OUR WEEK IN PARIS

Snapshots From Paris

Each week, I share a handful of photos that tell the story of our Paris. From quick phone snaps to more carefully composed shots, these images are little postcards of our life in Paris, inviting you to see the city through our eyes.

1. (top left) Les Editeurs - Left Bank near Odeon

2. (top right) The stunning Pantheon

3. (bottom left) Jardin du Luxembourg with Pantheon in the background

4. (bottom right) From the Right Bank, looking at Pont Neuf and Île de la Cité

The autumn season has been particularly photogenic, with golden foliage framing the Eiffel Tower in stunning displays. One of my favorite moments came at sunset along the Seine, capturing that magical hour when the river reflects the sky's changing colors and the Eiffel Tower glows in the distance. Even though I travel these roads almost daily, the views continue to captivate me.

LINKING YOU TO PARIS

➡️ Architecture In Paris: From designboom - architecture in paris surveys the contemporary condition of the city’s built environment, showcasing a range of innovative projects and the diverse materials and unconventional forms employed in their construction.

➡️ The Best Kept Secrets in Paris: From Outlook Travel - Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “secrets travel fast in Paris.” But we’re not sure that he’s right. Despite the city’s popularity, the city still has plenty of hidden gems. We’ve visited again and again over the years, and there’s always something new to explore.

➡️ The Best Time to Visit Paris for Cheap Flights and Stunning Scenery: From Readers Digest - Here's the best time to visit Paris for fewer crowds, cheaper flights and must-see attractions at their finest—from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum and more!

➡️ 20 Fascinating Fun Facts About Paris: From Rustic Pathways - In this article, I share 20 fun facts about Paris, based on my experiences in the City of Light.

WEEKLY PRINT DEAL

La Vie en Rose

Your Weekly Window to Paris: 70% Off Collector's Print

Price: $29.99 (Regular Price: $95)

Each week, we highlight a new fine art photo print that captures the beauty of Paris. It's a lovely way to add a touch of Parisian elegance to your home or office.

This Week's Featured Print: La Vie en Rose

Step into Montmartre with "La Vie en Rose." This photograph features the enchanting beauty of the apartment buildings in this bohemian neighborhood of Paris. The soft sunset hues and intricate architectural details create a romantic and dreamy ambiance that will transport you to a different time and place.

Details:

• Size: 8x10 inches

• Material: Premium archival paper

• Limited-Time Offer: Available only until Sunday night

• Discount Applied at checkout

VISITING PARIS

Experience the Magic of Candlelit Concerts at Eglise Saint-Ephrem

Tucked away in the 5th arrondissement, near the Pantheon, lies the Eglise Saint-Ephrem—a hidden treasure known as "The Harp of the Holy Spirit." This quaint church offers a unique musical experience with its intimate candlelit concerts.

Soft candlelight creates an enchanting ambiance, perfect for a memorable musical escape. Talented young musicians from the renowned Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris perform timeless pieces by composers like Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. The church's exceptional acoustics and historical allure make each concert magical.

Laura and I had the pleasure of visiting Eglise Saint-Ephrem for a concert. We listened to Satie, one of our favorite composers, performed live in this serene environment. It was a wonderful experience that left us both inspired.

Constructed in 1733 in the Corinthian style, Eglise Saint-Ephrem has a rich history and is beautifully decorated with a collection of paintings. Its role as a concert venue adds cultural richness, offering a unique opportunity for music and history lovers to enjoy classical performances in a historic and enchanting setting.

With reasonably priced tickets and a uniquely beautiful setting, concerts at Eglise Saint-Ephrem are a must for anyone eager to discover Paris's hidden wonders.

Eglise Saint-Ephrem 17, rue des Carmes, 75005 Paris, France

JOIE DE VIVRE

Experience the Magic of Notre Dame from Afar

As Paris prepares for the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 8, 2024, why not take a virtual tour of this iconic landmark from your own home? With restoration nearly complete after the 2019 fire, now is a perfect time to immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning architecture through innovative digital experiences.

Virtual Tour to Explore

• Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris offers an exclusive virtual tour. Wander through the cathedral's majestic spaces, admire intricate sculptures, and even climb into the galleries—all through panoramic photography and 360-degree images. Start your journey here.

Special Exhibitions and Events if You’re Visiting Paris

As we count down to the reopening, enjoy special events like the "Making Stones Speak" exhibition at the Cluny Museum, featuring medieval sculptures from Notre-Dame. Or, explore the restoration process at the free exhibit "Notre Dame de Paris: at the heart of the worksite," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the cathedral's rebirth.

Plan Your Future Visit

When Notre-Dame reopens, a new free ticketing system will help manage visitor numbers. The "Compagnon de Visite" app, launching in December, will let you reserve your visit time, reducing wait times and ensuring a smooth experience.

Here’s a tour of the inside of Notre Dame from June, while construction was ongoing.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY

The Ambiguous Royal Monograms of Paris' Most Famous Museum

As visitors wander through the magnificent Cour Carrée, their eyes might catch the elegantly intertwined initials carved into the palace's ancient stonework – a subtle yet profound testament to one of French history's most compelling romantic triangles.

These sophisticated monograms, featuring an "H" elegantly interwoven with what appears to be either a "C" or "D," represent more than mere decorative elements. They tell the story of King Henry II's complex relationships with two of Renaissance France's most formidable women: his wife, Catherine de' Medici, and his influential mistress, Diane de Poitiers.

The architectural flourish speaks volumes about 16th-century French court life, where power and passion often intermingled. Catherine, the Florentine-born queen, brought political prowess and Medici wealth to the French throne, while Diane, the sophisticated mistress, wielded unprecedented influence over both court politics and artistic patronage.

This centuries-old design element has left a mark on French culture, later inspiring one of fashion's most recognizable symbols—the interlocking Cs of Chanel. The language of symbols transcends time, connecting Renaissance royal intrigue to modern luxury.

For the discerning traveler, these architectural details offer a unique lens through which to view French history. While the Louvre's paintings and sculptures command immediate attention, these subtle carvings reveal equally compelling stories of love, power, and the delicate art of royal politics.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Arthur H - La Boxeuse Amoureuse

This week, we spotlight Arthur H, a renowned French musician known for his unique voice and sound.

His song "La Boxeuse Amoureuse" tells the story of a passionate and resilient lover, likened to a boxer in the ring. With golden gloves marked by traces of blood, tears, and sweat, she gracefully dodges blows and absorbs everything life throws at her. Despite the challenges, she continues to dance, embodying strength and perseverance.