In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Paris Links: Links to fun things I’ve found online this week

• What to do in Paris: 1-Hour Seine River Discovery Cruise

• Paris Olympics:A Bold Leap into Paris’ Future: Mayor Hidalgo's Swim in the Seine River

• Featured French Song: Mademoiselle K. - Jalouse

PARIS LINKS

➡️ The Earful Tower - The Earful Tower is an award-winning podcast all about Paris and France, hosted by Oliver Gee. It’s one of my favorite podcasts about Paris.

➡️ French Word of The Day - If you like discovering the language of French, check out the French Word of The Day section of TheLocal.fr. They also have a section for French lessons.

➡️ 6 ways to experience the Paris of the Roaring ’20s - From National Geographic: From peeking into artist ateliers to sipping coffee at La Coupole, here’s how to still find the magic of Paris from when it last hosted the Olympics 100 years ago.

WHAT TO DO IN PARIS
1-Hour Seine River Discovery Cruise

This week, we explored Paris from a new perspective—a Seine River cruise with Vedettes du Pont Neuf! I often receive requests for recommendations, so I've decided to explore several of the most popular riverboat tours. While I can't compare this trip to others yet, I found it quite enjoyable and reasonably priced for a quick one-hour tour.

The one-hour journey offered stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks, from the Louvre and Notre Dame to the ever-majestic Eiffel Tower.

Open-air seating on the top deck provided a platform for soaking in the Parisian sunshine and snapping photos. The multilingual guide kept everyone engaged with historical insights and interesting stories, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

The boat offered restrooms and a bar with reasonably priced refreshments for added convenience.

If you're looking for a relaxing way to see the sights of Paris, a Seine River cruise is a delightful option. It provides a unique perspective on the City of Lights and is perfect for all ages.

Here is a video I made of our trip and posted to our YouTube channel:

PARIS OLYMPICS

A Bold Leap into Paris’ Future: Mayor Hidalgo's Swim in the Seine River

When Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a plunge into the Seine River, it wasn't just a dip—it was a milestone marking of the city’s environmental strides. For decades, the Seine, winding through the heart of Paris, has been a symbol of romance and history, yet its waters were notorious for pollution. The mayor’s swim signals a significant transformation, highlighting Paris’ commitment to sustainability and environmental renewal. This moment marks a pivotal point, aligning with the city's broader eco-friendly ambitions.

Hidalgo's Commitment to a Cleaner Seine

Mayor Anne Hidalgo's decision to swim in the Seine wasn't spontaneous. It was the culmination of years of dedication and planning, timed to align with the upcoming 2024 Olympics. This swim was meant to showcase the Seine’s dramatically improved water quality and the city's environmental progress.

Challenges with Water Quality

Despite rigorous preparations, water quality remained a contentious issue. Initial tests in June revealed alarming E. coli levels, sometimes ten times over the legal limits, sparking concern. This led to daily monitoring by Eau de Paris, which eventually reported significant improvements. However, the swim’s original date was postponed due to unforeseen snap parliamentary elections and a quirky social media protest.

The Event: Proving the Seine's Cleanliness

Last Wednesday, Mayor Hidalgo, clad in a wetsuit and goggles, made her historic plunge into the Seine. She was joined by Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet and Marc Guillaume, the top government official for the Paris region, along with local club swimmers. This symbolic swim was not just about crossing 100 meters but about demonstrating the Seine’s readiness for the 2024 Olympics and the success of Paris' environmental efforts.

Swim Highlights

The group swam near landmarks like City Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral, alternating between crawl and breaststroke. Emerging from the river, Hidalgo expressed satisfaction with the water quality, calling it "very, very good" though "a little cool."

Investments in Clean-Up Projects

Since 2015, Paris has invested approximately $1.5 billion into improving the Seine's water quality. This includes constructing a massive underground water storage basin, renovating old sewer systems, and upgrading wastewater treatment facilities. A notable structure near the Austerlitz train station can hold the equivalent of 20 Olympic swimming pools of rainwater, treating it instead of discharging it untreated into the Seine.

Overcoming Pollution and Weather Challenges

Despite these efforts, pollution and fluctuating water levels have been persistent challenges, especially during heavy rainfall that overwhelms the city’s wastewater network. This often led to unsafe E. coli levels. Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns increased river flow, complicating logistics for planned Olympic events. However, recent improvements in weather forecasting and new infrastructure have stabilized water quality, offering hope for successful Olympic events and safe recreational use by Parisians.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Mayor Hidalgo's swim in the Seine symbolizes the city's determined efforts and remarkable progress in environmental rejuvenation. From a polluted waterway to a symbol of eco-friendly transformation, this achievement underscores Paris’ vast strides toward sustainability and improved urban life. The dedication to restoring the Seine's health, backed by significant investments and infrastructural upgrades, not only revitalizes urban space but also sets a global standard for environmental stewardship.

I found this short video of Parisians swimming in the Seine River in past decades:

Snapshots of Paris

The cafe I’m sitting in while writing this edition of the newsletter.

Here are a few phone photos from my travels around Paris this week.

1. (top left) View of Île de la Cité from a river cruise

2. (top right) Our Lion is excited about a river cruise

3. (bottom left) Random street in the 12th arrondissement

4. (bottom right) Chez Janou in the Marais

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Mademoiselle K. - Jalouse

This week's "French Song of the Week" brings a touch of French pop/rock nostalgia with "Jalouse" by Mademoiselle K. Released in 2006, the song captured hearts with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about jealousy. Mademoiselle K, known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, became a French pop/rock icon. Let's turn up the volume and reminisce with "Jalouse!"

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.