🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ Montparnasse Tower - Since we’re featuring Montparnasse in this issue, I thought I’d share a link to Montparnasse Tower, where you can access one of my favorite city views, from the 56th floor. You don’t need to buy tickets beforehand. It’s easy enough to show up and purchase tickets on the fly.

➡️ A Guide to Julia Child’s Paris - Article by Vogue: When Julia Child moved to Paris in 1948, she didn’t know a lick of French. For the then-36-year-old expat wasn’t yet the Julia Child—the one who would go on to single-handedly bring French cuisine to the masses with her seminal cookbooks and cooking shows.

➡️ Witch Rock of Montmartre - Is there really a cursed rock in Montmartre? This is a short, fun read from Atlas Obscura.

CAFÉ CULTURE
French Coffee Culture: A Deep Dive into Coffee Rituals and Traditions

The French, well-known for their rich culture and exquisite taste, have a unique approach towards coffee. French coffee culture is not just about the beverage itself but the entire experience surrounding it. Let’s explore the coffee rituals, drinks, and etiquette that make French coffee culture a fascinating experience.

What Is French Coffee Culture?

French coffee culture is not about a specific type of coffee but rather the way it's consumed and prepared. It's a cultural tradition that emphasizes not just the taste of the coffee but the entire experience surrounding it.

In France, coffee is a moment to be savored, a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether sitting at a cafe or standing at a coffee bar, it's about the ambiance, the ritual, and developing a taste for strong, black coffee.

The Historical Background of Coffee in France

Coffee culture in France dates back to the 17th century. The first Parisian coffeehouse was established in 1686, marking a significant shift from street-cart coffee to a more establishment-based consumption.

Coffeehouses became social hubs, fostering camaraderie and facilitating discussions on literature, politics, and social matters. These egalitarian spaces, often with communal tables, encouraged patrons to mingle and exchange ideas. Over time, coffee became more affordable and engrained in French culture, with coffeehouses serving as the go-to spots for socializing, gossip, and relaxation.

Modern times have seen transformations in French café culture, with the digital age bringing many new changes. However, the rise of artisanal coffee has reignited interest in traditional French coffee culture.

Popular French Drinks in Cafes

Café Noir or Café Express

Café noir, or café express, is a strong, dark espresso in small cups. This potent brew is the most commonly ordered coffee in France.

Café Allongé

Café allongé is an espresso diluted with hot water, a milder alternative to a pure shot of espresso.

Noisette

The noisette is a shot of espresso with a dash of hot milk. Despite its name, which means "hazelnut" in French, the drink doesn't contain any hazelnut flavoring. It's named for the brown color the coffee takes on when the milk is added.

Café au Lait

Café au lait, which translates to "coffee with milk," is typically served for breakfast and made at home. It's a blend of filter coffee or espresso with hot milk.

Café Crème

Café crème is a variation of café au lait, made with an espresso shot topped with foamed milk. It's a popular choice for breakfast, often served with pastries.

What is a Quintessential French Breakfast?

Unlike the hearty English breakfast, a typical French breakfast is relatively light and simple. It usually consists of a hot beverage like coffee (preferably with milk or cream), along with tartine (a horizontally sliced baguette smeared with butter or jam) or a croissant. And yes, dipping croissants in coffee is fairly common.

French Coffee Etiquette

French coffee culture comes with its own set of etiquette rules. For instance, coffee with milk is typically only served in the mornings. It's also common to drink coffee sitting down at a cafe or standing at the bar, but not while walking on the street. Unlike in the US, the French typically don’t take coffee on their daily commutes. I rarely see coffee carried onto the metro.

HIDDEN GEMS
Unveiling the Past: The Ancient Roman Baths at Cluny

Discover the hidden wonders of Paris's history with a visit to the ancient Roman Baths at Cluny. These remarkably well-preserved Gallo-Roman baths, situated beneath the Musée de Cluny, are examples of the architectural and cultural influence of the Roman Empire in ancient Paris, then known as Lutetia. The baths, comprising the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium (cold, warm, and hot baths), showcase the complex engineering and luxurious lifestyle of the Romans.

The frigidarium impresses with its towering vaulted ceilings and remnants of grandiose pools, transporting visitors to an era of opulence. Intricate mosaics and sculptures that once adorned these spaces speak of a time when these baths were vibrant centers of social and recreational life in the city.

Adjacent to the baths, the Musée de Cluny is an enthralling journey through medieval history, housing an extensive collection of art from the Roman period through the Middle Ages. The museum's exhibits complement the baths, creating a rich journey through Paris's historical narrative.

A visit to the Roman Baths at Cluny is more than just a historical exploration, however. It's an immersion into a world where ancient and medieval times converge beneath the modern Parisian landscape, offering a unique perspective on the city's centuries-old heritage.

ART & LITERATURE
Guy Bourdin: A Visionary in Fashion Photography

Guy Bourdin is a towering figure in fashion photography whose work transformed the genre. Bourdin, a master of visual storytelling, brought an avant-garde and often surrealistic flair to fashion photography, making him one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.

Bourdin's career, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, was marked by his long-standing collaboration with Vogue Paris. His work graced the pages of this prestigious magazine, where he pushed the limits of fashion photography, turning it into a platform for art. He was also renowned for his work with the luxury brand Charles Jourdan, creating groundbreaking shoe advertisements that were as much about narrative and aesthetic as they were about the product.

One of Bourdin's trademarks was his ability to create a sense of intrigue and narrative within a single image. He often left the viewers with more questions than answers, a technique that set his work apart in the world of fashion advertising. His images were not just about showcasing fashion; they were about telling a story, capturing moments that were both striking and enigmatic.

In Bourdin's early life, he had a passion for painting. Before fully embracing photography, he was deeply influenced by Surrealist artists like Man Ray, whose work significantly shaped his photographic style. This artistic background is evident in his photography, which often featured surreal, dream-like imagery.

Bourdin's legacy in fashion photography is profound. His innovative approach to composition, color, and storytelling changed how fashion was photographed and how the broader public perceived it. His work inspires and influences contemporary photographers and artists, making him a lasting icon in the art world.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Montparnasse: A Journey Through Time and Art

Montparnasse, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Paris, has long been synonymous with creativity, art, and intellectualism. From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, Montparnasse was a melting pot of artistic innovation, attracting painters, writers, and intellectuals from around the world. Let's journey through time and art to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Montparnasse.

The Early Years

In the late 19th century, Montparnasse underwent a transformation from a rural village to a bustling urban district. Its affordable living costs and proximity to the art schools of Montmartre made it an attractive destination for struggling artists. The area quickly became a haven for avant-garde painters such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Amedeo Modigliani, who sought inspiration in its bohemian atmosphere.

The Roaring 1920s

The 1920s marked the golden age of Montparnasse, as it became the epicenter of the modernist movement. The neighborhood's iconic cafes, including La Rotonde, Le Dôme, and La Coupole, were frequented by luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. These intellectuals engaged in impassioned discussions, fueling the artistic fervor that permeated the area.

Artistic Expression

Montparnasse was a cauldron of artistic expression, nurturing various movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Dadaism. Artists and writers found inspiration in the vibrant street life, the architectural splendor of the district, and the camaraderie among fellow creatives. The neighborhood's eclectic energy provided a fertile ground for experimentation and collaboration, leading to the birth of groundbreaking works of art and literature.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of Montparnasse continues to reverberate through art history. The creative fervor that once defined the neighborhood lives on in the countless masterpieces that emerged from its studios and salons. The spirit of innovation and cultural exchange that thrived in Montparnasse continues to inspire artists and thinkers today, carrying its influence across continents and generations.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
"Une Bonne Nouvelle" by Mathieu Boogaerts

We're happy to introduce "Une Bonne Nouvelle" by the talented Mathieu Boogaerts. This charming track stands out with its soothing melody and Boogaerts' distinctive vocal style, which perfectly encapsulates the contemporary French chanson spirit. "Une Bonne Nouvelle" weaves everyday emotions and experiences into a beautifully understated musical narrative. Boogaerts' unique approach to songwriting and performance makes this song a delightful listen for anyone seeking a fresh and authentic sound in French music.