In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

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

• Snapshots of Paris: Random photos from the week

• Paris For The Olympics: The Tranquility of Paris' Seine Islands This Week

• Featured French Song: The Shorts - Comment Ca Va (1983)

PARIS LINKS

➡️ Paris 2024 Pass: the unlimited travel pass during the Paris Games  - For anyone visiting during the Olympics who needs a metro pass: This year, on the occasion of the Paris Games, a new pass is being sold - The Paris 2024 Pass. It will allow you to access all competition venues in the Île-de-France region and beyond with just one unlimited ticket.

➡️ The best hotels in Paris - From Conde Nast Traveler: The best hotels in Paris, chosen by Condé Nast Traveller editors, from the coolest new boutique hotels to affordable stays, the city's first palace-status hotel and the grandest of grand dames.

➡️ The Paris Games’ Mascot, the Olympic Phryge, Boasts a Little-Known Revolutionary Past - From Smithsonian Magazine: The Phrygian cap, also known as the liberty cap, emerged as a potent symbol in 18th-century America and France.

🚨 Flight Alert - I've seen some good deals if you’re looking for last-minute flights to Paris in August. Most airlines were expecting higher volume for the Olympics, and with fewer travelers than anticipated, prices seem to be dropping. For example, I found flights from LAX to ORY for $500-$600.

Snapshots of Paris

This week, taking advantage of the quiet before the Olympic storm, I visited Sainte Chapelle, which typically has a massive queue. I had forgotten how stunning the stained glass is!

One of my favorite squares in Paris is Place Dauphine. It’s remarkable to see it so empty.

The bistrot below is where I wrote much of this week’s newsletter. It’s an otherwise overlooked, average Parisian restaurant on Île Saint-Louis. I love the ordinary cafes in Paris.

I tried a different place at first, a tourist trap, but was disgusted by the price of €7.5 for an espresso. I ventured down the road to a more local-looking spot, got an espresso for €2.5, and chatted with the lovely owner.

1. (top left) Magic Carpet Cafe - 12th arr. (good coffee!)

2. (top right) Our Lion on a Parisian Adventure

3. (bottom left) Stravinsky Fountain

4. (bottom right) Nashville in Paris

PARIS FOR THE OLYMPICS
The Tranquility of Paris' Seine Islands This Week

Imagine wandering through the heart of Paris, where the lively buzz of tourists and the melodious hum of river cruises suddenly give way to an unexpected stillness. This week, the islands of Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis in the Seine River offer a unique and serene escape from the usual hustle and bustle, directly resulting from heightened security measures in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.

A Serene Prelude to the Olympics

Paris has implemented an extensive security perimeter along the Seine, transforming the islands into tranquil sanctuaries far removed from their typical touristy atmosphere. This calm is the calm before the Olympic storm, with the opening ceremony set to make a splash on the Seine. From July 18, access to the quays has been restricted, and only those with a unique QR code can pass through the checkpoints, ensuring the safety and smooth execution of the events.

An Unexpected Quiet

For the first time, you can experience the Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis in a way few ever have – without the usual throngs of visitors. The narrow, cobblestone streets and historic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle are now surrounded by an unusual silence. River cruises, a staple of Parisian tourism, have been halted from July 19 to July 27, making this a rare moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the Seine without the usual flotilla of boats.

Adapting to the Changes

While some residents and businesses express frustration over these disruptions, many see them as necessary measures to ensure safety during the Olympics. The usual flow of deliveries and daily activities has been rerouted to accommodate the security protocols, adding a touch of adventure to the everyday logistics.

A Preview of Olympic Grandeur

As the city prepares for the grand spectacle of the opening ceremony, the Seine will soon be teeming with activity. But for now, this quiet interlude offers a rare chance to see the islands in a different light. It's a fleeting opportunity to leisurely explore Paris' historic heart without the usual distractions.

Here’s a video I made at Notre Dame this week. I’ve NEVER seen it empty at midday like this:

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
The Shorts - Comment Ca Va (1983)

Rewind to the 80s! Parisian Summers and Synth-Pop with The Shorts! This week, we're heading back to 1983 with a French twist. Remember neon lights, synth-heavy beats, and those unforgettable summer vibes? That's exactly what you'll get with The Shorts' mega-hit, "Comment Ca Va." Check out a live video straight out of the 80s!

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.