In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

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

• Snapshots of Paris: This week’s collection of photos

• A Peek Into History: Marie Antoinette's Paris: Tracing the Queen's Footsteps in the City

• Parisian Sweet Treats: The Sweet History of Pain au Chocolat

• Featured French Song: Slimane - Mon Amour

PARIS LINKS

➡️ What’s On in Paris – September 2024 - From Secrets of Paris: This article provides a calendar of events and activities in Paris during September, including the Paralympic Games and other cultural events.

➡️ 98+ Exciting Hidden Gems: non-touristy things to do in Paris - From Salut From Paris: This article offers a comprehensive list of non-touristy activities and places to explore in Paris.

➡️ The 10 Best Airbnbs In Paris - From Forbes: This article highlights the top-rated Airbnb rentals in Paris, covering a range of options from cozy studios to luxurious apartments.

Snapshots of Paris

Welcome to "Snapshots of Paris," your weekly peek into our Parisian adventures! This week's big news? Our little guy took his first steps into the world of école. To mark the occasion, we let him call the shots for dinner. His choice? Pizza, of course! The chef got in on the fun too, surprising us with a bunny-shaped creation. Who knew school days could be so deliciously entertaining?

1. (top left) Looking at Pont Neuf from the Left Bank

2. (top right) Celebrating his first day of school with pizza

3. (bottom left) A vintage toy shop in the 11th

4. (bottom right) Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine

The Three Phases of Our Evening at Place d'Aligre - Daylight, Dusk, and Rain

A PEEK INTO HISTORY

Marie Antoinette's Paris: Tracing the Queen's Footsteps in the City

Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, remains one of history's most fascinating and controversial figures. Born in 1755 as an Archduchess of Austria, she was married to the future King Louis XVI at the age of 14, sealing an alliance between Austria and France. Arriving in Paris in 1770, the young princess was thrust into the opulent and complex world of the French court at Versailles.

Despite her initial popularity, Marie Antoinette's reign was marked by growing public discontent. Criticized for her lavish lifestyle and perceived indifference to the plight of the French people, she became a symbol of the monarchy's excesses. The famous phrase "Let them eat cake" is often misattributed to her, reflecting the public's perception of her detachment. As the French Revolution unfolded, Marie Antoinette's fate became increasingly precarious. In 1793, she was executed by guillotine, just nine months after her husband, bringing an end to the French monarchy and cementing her place in history as a tragic figure of the Ancien Régime.

While Marie Antoinette is often associated with Versailles, her presence can still be felt in Paris. Follow in the footsteps of the infamous queen and discover a different side of the city's history.

Conciergerie: Start your journey where Marie Antoinette's Parisian story ended. This former royal palace turned revolutionary prison was where the queen spent her final days. Visit her reconstructed cell and the memorial chapel built in her honor. Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris Tip: The audioguide offers detailed insights into Marie Antoinette's time here.

Chapelle Expiatoire: Built on the site where Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were initially buried, this neoclassical chapel serves as a memorial to the royal couple. Address: 29 Rue Pasquier, 75008 Paris Note: Open only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Place de la Concorde: Formerly known as Place de la Révolution, this is where Marie Antoinette met her fate at the guillotine. Today, it's a bustling square with the Luxor Obelisk marking the spot where the scaffold once stood. Nearest Metro: Concorde

Chapelle Expiatoire: Built on the site where Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were initially buried, this neoclassical chapel serves as a memorial to the royal couple. Address: 29 Rue Pasquier, 75008 Paris Note: Open only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Carnavalet Museum: This museum of Parisian history houses several artifacts related to Marie Antoinette, including her shoe and a lock of her hair. Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Tip: Look for the scale model of the Bastille, made from one of its stones.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs: This museum houses furniture and decorative objects from Marie Antoinette's era, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the French court. Address: 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Petit Trianon at Versailles: While not in Paris proper, no Marie Antoinette tour would be complete without visiting her private retreat at Versailles. The Petit Trianon and the surrounding Hameau offer insight into the queen's desire for a simpler life. Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles Tip: Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

La Maison Ladurée: While not directly related to Marie Antoinette, this famous patisserie is known for its macarons - a treat that gained popularity during the queen's time. It's a sweet way to end your historical journey. Address: 16 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris (original location)

As you trace Marie Antoinette's steps through Paris, you'll uncover a complex figure whose life was intertwined with some of the most tumultuous events in French history. From opulence to imprisonment, her story offers a unique lens through which to view the City of Light.

PARISIAN SWEET TREATS

The Sweet History of Pain au Chocolat

As I mentioned above, our son just had his first day of school this week. To celebrate this milestone, we treated him to his absolute favorite pastry - a warm, flaky pain au chocolat. Watching his eyes light up as he bit into that buttery, chocolate-filled delight reminded me of why this pastry holds such a special place in French culture and our family's heart. It seemed fitting to share a bit about this beloved treat with all of you.

Pain au chocolat, also known as chocolatine in southwestern France, is a beloved French pastry that has become a breakfast staple and afternoon treat around the world. This flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich chocolate has a history as layered as its delicate dough.

The origins of pain au chocolat are intertwined with the history of viennoiserie - a class of pastries that originated in Vienna, Austria. In the early 19th century, an Austrian artillery officer named August Zang opened a Viennese bakery in Paris, introducing the French to new baking techniques and pastries, including the croissant.

The exact moment when chocolate was first folded into this flaky dough remains a subject of debate. Some accounts suggest it was the brainchild of Parisian chocolatiers in the 1830s, while others attribute its creation to Jewish immigrants from Austria. Regardless of its precise origins, by the late 19th century, pain au chocolat had become a fixture in French bakeries.

Unlike its crescent-shaped cousin, the croissant, pain au chocolat is typically rectangular. It's made from the same layered, buttery dough, but with batons of dark chocolate folded inside before baking. The result is a perfect harmony of crisp, flaky exterior and a molten chocolate core.

Today, pain au chocolat is enjoyed across France and beyond, often paired with a café au lait for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon indulgence. Its popularity has led to variations, including double chocolate versions and those made with high-quality, single-origin chocolates.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Slimane - Mon Amour

This week's featured French song is "Mon Amour" by Slimane. Released in 2023, this soulful ballad showcases Slimane's powerful and emotive vocals. Known for his heartfelt performances and poignant lyrics, Slimane delivers a touching ode to love with this track. "Mon Amour" blends contemporary pop with traditional French chanson elements, creating a sound that's both modern and timeless. The song's passionate delivery and relatable themes of love and devotion have resonated with audiences, making it a standout in Slimane's repertoire.

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.