🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ A Waiter in Paris: Adventures in the Dark Heart of the City - I’ve enjoyed listening to this book while taking long walks. From the Amazon description: An evocative portrait of the underbelly of contemporary Paris as seen through the eyes of a young waiter scraping out a living in the City of Light.

➡️  Four Romantic Movies Set in Paris and their Filming Locations - This will be a fun read if you love Paris and movies about Paris, as I do. And if you’re planning a trip, perhaps adding some of these locations to your itinerary could be fun!

➡️ Flight Alert: April looks like a great month for a quick getaway to Paris with reasonable pricing. We spotted several flights r/t from New York to Paris on airlines like Air France, United, and Delta for about $600. There is similar pricing from other US cities. Prices appear to be rising around mid-May.

CAFÉ CULTURE
A Culinary Journey Through Parisian Bistros: Classic French Dishes to Savor

When it comes to experiencing the heart of Parisian cuisine, traditional bistros stand as culinary landmarks, offering a delightful array of classic French dishes that have stood the test of time. Let's embark on a gastronomic adventure and explore the iconic flavors of the traditional Parisian bistro experience.

Coq au Vin: A timeless French dish, coq au vin features tender chicken braised in red wine, infused with aromatic herbs, mushrooms, and pearl onions. This rustic and comforting dish embodies the essence of French home cooking, with each bite evoking a sense of warmth and tradition.

Boeuf Bourguignon: Hailing from the Burgundy region, boeuf bourguignon is a rich and hearty beef stew simmered in red wine, complemented by lardons, mushrooms, and a medley of fragrant spices. Its robust flavors and tender meat make it a quintessential bistro favorite.

Escargot: A delicacy that epitomizes French gastronomy, escargot showcases tender snails bathed in a luscious garlic and herb butter, often served in their shells. This indulgent and savory dish offers a unique sensory experience, inviting diners to savor the rich flavors and buttery texture that define French fine dining.

Ratatouille: A vibrant and aromatic vegetable stew, ratatouille celebrates the bountiful produce of Provence, featuring a medley of tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, harmoniously seasoned with fragrant herbs and olive oil. Its colorful presentation and robust flavors make it a beloved vegetarian option that embodies the rustic charm of French countryside cooking.

HIDDEN GEMS
Paris's Best Kept Secret: A Guide to Georges Cain Square

Tucked away in the historic heart of Paris lies a picturesque haven that has long eluded the spotlight. Georges Cain Square, a serene park within Le Marais's bustling mosaic-like neighborhood, awaits in the 3rd arrondissement with an air of tranquility tinged by its storied past.

Since its inception in 1923 on the hallowed grounds of a 13th-century convent's market gardens, Georges Cain Square has been a silent custodian of Parisian heritage, named to honor Georges Caïn—a painter, writer, and the esteemed curator of the Musée Carnavalet.

The square is an archaeological treasure trove, providing a permanent exhibition ground for remnants of a Paris that once was. Artifacts include the majestic ruins salvaged from the original Hôtel de Ville and the Palais des Tuileries, tragic cultural losses to the revolutions that swept through the city in 1871.

The presence of Bronze echoes and stone whispers is unveiled through various manifestations, such as the "Dawn" statue from the 17th century. These artifacts stand in noble contrast to Merovingian sarcophagi, captivating passersby with the timeless narratives etched into their surfaces.

Surrounded by a symphony of green, this urban retreat is both guardian and stage to florae rarities, boasting an arboretum of distinguished lineage. Dominating the landscape, a centenarian fig tree serves as a living monument and a sculptural marvel, with roots plunging deep into the Parisian soil.

Georges Cain Square is situated only a stroll away from the Carnavalet and Picasso Museums and a breath's distance from St. Paul or Chemin Vert metro stations, making the journey to this sanctuary as effortless as the reprieve it offers. Nearby, Square Leopold Achille unfolds yet another chapter of charm—with a children's playground and a central lawn—introducing families to a more youthful Parisian narrative.

ART & LITERATURE
Colette: Unveiling the Parisian Muse

Amidst the cobblestone streets and ornate boulevards lies the legacy of one of the city's most enigmatic literary figures—Colette. Through her evocative prose and unapologetic exploration of femininity, Colette left an enduring mark on Parisian literature, capturing the essence of the city's cultural evolution and the complexities of human experience.

Raised in the rural Burgundy region, Colette's eventual transition to the bustling streets of Paris marked the beginning of her transformative journey as a writer. Her literary career took flight under the guidance of her first husband, Henri Gauthier-Villars, known by the pen name "Willy." Colette's creative spirit later flourished in Paris's bohemian salons and literary circles, laying the foundation for her groundbreaking contributions to French literature.

Colette's literary oeuvre is a captivating journey into Parisian femininity, exploring the intricacies of womanhood, desire, and societal expectations. Her seminal work, "Claudine at School," introduced readers to the eponymous young protagonist whose coming-of-age journey mirrored Colette's experiences in Paris. Through Claudine's eyes, Colette painted a vivid portrait of the city's educational institutions and the evolving roles of women in French society, offering a poignant reflection of Parisian life at the turn of the 20th century.

At the heart of Colette's Parisian narrative were the vibrant salons and literary circles that pulsated with intellectual fervor and creative exchange. These gatherings served as incubators for her literary prowess, fostering a well of ideas and artistic inspiration. Colette's presence in these esteemed circles not only solidified her status as a literary luminary but also provided a lens through which to observe the cultural metamorphosis of Paris, from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties.

Colette seamlessly incorporated the city of Paris into her literary creations, skillfully giving life to its streets, gardens, and renowned landmarks, endowing them with the essence of distinct characters. The enchanting allure of Montmartre, the bustling energy of the Latin Quarter, and the timeless elegance of the Jardin du Luxembourg became integral components of Colette's literary universe, breathing life into her stories and inviting readers to embark on immersive journeys through the heart of Paris.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Château de Vincennes: A Storied Fortress and the Essence of French Heritage

The Château de Vincennes, located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, boasts a rich and multifaceted history that spans over a millennium. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the French kings, the château evolved into a formidable fortress and a symbol of royal power. Its location on the outskirts of Paris made it a crucial stronghold for defending the city and exerting authority over the surrounding region.

The château underwent significant expansions and fortifications throughout the medieval period, solidifying its status as a key military and administrative center. It served as a royal residence for several French monarchs, including Charles V, who transformed the fortress into a grand palace, complete with a chapel renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture.

The Château de Vincennes played a crucial role in incarceration and justice, housing prisoners of state and serving as a venue for judicial proceedings. Notably, it functioned as a state prison during various periods, confining notable individuals whose fates were intertwined with the political intrigues of the time.

Some notable individuals who were confined in the Château de Vincennes during its time as a state prison include:

1. Marquis de Sade: The infamous French nobleman and writer, known for his libertine sexuality and controversial literary works, was imprisoned at Château de Vincennes multiple times due to his scandalous behavior and writings.

2. Denis Diderot: The prominent Enlightenment philosopher, art critic, and writer was briefly held at Château de Vincennes in 1749 after his publication of "Lettre sur les aveugles" ("Letter on the Blind") sparked controversy and led to his arrest.

3. Eustache Dauger: A mysterious prisoner known as "the Man in the Iron Mask," whose identity has been the subject of much speculation and intrigue, was reportedly held at Château de Vincennes in the late 17th century.

These individuals, among others, contribute to the historical significance of Château de Vincennes as a place of confinement for notable figures during different periods of French history.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
"La Mer" by Charles Trenet

"La Mer" by Charles Trenet, in its live rendition, is a jubilant ode to the captivating allure of the sea and the timeless charm of coastal France. With its buoyant melodies and evocative lyrics, the song invites listeners on a whimsical journey, painting a vivid portrait of the sun-drenched shores, azure waters, and the carefree spirit of the French coastline.