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

• Happening in Paris: Serge Ramelli’s Paris May 2025 Photography Workshop

• A Peek Into History: Paris's Secret Rooftops: A Bird's-Eye View of the City

• Cafe Culture: Passager Cafe: A Cozy Parisian Haven for Coffee Lovers

• Featured French Song: Serge Gainsbourg et Brigitte Bardot - Bonnie and Clyde

PARIS LINKS

➡️ G7 Taxi Service & App - If you're visiting Paris and prefer to travel by taxi, I highly recommend using the G7 Taxi service. The G7 app functions similarly to Uber, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience, but with superior service quality. With G7, you can easily find a nearby car, ensuring quick and reliable transportation. By paying through the app, you can avoid any unexpected charges, providing peace of mind and transparency. Additionally, the app allows you to schedule rides up to 30 days in advance, making it convenient for planning your itinerary.

➡️ Why the Eiffel Family and Others Don’t Like the Plan to Keep Olympic Rings on the Eiffel Tower - From Time: As much as the French capital reveled in the celebratory air of the Olympics this summer, many are less than thrilled to discover Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plan to keep the iconic Olympic rings on France’s most iconic monument even after the Games.

Snapshots of Paris

Welcome to "Snapshots of Paris," your weekly peek into our Parisian adventures! Summer crashed into late fall this week, but we were able to find some fun adventures between the rainy days!

1. (top left) Near Maurice Gardette Square

2. (top right) Cuvée Noire - Coffee Shop - Bastille

3. (bottom left) Line 1 Metro After a Long Day

4. (bottom right) Near Le Louis Philippe

Street Performers Busking Near Les Halles

Serge Ramelli’s Paris May 2025 Photography Workshop

I've had the pleasure of seeing Serge Ramelli in action during his Paris workshops on several occasions. Serge's expertise is matched only by his generosity - he has a remarkable ability to share his knowledge and passion for photography in a way that inspires and elevates everyone around him. Serge’s workshops offer an unparalleled opportunity to capture the magic of Paris through a lens.

This spring, photography enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to capture the essence of Paris through the lens of world-renowned photographer Serge Ramelli. From May 7-14, 2024, Ramelli is hosting an exclusive 8-day workshop that promises to be more than just a tourist snapshot tour. Participants will explore iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, as well as hidden gems, learning to master various photography techniques.

The workshop offers a blend of on-location shoots and post-processing sessions, ensuring participants leave with a portfolio of professional-quality images. With access to exclusive vantage points and personalized attention in a small group, this experience is perfect for those looking to elevate their photography skills while immersing themselves in the beauty of the City of Light. Whether you're an aspiring or experienced photographer, this workshop offers a chance to see and capture Paris like never before.

This workshop will sell out! If you’re interested, please sign up soon!

VISITING PARIS

Paris's Secret Rooftops: A Bird's-Eye View of the City

Paris, with its iconic skyline of zinc roofs and chimney pots, is a city best appreciated from above. While the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre offer famous vantage points, there are lesser-known rooftops that provide equally stunning, if not more intimate, views of the City of Light. Here's our guide to some of Paris's secret rooftops that are accessible to the public.

Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace: While the department store itself is no secret, many visitors overlook its free rooftop terrace. Here, you'll find breathtaking views of the Opera Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre. Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris Tip: Visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

Institut du Monde Arabe: The rooftop of this cultural institute offers a unique eastern perspective of Paris. From here, you can admire Notre Dame Cathedral and the winding Seine River. Address: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Tip: Don't miss the intricate facade of the building itself, with its light-sensitive apertures.

Le Jardin Suspendu: This seasonal rooftop garden atop a parking garage in the 15th arrondissement offers a more laid-back atmosphere. With its urban farm and bar, it's a local favorite for summer evenings. Address: 40 Rue d'Oradour-sur-Glane, 75015 Paris Note: Open only during summer months.

Centre Pompidou: The rooftop of this iconic modern art museum offers a unique perspective on Paris's historic heart. Sacré-Cœur gleams to the north, Notre Dame's spires pierce the eastern skyline, and the Eiffel Tower stands proudly westward. Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Tip: End your museum visit with this spectacular view. The rooftop restaurant, Georges, offers gourmet dining with a panoramic backdrop.

Le Toit de la Grande Arche: Recently reopened to the public, the rooftop of La Défense's iconic Grande Arche offers a unique perspective of Paris and its modern business district. Address: 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92044 Paris Tip: Visit on a clear day for views stretching to Montmartre.

Printemps Haussmann: Another department store gem, Printemps offers a 360-degree view of Paris from its rooftop terrace. The Art Deco cupola adds a touch of historical charm. Address: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris Tip: Enjoy a meal at the rooftop restaurant for a luxurious experience.

Montparnasse Tower: While not exactly a secret, the Montparnasse Tower offers arguably the best panoramic view of Paris. Its 56th-floor observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the city, including a spectacular vista of the Eiffel Tower. Address: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris Tip: Visit at sunset to see the city transition from day to night, with the Eiffel Tower's light show as a highlight.

As you explore these elevated views, you'll gain a new appreciation for Paris's architecture. From these vantage points, the city's layout becomes clear – the wide boulevards, the meandering Seine, the pockets of green spaces, and the iconic monuments all fitting together like pieces of a beautiful puzzle.

Whether you're seeking a romantic sunset view, a quiet spot for contemplation, or simply a new perspective on this beloved city, Paris's secret rooftops offer unforgettable experiences above the hustle and bustle of street level. So next time you're in Paris, don't forget to look up – and then find your way up!

CAFE CULTURE

Passager Cafe: A Cozy Parisian Haven for Coffee Lovers

Passager Cafe is a delightful cafe nestled in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, just a stone's throw from the Place de la Bastille. We had the pleasure of visiting for breakfast, and I can't recommend their coffee highly enough. The cafe is renowned for its exceptional brews. Laura tried their dirty chai tea latte, which was a perfect balance of flavors - great and not overly sweet. We also indulged in their absolutely delicious pancakes.

What makes Passager Cafe stand out is its commitment to creating a serene, Wi-Fi-free environment that encourages patrons to live in the moment. The interior boasts a clean, calm atmosphere that's perfect for relaxation. They offer a concise menu featuring breakfast and lunch items like toasts, salads, and eggs, as well as fresh-squeezed juices. The staff is notably friendly and English-speaking, always ready with a warm welcome.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Serge Gainsbourg et Brigitte Bardot - Bonnie and Clyde

"Bonnie and Clyde" is a French pop song from 1968, performed as a duet by two iconic figures in French culture: Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot. Gainsbourg, a prolific singer-songwriter known for his provocative style, wrote the song based on a poem by the real-life Bonnie Parker. Bardot, a renowned actress and sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, lent her sultry voice to the track. The song blends elements of chanson and baroque pop to tell the story of the infamous American outlaw couple, creating a seductive and cinematic musical experience that has become a classic of French music.

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.