In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Personal Update: Dinner With The Mystery Parisian at The Emily in Paris Square, Place de l’Estrapade

• Special Offer: Introducing Our Paris VIP Print Club

• Visiting Paris: Picnicking Like a Parisian: A Guide to Outdoor Dining

• A Peek Into History: La Place du Caire, Paris: The Charm of the Egyptian-Themed Square

• Featured French Song: France Gall - Poupee De Cire, Poupee De Son

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ Cyclists Now Outnumber Motorists In Paris - Interesting article from Forbes: Official measurements have found that Paris is rapidly becoming a city of transportation cyclists.

➡️ The Interactive Map of Impacts on Travel in and Around Paris During the Olympics - The government has developed an interactive map listing the impacts on roads and public transport (it’s not a route planner) to help you anticipate your travels during the Summer Olympic Games. There is a FR/EN language toggle on the site.

➡️ French Athlete Breaks World Record After Rope Climbing Eiffel Tower - From The Local: French athlete Anouk Garnier broke the rope climbing world record on Wednesday morning after she ascended 100 meters to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

➡️ Flight Alert 🚨 Google tells me that flight prices for May are currently low, so if you’re looking for a Spring trip, maybe now is the time to buy your flight.

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PERSONAL STUFF
Dinner With The Mystery Parisian at The Emily in Paris Square

In this video, I capture our dinner commute while perched on the back of my friend's motorbike. This friend, the Mystery Parisian, guided our adventure. I would share where we dined, but the Mystery Parisian's endorsement was somewhat reserved. His verdict? “It’s fine”—hardly a rave review, especially considering it didn't earn a spot among his top bistro picks.

We landed in Place de l’Estrapade, the beautiful square that was a backdrop for many scenes in "Emily in Paris." This location boasts a dual historical significance. It now enjoys fame for its role in contemporary pop culture. However, it carries a darker past as a site once designated for torture. The contrast between its vibrant present and its grim history adds a dash of intrigue. I won’t get into the gruesome historical details here, but you can search for “history of Place de l’Estrapade,” if you want to know more.

VISITING PARIS
Picnicking Like a Parisian: A Guide to Outdoor Dining

It's that time of year again in Paris - Picnic season! Locals have mastered the elegant yet casual feast in the outdoors, turning it into a social affair that combines simple pleasures with the love of good food and company. Whether seated by the River Seine or nestled in the lush gardens that dot the urban landscape, Parisians make picnicking an extension of their cultural flair.

Selecting the perfect spot is the first step. Locations like the Champ de Mars or Bois de Boulogne are coveted destinations for families and friends. The true Parisian picnic does not merely consist of throwing together a meal; it is planning the perfect time of day, perhaps a sunny afternoon or a twilight hour, that adds a touch of romance to the occasion. It is about creating a moment where the city's beauty complements the joy of dining al fresco.

When it comes to the spread, the essentials include a fresh baguette, a variety of cheeses, and perhaps some charcuterie. Quiches or sandwiches made with fresh ingredients are popular, but the meal can range from elaborate dishes to humble snacks. Refreshing beverages, like water infused with lemon or cucumber slices.

Choosing the Date and Time

Checking the weather forecast is essential to avoid rain. Equally important is deciding on the time of day; an afternoon might be ideal for a group gathering, while the evening could provide a more intimate setting.

• Weekday Afternoons: Less crowded, more tranquil atmosphere.

• Weekend Evenings: Ideal for enjoying the Parisian twilight.

Selecting the Perfect Location

Paris offers numerous picturesque spots for picnicking, each offering its unique charm. Popular locations include sprawling green spaces like Champ de Mars or the intimate banks along the Seine. Accessibility and proximity to local boulangeries and fromageries for fresh picnic provisions should influence the location choice.

• Champ de Mars: Iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, spacious.

• Seine River Banks: Urban vibe, stunning scenery, closer to local shops.

Essential Accessories for Comfort

Comfort is important for a successful picnic, so packing items like a durable blanket and cushioned seating can make all the difference. Remember practical utensils, including a cutting board, a sharp knife for the cheeses and charcuterie, and a corkscrew for the perfect bottle of French wine. Additionally, paper napkins or wipes are essential for clean-up and maintaining the elegance of the experience.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
La Place du Caire, Paris: The Charm of the Egyptian-Themed Square

Last week, I enjoyed visiting La Place du Caire in Paris' 2nd arrondissement. Though not as renowned as other Parisian landmarks, this quaint square is steeped in history and brimming with charm.

La Place du Caire's historical roots run deep, tracing back to the late 18th century when it was named after the French army's victory in Cairo in 1798. Following General Napoleon Bonaparte's Egyptian expedition, this event marked a significant military success. It sparked a fascination with Egyptian culture in France. The architecture near La Place du Caire reflects this fascination, with the Egyptian Revival style prominently featured.

The area surrounding La Place du Caire is a vibrant hub of textile and fashion trade, a living example of the enduring commercial spirit of the Sentier district. While it may not be on the typical tourist itinerary, the square and its adjacent arcade offer a unique perspective on Parisian culture. They bear the marks of a rich history, with Egyptian influences evident in the façade's design.

One of the square's highlights is Hôtel du Sentier, a delightful hotel with spacious rooms overlooking the vibrant neighborhood. From the square, one can enjoy the quintessential Parisian atmosphere. Moreover, the hotel's Parisian bistro offers an exceptional culinary experience, adding to the square's appeal.

Today, La Place du Caire remains a vibrant commercial center, drawing tourists eager to explore the architectural wonder of the Passage du Caire. With its glass roof and narrow walkways lined with shops, it's a historical marvel in its own right. Occasionally, the square becomes a stage for cultural events celebrating the unique Franco-Egyptian connection, which is so clearly etched in the city's architecture and street names.

Paris, Unscripted: Snaps of Daily Wanderings

Carrying my professional camera can be cumbersome, but the cameras in our pockets are more than adequate for capturing the city’s beauty while on the fly. Here are a few places I ventured through the city this week!

1. Louvre Museum (top left)

2. Pont Louis-Phillipe (top right)

3. Le Louis Philippe 66 Quai de l’hôtel de Ville (bottom left)

4. Le Lutin - 60 R. des Martyrs (bottom right)

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
France Gall - Poupee De Cire, Poupee De Son (1965)

The video isn’t excellent quality since it was filmed in 1965, but the fun still shines through. I can’t listen to this song without smiling.

A little about France Gall:

France Gall was a prominent French singer who rose to fame in the 1960s. Known for her pure, melodious voice and innocent charm, she became an icon of French pop music, captivating audiences with her performances. Gall's career took a significant turn when she won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965 with the song "Poupée de cire, poupée de son," penned by legendary French songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. This victory solidified her status in France and garnered her international acclaim.

Throughout her career, Gall was celebrated for her ability to embody the zeitgeist of the times, transitioning from the yé-yé style of the '60s to more sophisticated musical expressions. Her collaborations with Gainsbourg and later with her husband, Michel Berger, led to some of the most memorable hits in French music, showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist.