In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Paris Links: Links to helpful articles I’ve found online this week

• Snapshots of Paris: This week’s collection of photos

• Paris Food: Vintage Charm and Family-Friendly Dining at Café de l'Industrie

• Hidden Gems: The Artistic Wonderland of 59 Rivoli

• History of Paris: Traces of the Bastille in Modern Paris

• Featured French Song: Marianne Feder - Swing du Cat

PARIS LINKS

➡️ 13 Unwritten Rules to Know Before Traveling to Paris: From Conde Nast - Everything Parisians want you to know before you visit, from dining etiquette to public transportation tips.

➡️ I’ve always hated Paris — but this trip made me fall in love with it: From The Times - Is the French capital overrated? Our writer thought so — until she uncovered this new maximalist hotel, gritty neighbourhood and dazzling array of cool dining spots

➡️ Discover the Best of Paris, France, Old and New, in a Weekend: From Marriott - With its rich heritage and staggering array of compelling monuments that celebrate the past, it’s easy to categorize Paris as a postcard city. But the French capital has evolved considerably in the past decade, with experiences that demonstrate just how well the city’s storied traditions can exist proudly alongside its many innovations.

PARIS THROUGH MY LENS

Snapshots of Paris from This Past Week

Welcome to "Snapshots of Paris," your weekly peek into our Parisian adventures! We were busy with work this past week, but we still had time to stop and snap a few photos with the phone while roaming around the city.

1. (top left) Republic Square Paris

2. (top right) Random apartment building staircase

3. (bottom left) Place de la Contrescarpe

4. (bottom right) Le Square Trousseau

A Parisian Moment

I had a great time showing these ladies around Paris on my walking tour this week. We stopped in Place Dauphine for this quick photo. It's always fun to capture these moments while exploring the city together. I'm looking forward to more adventures!

PARIS FOOD

Vintage Charm and Family-Friendly Dining at Café de l'Industrie

Café de l'Industrie is a charming retro-style café-restaurant located near Place de la Bastille in Paris's 11th arrondissement. Established in the early 1990s, it has become a local institution known for its eclectic decor, which features vintage photos, mirrors, and 1920s-inspired knickknacks.

We recently stopped by for dinner on a rainy night on our way home, finding it a cozy refuge from the weather. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is good, with a varied menu that caters to different tastes. A particularly welcome feature for families is their kid’s menu, which is excellent for our little lion.

The café's nostalgic ambiance is complemented by groovy jazz music, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Worn Thonet chairs, palm fronds, and cozy rugs add to the charming, lived-in feel of the place.

Its enduring popularity has led to the concept's expansion, with three establishments now occupying the same intersection. Each offers a different take on the original: a wine bar, a bistro, and a restaurant, providing options for various dining preferences.

HIDDEN GEMS

The Artistic Wonderland of 59 Rivoli

Tucked away on a bustling street in central Paris, 59 Rivoli beckons the curious with its whimsical, ever-changing façade. This six-story wonderland began as a squat in 1999 when artists breathed new life into an abandoned bank building. They cheekily named it "Chez Robert, Electron Libre."

Fast forward to 2006, and the once-illegal occupation gained an official blessing from Paris City Hall. Now, it's a treasure trove of creativity that's free for all to explore. As you climb the graffiti-adorned staircase, each floor reveals a new surprise - 30 artist studios showcase everything from avant-garde sculptures to mesmerizing paintings.

The air hums with creative energy as artists work, chat, and share their passion with visitors. It's a living, breathing artwork that shifts and evolves daily. For travelers seeking an offbeat Parisian experience, 59 Rivoli offers an unfiltered glimpse into the city's vibrant grassroots art scene.

HISTORY OF PARIS

Traces of the Bastille in Modern Paris

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked the beginning of the French Revolution, but the infamous prison didn't vanish without a trace. Today, curious visitors can uncover subtle reminders of this historic fortress in the heart of Paris.

At the Bastille metro station, a painted outline on the platform shows where the fortress walls once stood. Just outside, in the Square Henri Galli, you'll find a small segment of the Liberty Tower's foundation, excavated in 1899 and now preserved behind glass.

For a more substantial relic, head to 1 Rue Saint-Antoine, where a large section of the Bastille's stonework is incorporated into the Café Français's cellar wall. Perhaps the most poignant reminder is the Canal Saint-Martin, built using stones from the demolished prison.

These hidden vestiges offer a tangible connection to one of Paris's most turbulent periods, allowing modern-day flâneurs to literally walk in the footsteps of history.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK

Marianne Feder - Swing du Cat

This week, we're featuring the delightful 'Swing du Cat' by French singer-songwriter Marianne Feder. Released in 2019 as part of her album 'L'hiver des poètes' (The Poet's Winter), this catchy tune blends swing jazz with playful lyrics about the colorful cats of Paris. Feder's charming vocals and the song's upbeat rhythm perfectly capture the whimsical spirit of the City of Light. With its infectious melody and Parisian flair, 'Swing du Cat' will indeed have you tapping your toes and dreaming of strolling along the Seine.

Join Me for an Unforgettable Paris Tour!

You’re invited to explore Paris's enchanting streets (and parks) with me! Whether you're a cycling fan or prefer a leisurely stroll, an adventure awaits you. For an exciting bike tour, head to BikeAboutTours.com (message me if you want me to guide you—we have several guides at BAT). If a private walking tour is more your style, visit ParisLoveAffairTours.com for a personalized experience.