🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ The Michelin Guide Will Start Ranking Hotels: As part of an aggressive global expansion strategy, the famed restaurant reviewer brings “keys”—not stars—to the lucrative hotel industry.

➡️ In Northern France, Riding the Rails Into the Past: This isn’t in Paris, but perhaps an exciting excursion to Northern France awaits - On the Picardy Coast, where the Somme meets the Channel, there is nothing and everything to see, and a 19th-century steam railway lets you explore at the perfect pace.

READER POLL
The Results From Last Week

The votes from last week's poll are in, and the allure of a leisurely brunch at a cozy Parisian café has captured the hearts of most readers! It's hardly surprising—there's something quintessentially Parisian about savoring a late-morning meal amidst the casual chatter and clinking coffee cups. The graph below beautifully illustrates your preferences. While the charm of museums, a stroll along the Seine, and a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens had their appeal, the cozy ambiance of a café, paired with a delectable brunch, evidently holds a special place in your hearts.

CAFÉ CULTURE
Café de la Nouvelle Mairie: A Bohemian Rendezvous

In the heart of Paris lies a quaint locale that captures the Bohemian spirit of the city like no other. Café de la Nouvelle Mairie, with its alluring blend of natural wines and freshly brewed coffee, is a testament to Paris's enduring love affair with simple pleasures and conviviality.

Natural Wines: A Sip of Authenticity

Its natural wines are at the core of Café de la Nouvelle Mairie's allure. Each bottle is curated, reflecting a dedication to organic and biodynamic practices. The wine list is an ode to authentic vineyard craft, offering a taste of terroirs both near and far. It’s a place where the clink of glasses resonates with appreciation for the vine's true essence.

Coffee Culture Redefined

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a tender invitation to slow down and savor the moment. Here, coffee is not just a beverage but a ritual, an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and camaraderie. The brews are rich and invigorating, emblematic of a city that adores its coffee culture.

Bohemian Spirit, Parisian Heart

The laid-back ambiance at Café de la Nouvelle Mairie is infused with a Bohemian spirit. The casual chatter, the relaxed pace of life, and the appreciation for good wine and coffee create a space where the bohemian ethos of Paris is not just alive, but flourishes.

A Locale of Community

Regulars, tourists, and the occasional philosopher share tables, exchange ideas, and celebrate the everyday. It’s a microcosm of the Parisian penchant for community and conversation over good food and drink.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: 19 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France

• Contact: +33144323371

• Nearest Metro Station: Cardinal Lemoine or Luxembourg

• Note: It’s the ideal place for those looking to explore the Parisian cafe culture with a modern twist. The blend of natural wines, quality coffee, and a friendly atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot in the city's 5th arrondissement.

HIDDEN GEMS
Square du Vert-Galant: A Romantic Hideaway Amidst the Seine

One of my cherished memories unfolded under the gentle embrace of the tree at the very front of this square. It was one of my first dates with Laura, my now-wife. As the sun cast a warm, golden glow on the calm waters of the Seine, she read Rimbaud to me under that tender canopy. The world seemed to stand still, the verses resonating with the gentle rustle of leaves, narrating tales of love, dreams, and the simple joys of being.

Square du Vert-Galant isn't just a park; it's a storyteller. Each bench, each pathway, and the lone willow tree at its tip have silently witnessed countless tales of love, friendship, and the joyous rendezvous of those seeking solace amidst the city's hustle. Its location is nothing short of magical — perched in the middle of the Seine, offering a unique vantage point where the waters seem to cradle this little piece of paradise romantically.

Though nestled right in the hustle of Paris, it's a hidden gem that hides in plain sight. Many might stroll past, but for those who take a moment to descend the stone steps, a quaint escape awaits. It’s a reminder of the timeless charm that Paris holds, the ability to find serene beauty amidst the urban landscape.

This quaint square symbolizes what I adore about Paris. The city isn't merely a spectacle of iconic landmarks but a haven of quiet, lovely corners where the essence of romance resides. And every time I visit Square du Vert-Galant, I'm transported back to that beautiful day, where love and poetry intertwined, leaving a lasting imprint on my heart. So, if you find yourself in Paris, make a little detour, and who knows, perhaps Square du Vert-Galant will etch a beautiful memory in your heart, too.

I shared this video one week too early, but for those who missed it, here is a video of Square du Vert-Galant that I made recently while strolling the neighborhood. It’s a short, two-minute walking tour.

ART & LITERATURE
Public Sculptures and Monuments: The Silent Narrators of Paris' Chronicles

The city of Paris is a living gallery, with its streets narrating stories through the numerous public sculptures and monuments that stand as silent witnesses to its rich history and cultural evolution. Let's journey through time and art as we explore some iconic Parisian landmarks.

The July Column: A Bastion of Liberty

The July Column, towering at the heart of Place de la Bastille, is a tribute to the Revolution of 1830. Engraved on its bronze pedestal are the names of those who fought for liberty. The column, topped with the gilded figure of the Spirit of Freedom, is not merely a monument but a symbol of Paris's unyielding spirit. As you stand before it, you're not just beholding a piece of art, but a resolute chapter of Parisian valor.

Statue of the Republic: An Emblem of Unity

Situated in the Place de la République, the Statue of the Republic is an emblem of France's democratic ideals. The statue, embodying the figure of Marianne, France's allegorical symbol of liberty, evokes a sense of unity and national pride. It's a focal point for many public gatherings and demonstrations, exemplifying the enduring Parisian tradition of voicing societal narratives in the public sphere.

A Tradition of Public Artistry

The tradition of public art in Paris dates back to the Roman era but flourished during the Renaissance. The cityscape became a canvas for showcasing the genius of artists and narrating historical sagas. Over centuries, this tradition has endured, with each era adding its distinctive touch to Paris's outdoor gallery.

Monuments: A Dialogue Across Time

Each monument in Paris, whether it's the iconic Arc de Triomphe or the poetic elegance of the Saint-Michel Fountain, is more than a visual spectacle. They are dialogues across time, reflecting the city's artistic, historical, and cultural ethos. They invite onlookers to pause, reflect, and connect with the timeless spirit of Paris.

Your Guide to Discovery

In the upcoming newsletters, we'll delve deeper into the stories, the artists, and the historical backdrop of these and many more monuments and sculptures that make Paris a living narrative. Each exploration promises a visual treat and a deeper understanding of what makes Paris the pulsing heart of artistic and historical grandeur.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
The Roaring Twenties in Paris: A Renaissance of the Senses

The 1920s were an era of extraordinary transformation and liberation. It was a decade that saw Paris bloom into a hub of artistic innovation, a magnet for the avant-garde of the world. With the echoes of World War I fading into the backdrop, the City of Light vibrated with a newfound energy as artists, writers, and musicians flocked to its bustling cafés and nightclubs. It was a time when the air crackled with creativity, and the city became a melting pot of ideas, a true renaissance of the senses.

Jazz: The New Beat of Paris

The Roaring Twenties brought the rhythmic beats and soulful melodies of jazz across the Atlantic, finding a warm embrace in the nocturnal heart of Paris. Jazz bars and clubs mushroomed across Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, with icons like Josephine Baker and Sidney Bechet leaving an indelible mark on the Parisian music scene. The music was fresh, liberating, and utterly intoxicating to a generation yearning for freedom and expression.

Literary Circles: The Birthplace of Modernism

Paris of the twenties was a writer's haven, a fertile ground where the seeds of modernism were sown. The city’s literary salons and cafés hummed with the intellectual fervor of expatriate writers like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. The exchange of ideas in these circles shaped modern literature and left a legacy of iconic works that continue to resonate today.

Artistic Frontiers: Pushing Boundaries

The artistic landscape of Paris was ablaze with experimentation. Artists like Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Man Ray pushed traditional art's boundaries, delving into surrealism, cubism, and Dadaism. Their work not only redefined art but also mirrored the spirit of exploration and defiance that characterized the era.

Paris Today: Echoes of the Twenties

The legacy of the Roaring Twenties reverberates through the avenues of Paris even today. While the jazz bars still hum with the tunes of the past, and the literary cafés continue to be a refuge for the modern-day dreamers, the essence of innovation and freedom that defined the twenties remains a fundamental part of Parisian charm.

Your Invitation

We invite you to step back in time and explore the roaring twenties on your next visit. Wander through the alleys of Montmartre, soak in the ambiance of a historic jazz bar, or simply let the spirit of the twenties inspire your Parisian adventure.

PARISIAN MUSINGS
The Solitude of Dawn in Paris

In a city celebrated for its lively ambiance, there’s a peculiar charm in the quiet fold of dawn. As the first rays of the sun tenderly kiss the Seine, Paris awakens slowly, almost reluctantly, from its short-lived slumber. There’s a solitude in these early hours that's both rare and poetic, a solitude I've come to cherish.

The First Stirrings

The day begins with the gentle hum of the earliest risers. The street sweepers, the boulangeries firing up their ovens for the morning’s fresh loaves, and the quiet clink of the first metro trains. There’s a soft dialogue between the old stones and the emerging light, a narrative of centuries past and the day ahead.

A City in Soft Focus

As I wander the tranquil streets, camera in hand, the iconic landmarks of Paris stand in a soft focus. The Eiffel Tower, often bustling with admirers, stands solitary and majestic under the soft veil of dawn. The quiet charm of Montmartre, unspoiled by the day’s crowd, feels more authentic, more reflective of the bohemian spirit that once defined its windy streets.

Anticipation in the Air

There’s an anticipation in the air, a sense of the unknown adventures that the day holds. The quaint cafés begin to set out their chairs, a silent invitation to the day’s first patrons. The city seems to stretch and yawn, slowly coming to life with a rhythm that’s both comforting and exhilarating.

A Personal Ritual

This solitary dawn walk has become a ritual, a time for reflection and a chance to connect with a side of Paris often overshadowed by its daytime glamour. It's my favorite time to photograph the city, capturing its serene essence before the vibrant hustle of daily life begins.

I recommend to every visitor of Paris: rise early at least once during your stay, witness the magical dawn, and let the city etch its quiet beauty in your heart. In these quiet moments at the break of day, I find a Paris that’s both timeless and transient, each dawn a tender beginning to the ceaseless romance that is life in the City of Light.

PARISIAN MUSINGS
“J’ai Deux Amours” by Josephine Baker

In the heart of the Roaring Twenties, a young American performer named Josephine Baker took Paris by storm. With her energetic dance moves and a voice that could touch every heart, Baker soon became a symbol of the burgeoning cultural exchange between America and France. Her song "J'ai deux amours" – translated as "I have two loves" – is a tender ode to her dual affections for her homeland and her adopted city, Paris. Its melody rings with the timeless charm of a golden era, resonating through the quaint, romantic streets of Paris. As we delve into the past, the enchanting notes of Baker's song remind us of a time of unbridled joy and cultural fusion.