Our Week in Paris

Bonjour, friends!

Summer has arrived in Paris, and the city feels alive with sunshine and late-evening “summer vibes.” We took our little Lion to the canal this week for a friendly pétanque match. He was far more interested in seeing how far he could launch the balls than in aiming for the target, adding his own twist to the game.

We also took some time to explore new corners of the city, letting curiosity lead the way. If you take a look at the top right of this week’s photos, you’ll spot a secret location with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Any guesses where it might be that I took this photo?

Linking You to Paris

➡️ 14 Must-Dos for a Local-Style Summer in Paris: From riverside urban beaches to open-air cinema screenings and pools, summer in Paris offers a sun-soaked mix of culture, cuisine, and beachy vibes.

➡️ In Paris, 3 Troves of Art and Curios Even the Parisians Don’t Know About: From NYT - In this city of endless museums and galleries, here are some sequestered collections filled with rarities.

➡️ The Best Hotels in Paris for Impeccable Design: From Architectural Digest - Merging old-world elegance with modern-day delights.

➡️ Here’s How to Dine Out in France — Free of Faux Pas: From Food & Wine - From breakfast to the post-dinner digestif, here are the etiquette and customs to know when dining out in France.

WALKING IN PARIS
Latin Quarter Walk

One of my favorite walks to share with guests begins in the lush calm of Paris’ botanical gardens, then winds through layers of history and culture in the Latin Quarter. Along the way, we step into the ancient Roman arena at Arènes de Lutèce, pause at the grand Panthéon, and pass through the charming square made famous by “Emily in Paris.” Of course, no stroll here is complete without time in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Though this route eventually wanders into Saint Germain, it mostly traverses the Latin Quarter. If you’d like to follow along or plan your own adventure, feel free to use my map as your guide.

If you’re interested in one of my semi-private walking tours or planning your own bespoke private experience, learn more about my tours by clicking the button below.

VISITING PARIS
The 15th arrondissement

This week, as we continue through all 20 arrondissements, we are discovering the 15th! If you want to revisit the 1st through 14th, they’re all waiting for you at TheParisLoveLetter.com.

The 15th arrondissement is Paris’s largest district by area and population, stretching from the Seine to the city’s southwestern edge. It’s a residential, family-friendly spot with a mix of modern high-rises and historic streets, offering a quieter feel than central Paris. Whether you’re strolling through Parc André Citroën, dining at a cozy bistro, or enjoying the evening along the quais of the Seine, the 15th has a charm that grows on you.

History and Main Sights

The 15th’s history began as the rural village of Vaugirard, incorporated into Paris in 1860 during Haussmann’s renovations. It grew as a working-class hub in the 19th century, with factories along the Seine, and now blends modern and historic elements.

Montparnasse Tower is technically just inside the border of the 15th, but it feels more like it’s part of the 14th’s Montparnasse area, which is why I discussed it last week. Visiting the 56th-floor observation deck is worth it if you're in the area.

Parc André Citroën, a 14-hectare park on a former factory site, has gardens, a tethered hot air balloon, and open lawns. Île aux Cygnes, a man-made island in the Seine, features a Statue of Liberty replica and a walking path, accessible via Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Aquaboulevard, a water park with pools and slides, is great for families.

Art and Cultural Scene

There are a couple of theatres inside Parc Georges-Brassens. Within the park, the Théâtre Silvia Monfort, a modern venue designed by Claude Parent, opened in 1992 and is named after actress Silvia Monfort. It features a 456-seat main hall and a 120-seat wooden "Cabane," hosting contemporary theater, dance, and music performances most evenings. Also in the park, the Théâtre de Marionnettes du Parc Georges-Brassens offers traditional puppet shows, including Guignol performances by Philippe Casidanus.

Along the Seine, the 15th joins Nuit Blanche in October 2025 with projections and performances. The area’s proximity to Montparnasse’s artistic legacy in the 14th adds some influence, but the 15th shines with its community-driven cultural spots.

Food and Hidden Gems

The 15th’s food scene centers on local spots. Rue du Commerce is a lively street with cafés and bistros like Le Café du Commerce, serving classics like steak frites. Restaurant Caspian (Iranian), a favorite of our Mystery Parisian friend, will be featured in our upcoming restaurant guide. Marché Grenelle, open Wednesdays and Sundays, offers fresh produce, cheeses, and flowers. For a hidden gem, Square Saint-Lambert is a peaceful park with flower gardens and a playground. La Ruche (featured article below), an artists’ residence near Parc Georges-Brassens, once housed Chagall and Léger, offering a peek into the district’s creative past. The Petite Ceinture, a former railway turned green walkway, provides a unique urban hike in the 15th.

Where to Stay

The 15th offers accommodations for all budgets. Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel Cambronne has clean, budget-friendly rooms for 100 to 150 euros a night. Hôtel Eiffel Seine offers boutique charm with Art Nouveau decor near the Seine for 150 to 250 euros. Mercure Paris Vaugirard Porte de Versailles provides modern comfort near Paris Expo for 120 to 200 euros. For budget travelers, Aloha Hostel near the Seine has dorms and private rooms for 50 to 100 euros. The 15th’s residential vibe and metro access make it a practical base, close to central Paris but calmer.

PARIS HIDDEN GEMS
La Ruche’s Artistic Past

Tucked away in the 15th arrondissement near Parc Georges-Brassens, La Ruche is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Paris’s artistic past. Built in 1902 by sculptor Alfred Boucher, this unique residence was originally a wine pavilion for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, repurposed with a beehive-inspired design—circular with skylights—to house struggling artists. It became a creative hub, welcoming figures like Marc Chagall, Fernand Léger, and Diego Rivera in the early 20th century.

Boucher aimed to support artists with affordable studios, and its legacy continues with an active artist community today. Visitors can explore the grounds by appointment, spotting sculptures and murals left by past residents.

La Ruche is open for visits, but check out their website for specific details. It offers a quiet, inspiring stop for those interested in the 15th’s artistic roots.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Joe Dassin - Le petit pain au chocolat

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