ANNOUNCEMENT
Our New Photo of The Week Flash Sale!

We've got something fun brewing with our flash sales! Rather than the usual "here's your deal" approach, we're turning it into a bit of a treasure hunt. As you're reading through our newsletter stories about Paris this week, you'll spot some special images marked 'Flash Sale' - each one offering a sweet 50% off deal on all Premium Photo Paper and Canvas Prints until the end of the current weekend.

Think of it as a little adventure through our Parisian stories, where you might stumble upon some amazing art deals along the way! 🎨

We're really curious to know what you think about this new twist. Love it? Hate it? Want to see something different? Drop us a line and let us know - we're all ears!

Happy hunting! 🗺️

P.S. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun, right? 😉

OUR WEEK IN PARIS
A Unique Shop and Late Night Strolls

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.

I keep coming back to Île Saint-Louis, especially during these quiet moments when the chilly rain keeps people indoors. There’s something special about this little island in the Seine, especially this time of year. The winter weather makes me think a little slower and wander a little longer. I wanted to capture that feeling I get when walking these streets - that peaceful sensation that makes me forget I’m in the heart of a major city. It's funny how some places have become part of my personal Paris, and this is definitely one of them.

After our lunch in the 20th with our Mystery Parisian friend, he insisted we check out this quirky little shop (photo below). "You won't believe this place," he told me, and he was right. The entire operation runs from the doorway - no fancy interior, just great, obscure products and an owner who knows his stuff. I smiled when he mentioned he only takes cash; it felt like discovering a secret spot that time forgot. It is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Paris all over again.

Speaking of wandering in winter, my nightly walks with my dog have become a happy ritual with my LoFi camera in hand. Paris transforms after dark - cyclists gliding past glowing bistros, the Canal Saint-Martin's surface dancing with reflected streetlights, and empty café chairs waiting for tomorrow's stories.

These quiet moments, especially in black and white, reveal a more intimate side of the city, with my patient pup occasionally posing along the water's edge.

LINKING YOU TO PARIS

➡️ The 50 Best Hotels in Paris: Condé Nast Traveler lists their top 50 hotels in Paris. There are some stunning properties and views on this list!

➡️ The best things to do in Paris, according to a former tour guide: In this House & Garden article, a former tour guide shares insider tips on the best things to do in Paris, from exploring art and culture to finding hidden cafés and unique experiences.

➡️ Paris Events for February 2025: This article from Paris Discovery Guide covers February events such as Paris Winter sales, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, concerts, and new museum shows.

➡️ A French culinary icon's guide to Paris' restaurants: BBC Travel shares chef Anne-Sophie Pic's picks for the best restaurants in Paris.

VISITING PARIS
Exploring Maison de Victor Hugo

Overlooking the elegant expanse of Place des Vosges - Paris's oldest planned square - sits an apartment that once housed one of France's most celebrated literary giants. The Maison de Victor Hugo, where the author lived from 1832 to 1848, offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the world that inspired such masterpieces as "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Within these historic walls, now a free public museum, Hugo's spirit lives on through carefully preserved personal artifacts, original manuscripts, and artwork that chronicle his remarkable journey. Each room tells a story, from his writing desk positioned to capture the square's changing light to the family dining room where he hosted Paris's intellectual elite.

During a recent visit with my son, armed with my LoFi camera, I discovered how this museum bridges centuries to connect with visitors of all ages. Through the apartment's windows, I captured views little changed since Hugo's time - the same harmonious architecture that has graced Place des Vosges since 1612. My son's innocent question, "Where's the guy who lives here?" followed by his magical interpretation of Hugo's absence - “he just disappeared, like magic?” reminded me how places like these spark imagination across generations.

The museum experience extends beyond its walls. While there's a modest café on-site, the true pleasure comes from following in Hugo's footsteps through Place des Vosges itself. The square's vaulted arcades, now home to art galleries and cafés, offer the perfect setting to reflect on your visit while enjoying a coffee or meal. These same arcades once echoed with the footsteps of Hugo himself as he made his daily observations of Parisian life.

Practical Information:
• Location: 6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
• Admission: Free
• The museum spans multiple floors
• Photography is permitted without flash
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages

Whether you're a literary enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking to understand Paris through the lens of one of its most influential residents, Maison de Victor Hugo offers an authentic connection to the city's rich cultural heritage. As my son's enchanted response suggests, there's something magical about standing where greatness once dwelled - even if the great man himself has, indeed, disappeared.

PARIS CAFES
La Popotière's Authentic Auvergnat Cuisine

Continuing our exploration of Paris's hidden culinary treasures with our Mystery Parisian guide, we discover La Popotière in the 20th arrondissement. Featured in our soon-to-be-released guidebook, this restaurant represents precisely the kind of authentic, value-driven establishment that makes Paris's dining scene so special.

In a quiet corner of Paris's 20th arrondissement, La Popotière represents a new wave of authentic regional French cuisine. While the location has long hosted a bistro, its current iteration under owners from Auvergne has transformed it into something special - a dedicated showcase for traditional Auvergnat cooking.

Unlike many historic Auvergnat cafés in Paris, La Popotière was explicitly established to celebrate the cuisine of the Auvergne region. The current owners, who previously operated a restaurant in another part of the 20th arrondissement, chose this location deliberately, recognizing the neighborhood's unique village-like character and emerging potential.

The restaurant's commitment to authenticity shines through in its menu. A standout specialty is the Pounti Traditionnel Auvergnat, a distinctive terrine combining dried prunes, herbs, spinach, and pork - a regional delicacy rarely found in Paris. The menu extends to hearty main courses like traditional rabbit stew, all prepared with fresh, quality ingredients.

What sets La Popotière apart is its remarkable value proposition. For just 21 euros (lunch menu), diners enjoy a three-course meal featuring fresh ingredients and authentic preparation. The cheese selection is particularly noteworthy, offering real, unpasteurized varieties sourced directly from producers rather than commercial suppliers.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtfully curated wine list, which includes an excellent by-the-glass selection that demonstrates real expertise. The selection of wines shows careful consideration, often featuring selections from the Auvergne region, each chosen to complement the robust flavors of the cuisine.

The restaurant's philosophy is refreshingly straightforward. As the owners explain, they don't aim for exclusive reservations months in advance or trendy dining experiences. Instead, they focus on serving hearty, fresh food in a welcoming neighborhood setting. This approach perfectly suits their location in what our Mystery Parisian guide describes as "the best kept secret in terms of neighborhoods of Paris."

The surrounding neighborhood adds to the restaurant's charm. Unlike many parts of Paris, this area maintains a genuine village atmosphere, where neighbors know each other and community spirit thrives. It's a diverse area with a mix of residents from varied backgrounds, creating an authentic Parisian neighborhood experience rather than a tourist destination.

Practical Information:
La Popotière
Address: 58 Rue de la Réunion, 75020 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 43 67 51 15
Website: lapopotiere.fr/en

Recommended Dishes:
• Pounti traditionnel auvergnat (traditional terrine with prunes, herbs, spinach, and pork)
• Daily fresh main courses
• Cheese plate featuring authentic, unpasteurized regional varieties
• Selection of wines by the glass

The Value Proposition:
• Three-course menu for €21
• Fresh, quality ingredients
• Authentic Auvergnat cuisine
• Expert wine selection

THEN & NOW
Reflections of Paris

Welcome to the "Then and Now" series, where we journey through time to explore Paris's evolving beauty.

In the late 19th century, the Seine quietly embraced the majestic Institut de France and the elegant arches of the Pont des Arts. At that time, the bridge served as a serene passage for artists and scholars. Its simplicity is mirrored in the calm waters below.

Fast-forward to today and I capture a scene that is both timeless and modern. The Institut de France stands unchanged, a guardian of knowledge and culture, while the Pont des Arts bustles with life. Boats glide along the river, their reflections dancing in the water, adding a dynamic energy to this historic view.

Together, these images tell a story of continuity and change, where the heart of Paris beats with the rhythm of both past and present.

Join me in exploring this timeless scene with fresh eyes. I'm offering a limited-time discount on prints of both images, inviting you to bring a piece of Paris's enduring charm into your home.

What stories do you see in these reflections?

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Les Bons Vivants - Trottoir d'en face / Tibz / Gueuleton

This week's pick is "Les Bons Vivants" by Trottoir d'en face, Tibz, and Gueuleton. It's a charming tune that celebrates the joy of life, perfect for our wine-loving friends. The video takes us on a delightful journey through the countryside, where the spirit of joie de vivre is alive and well.

Picture yourself sipping wine, surrounded by friends, and soaking up the simple pleasures. It's a little escape from the hustle and bustle and a reminder of the beauty in everyday moments. Cheers to that! 🍷

Discover More with Paris Love Affair

If you're enjoying The Paris Love Letter, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the Parisian experience with our curated offerings:

• Join Our Paris Tours: Experience the magic of Paris firsthand with our intimate tours, where we uncover the city's hidden gems and share the stories behind its iconic landmarks. Click Here.
  

• Paris Photo Daily Newsletter: For those who can't get enough of Paris, subscribe to our other newsletter, Paris Photo Daily, for a daily dose of stunning photography, from vintage classics to modern cityscapes and captivating stories. Click Here.
  

• Visit Our Print Shop: Bring a piece of Paris into your home with our exclusive prints, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any space. Click Here.
  

• Connect with Us on Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more Parisian inspiration.

We love sharing our passion for Paris with you and hope these resources enrich your journey with us. Merci, for being part of our community!