Our Week in Paris

This week in Paris kicked off with a bang—or rather, a crash! A sudden and massive hailstorm, unlike anything I’ve ever seen, swept through the city, blanketing streets in ice and leaving us all stunned. I captured some images of the chaos—hailstones the size of marbles bouncing off cobblestones and Parisians ducking for cover. Check out the photos below for a glimpse of this wild start to our week!

Here’s a video I made while taking cover under the Bir Hakeim bridge:

Linking You to Paris

➡️ How to explore Paris from the seat of a bicycle: This National Geographic article offers a guide to biking in Paris, leveraging 600 miles of new cycle paths.

➡️ 29 Best Restaurants in Paris: This Condé Nast Traveler article highlights 29 of Paris’s best restaurants, blending timeless French bistros like Bistrot Paul Bert with innovative spots like Datil.

➡️ An Insider’s Guide To One Of The Most Famous Neighborhoods In Paris: This Forbes article provides an insider’s guide to Paris’s Golden Triangle, a luxurious neighborhood defined by Avenues Montaigne, Champs-Élysées, and George V.

➡️ The best day trips from Paris to discover in 2025: This Time Out Paris article lists the best day trips from Paris for 2025, reachable within two hours by train or bike.

VISITING PARIS
The 10th arrondissement

Our arrondissement series continues—this week, we’re spotlighting the 10th, which puts us at the halfway mark! Want to revisit our journeys through the 1st to 9th? They’re all waiting for you at TheParisLoveLetter.com, ready to inspire your next Parisian escape.

I’m very familiar with the 10th arrondissement, having lived here on a couple of occasions—it’s still a regular hangout for me. On Paris’s Right Bank, this district is a vibrant blend of old and new, where historic faubourgs meet modern energy.

The 10th’s raw, lived-in feel, shaped by its diverse communities, makes it a place where you can feel the pulse of everyday Paris.

History and Main Sights

The 10th’s history is tied to its role as a gateway, once a faubourg incorporated into Paris in the 19th century during Haussmann’s renovations. Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, handling over 200 million passengers annually, make it a transit hub.

The Canal Saint-Martin, built between 1802 and 1825, is a scenic highlight—its tree-lined banks, iron footbridges, and cozy cafés make it ideal for strolls or boat rides. Cultural landmarks include the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, hosting plays since 1781, and the Louxor cinema, a 1921 art deco gem restored in 2013.

Place de la République

Place de la République, straddling the 10th, 11th, and 3rd arrondissements, is a massive crossroads where history and modern life collide. Originally laid out in the 17th century, it was redesigned by Haussmann in the 1850s and 1860s, becoming a grand square with the Monument to the Republic at its center, unveiled in 1883 to honor the Third Republic.

Today, it’s a lively meeting place for demonstrations, often hosting protests and rallies on social issues. It’s also a community hub—kids play in the open spaces, there’s a skateboarding park, and the square buzzes with activity, from street performers to locals crossing paths. It’s a snapshot of Parisian life.

Art and Cultural Scene

The 10th is a cultural hotspot, with a mix of traditional and contemporary venues. The New Morning jazz club has hosted international musicians since 1981, with performances ranging from jazz to world music. Les Douches la Galerie, housed in a former public bathhouse, offers a unique space for contemporary art exhibitions. Galerie Martel and Espace Beaurepaire are other spots for photography and crafts, often hosting emerging artists. Theaters like Le Splendid and Théâtre Antoine add to the district’s vibrant cultural scene, blending tradition with modernity.

Food and Hidden Gems

The 10th’s food scene is as diverse as its population. Along the Canal Saint-Martin, you’ll find gems like Hôtel du Nord, with its retro charm and French classics, and Comptoir Général, a unique space serving eclectic dishes in a quirky, global-inspired setting. Many friends swear by Breizh Café for its savory crepes. Within a few blocks, La Fontaine is a breakfast spot I love—its local vibe and superb coffee make it a perfect morning stop. Chez Marius, which I’ve reviewed before (here), is a favorite, while El Cártel del Taco serves some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in Paris, with tacos that transport me back to my Southern California days. A new favorite, Mazmez, offers creative Lebanese dishes like stuffed vine leaves with a modern twist.

Beyond the canal, Marché Saint-Quentin, one of Paris’s oldest covered markets, has stalls of fresh produce and spices. For a hidden gem, I love Jardin Villemin near Gare de l’Est. Its grassy lawns, playground, and chestnut trees make it a community space where locals gather—a quiet retreat just steps from the canal.

Where to Stay

The 10th offers a range of accommodations, all well-connected by metro lines like 4, 5, and 8 (stops like Gare du Nord, Strasbourg-Saint-Denis). For those near the train stations, ibis Styles Paris Gare du Nord is convenient with modern rooms and free Wi-Fi, rates around 100–150 euros a night. For a boutique experience, Hotel Paradis near Canal Saint-Martin offers stylish rooms and a cozy ambiance, rates around 150–250 euros. The 10th’s accessibility and vibrant character make it a practical, lively base, less touristy than central areas but with easy access to all of Paris.

PARIS HIDDEN GEMS
Hôpital Saint-Louis Garden’s Serenity

Tucked within the 10th arrondissement, the Hôpital Saint-Louis Garden is a tranquil haven I discovered when invited to a picnic with a friend.

This courtyard, part of a hospital founded in 1607 by Henry IV to treat plague victims, feels like a step back in time. Surrounded by the hospital’s original 17th-century red brick and stone buildings, with their arched galleries, it’s a quiet space that feels a world away from the city’s hustle.

It’s a place where I’ve had picnics with friends, spreading out a blanket on the small lawn near the central fountain. It’s also a great spot to take our son—he can run free with no concern about traffic, as the garden is safely enclosed on all sides.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Véronique Sanson, Vianney - Chanson sur ma drôle de vie

I’m excited to share a classic French tune with you this week: "Chanson sur ma drôle de vie," originally by Véronique Sanson, reimagined in a 2021 duet with Vianney.

Sanson, a legendary singer-songwriter since the 1970s, is known for her poetic lyrics and soulful voice, often blending pop with jazz and classical influences—think of her as a French Carole King with a Parisian twist.

Vianney, a modern troubadour, brings a fresh, heartfelt energy. His folk-pop style has earned him a devoted following since his 2014 debut.

Together, they revisit Sanson’s 1971 hit, a nostalgic reflection on life’s quirks and joys, with Sanson’s timeless melody paired with Vianney’s warm vocals.

The song captures the bittersweet charm of Paris, making it a perfect soundtrack for wandering the 10th arrondissement’s eclectic streets. Give it a listen—it’s a beautiful bridge between two generations of French music.

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