worked at top Parisian restaurants, has taken the reins and recently introduced a new menu.

Hôtel Grand Amour's Menu 

The new menu highlights fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired dishes. Some dishes to look forward to include stuffed bao, asparagus with coriander, and a zucchini and onion pakora with Raita.

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre: A Hidden Gem

Tucked away at the top of the Butte Montmartre on Avenue Junot, the Hôtel Particulier is one of the most secretive addresses in Paris. Its courtyard and garden, petanque field, and vegetable garden offer a unique dining experience.

Hôtel Particulier's Menu

The restaurant offers a delicious menu with refreshing cocktails, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Hoxton: A Mediterranean Experience in the Heart of Paris

The Hoxton Terrace offers a Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of Paris. The design, with its orange trees, wooden furniture, gold pillows, and garlands, offers a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

Hoxton's Menu

The menu offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes, complemented by a range of unique cocktails.

GrandCoeur: A Lively Parisian Brewery

Located in the courtyard of the Centre de Danse du Marais, GrandCoeur is a lively Parisian brewery. The restaurant offers a variety of seasonal dishes prepared by the renowned chef Mauro Colagreco.

GrandCoeur's Menu 

The menu includes pea velouté, mackerel marinated with ponzu, and a strawberry and rhubarb tart.

Le Camondo: A Hidden Treasure by Parc Monceau

Right next to Parc Monceau, Le Camondo is hidden in the courtyard of the eponymous museum. The menu celebrates the Mediterranean, with dishes prepared by chef Fanny Herpin.

Le Camondo's Menu 

The menu features roasted peaches with burrata, risotto verde with asparagus, and half-cooked red tuna. The cocktail menu is also worth exploring.

Paris is a city full of hidden gems and courtyard cafes that offer a unique dining experience. We hope this guide helps you discover the best courtyard cafes in Paris waiting to be explored.

HIDDEN GEMS
The Alchemical Door of Nicolas Flamel: Paris's Portal to the Past

Let’s venture to 51 Rue de Montmorency, home to what is believed to be the oldest door in Paris. This remarkable relic, known as the Alchemical Door, dates back to the early 15th century and is intricately linked to the enigmatic figure of Nicolas Flamel, a name steeped in legend and mystery.

Nicolas Flamel, often associated with alchemy and the quest for the philosopher's stone, was a real historical figure—a scribe and manuscript-seller who lived in Paris during the 14th and 15th centuries. The door, believed to have been part of his home, is said to be adorned with mysterious alchemical symbols, sparking centuries of speculation and intrigue about its origins and the secrets it might hold.

As you stand before this ancient door, you are not just looking at an architectural piece but a symbol of Paris's rich and mystical history. The etched symbols showcase the city's deep historical layers and longstanding fascination with alchemy and the esoteric arts.

Visiting the Alchemical Door is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the medieval past of Paris and the life of one of its most enigmatic residents. It's a hidden gem that invites imagination and curiosity, nestled in the heart of a city that never ceases to amaze with its secrets and stories.

ART & LITERATURE
Contemporary Parisian Street Art: A Canvas of Urban Expression

In our Art & Literature section, we immerse ourselves in the dynamic and colorful world of contemporary Parisian street art. Paris, a city renowned for its classical art and architecture, has become a vibrant canvas for modern street artists. These artists use the city's walls, bridges, and buildings to express their creativity and social messages and to challenge the traditional boundaries of art.

The street art scene in Paris is diverse, ranging from large-scale murals to intricate stencils, each reflecting its creator's unique voice. Areas like the 13th arrondissement have transformed into open-air galleries where the work of local and international artists can be admired. These murals often tackle current social and political issues, providing thought-provoking visuals for residents and visitors.

Among the notable figures in this scene is the elusive Invader, known for his distinctive mosaic tile works inspired by video game culture. Then there's Miss.Tic, whose iconic stenciled figures and sharp text challenge gender norms and celebrate female empowerment.

Exploring Paris's street art is not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing the city's pulse and the stories of its people. It's an ever-evolving landscape where walls and alleys become platforms for dialogue and self-expression.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
The Lost Bridges of Paris: Uncovering Stories of the Seine's Past

This week, we focus on a few of the forgotten bridges of Paris, each with its tale and significance in the city's development. These structures, spanning the Seine, were more than mere connectors; they were integral to Paris's historical and cultural fabric.

Among these historical structures is the original Pont des Arts. Constructed between 1802 and 1804 during Napoleon I's rule, it stood as Paris's first metal bridge, symbolizing the dawn of a new architectural era. Its innovative design made it a popular spot among Parisians. However, by the late 19th century, wear and tear led to its replacement in the 1980s, with the new bridge retaining the spirit of the original.

The Pont Rouge, or Red Bridge, built in 1604, is another notable lost bridge. It was one of Paris's early toll bridges, distinguished by its vivid red color. The bridge, however, fell out of favor due to its unpopular tolls, leading to its dismantling in 1647.

An equally compelling story is that of the first Pont Marie. This bridge was constructed in the early 17th century and was part of a grand urban development plan. However, tragedy struck in 1658 when a portion of the bridge, laden with houses, collapsed into the Seine due to a catastrophic flood. This disaster claimed many lives and marked a significant moment in the city's architectural history, influencing future bridge designs and urban planning in Paris.

Each of these bridges, from the Pont des Arts to the Pont Marie, represents a chapter in Paris's rich history. They remind us of the city's resilience and ability to evolve, reflecting changing architectural trends, economic conditions, and the needs of its people. Exploring their stories is a journey through time, uncovering the layers of Paris's past and the echoes of its long-gone pathways.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
"Voilà" by Barbara Pravi

In this week's "French Song of the Week," we're happy to feature "Voilà" by Barbara Pravi, a rising star in the French music scene. This song is a powerful showcase of Pravi's emotive vocal style and deep connection to the classic French chanson tradition. "Voilà" resonates with its heartfelt lyrics and stirring melody, capturing a sense of vulnerability and strength. It's a beautiful ode to self-expression and authenticity, defining Pravi's artistic persona. Whether you're a connoisseur of French music or exploring it for the first time, "Voilà" is a captivating listen that embodies the spirit of contemporary French songwriting.