In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Personal Update: The Unexpected Benefits of Tour Guiding in Paris

• Current Events: Paris' $10BN Olympic Games Makeover

• A Peek Into History: Palais Garnier: Architectural Marvel of Paris Opera House

• Featured French Song: Plastic Bertrand - Ça plane pour moi

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris - This article showcases the most outstanding Three Key hotels in Paris as recognized by The MICHELIN Guide in 2024. The MICHELIN Guide has introduced a new distinction, the MICHELIN Keys, to honor exceptional hotels worldwide. In France, only 24 hotels have achieved the prestigious Three Key status, with nine of these located in Paris. These hotels are celebrated for excelling in all five criteria used by MICHELIN Inspectors, particularly in architecture and interior design, which is highlighted through a visual tour of each hotel's unique design and decor.

➡️ How to Apply for Global Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide - Global Entry is well worth the minimal cost if you travel internationally. I’ve been using it for more than seven years. This article provides a comprehensive guide on applying for Global Entry, including the upcoming fee increase in October 2024 from $100 to $120, making it essential for interested travelers to apply before then to enjoy the lower rate.

PERSONAL STUFF
The Unexpected Benefits of Tour Guiding in Paris

Happy Friday from Paris!

When I joined Bike About Tours as a guide, I knew I would have the chance to share my love for Paris with visitors. However, I didn't expect how inspiring it would be to regularly explore Paris' sites and witness the guests' enthusiasm.

The Enthusiasm Flywheel

Enthusiasm creates a flywheel - in a live performance, the performers' enthusiasm inspires the audience, and in turn, the performers are inspired by an enthusiastic audience. I feel something similar when I show visitors around Paris by bike.

Rediscovering Paris

It's easy to become complacent and stay within the confines of one's apartment or neighborhood, especially during less eventful times. However, there is something truly special about Paris. Working as a guide keeps me connected to inspiring parts of Paris I wouldn’t otherwise see so often.

Whenever I find myself going through the motions, I simply look up. No matter where you are in Paris, beautiful architecture will always greet you. This is something I love about tour guiding and photography. They both require presence.

In addition to looking up, I can reignite my passion for Paris by embarking on an adventure to one of the city's many stunning sites or exhibitions. Sometimes, even a leisurely walk along the Seine River is enough to recharge and reignite my sense of wonder for this incredible place.

This week, I visited the stunning Palais Granier with friends. Here’s a photo from that adventure:

CURRENT EVENTS
Paris' $10BN Olympic Games Makeover

This video gives us a sneak peek at what Paris is doing to prepare for the big event. It covers everything from the history of Paris's bid to host the games to the plans for using iconic landmarks as venues and the city's focus on making the event sustainable and inclusive. It's an excellent summary of what's happening with the Paris Olympics. I've included a brief overview below to give you the highlights.

Historical Context and Bid Journey

Paris won the bid to host the 2024 Olympics after competing against cities like Hamburg, Budapest, and Rome, ultimately leaving Los Angeles as the co-candidate. Los Angeles agreed to host the 2028 games, paving the way for Paris to host in 2024. Paris has previously hosted the Olympics in 1900 and 1924, with this upcoming event marking significant firsts such as gender-equal athlete selection and a commitment to carbon neutrality.

Budget and Venue Strategy

With a budget of $9.5 billion, exceeding initial estimates by over $2 billion, Paris aims to host one of the century's most cost-effective Olympics. The city's approach to utilizing existing arenas and temporary structures aligns with its carbon neutrality goals and allows for showcasing Paris's iconic locations.

Innovative Venue Use

• Central Paris: Historic sites and famous arenas will host various sports, with temporary arenas set up at landmarks.

• Iconic Sites: The Eiffel Tower area for beach volleyball and the Trocadero Gardens for the opening ceremony are notable venues.

• Surrounding Areas: The colossal Stade de France and the Palace of Versailles Gardens will also serve as venues, with new permanent facilities like the Paris Aquatic Center enhancing the city's sports infrastructure.

Massive Projects and Challenges

The new Olympic Village, representing a significant urban development in Saint-Denis, aims to accommodate all athletes and support the Games' sustainability and inclusivity goals. This project also seeks to rejuvenate the area, offering long-term residential benefits.

Environmental and Security Concerns

Despite concerns about the feasibility under extreme weather conditions, efforts to clean the Seine for swimming events underscore Paris's commitment to environmental sustainability. Security remains a paramount concern, with extensive measures planned to safeguard the event amid the anticipated influx of visitors and the potential for terrorism.

Infrastructure and Impact

Questions about the city's infrastructure to manage the massive visitor influx highlight the challenges ahead. The Paris Games aim for a lasting positive impact, leveraging the event to enhance the city's tourism appeal, urban development, and environmental sustainability.

What are your thoughts on Paris's approach to the 2024 Olympics? Do you think the city will overcome its challenges to deliver a memorable event? Share your views in the comments below or reply to this email.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Palais Garnier: Architectural Marvel of Paris Opera House

The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra Garnier, stands as an architectural jewel in the heart of Paris. It was constructed from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera at the command of Emperor Napoleon III.

Designed by architect Charles Garnier, the opera house has become synonymous with Parisian art and elegance and is known for its elaborate Beaux-Arts style. Its marble grand staircase, magnificent chandeliers, and Marc Chagall-painted ceiling capture the essence of 19th-century opulence.

As a historic 1,979-seat venue, the Palais Garnier is a monument to the history of ballet and opera. It also serves as a working theatre and cultural hub. Annual attendance by both local and international visitors measure in the hundreds of thousands, making it a vital part of the city's tourism industry. The opera house remains at the forefront of Paris's arts scene and continues to enchant with its exceptional programming and historic grandeur.

Palais Garnier offers a variety of experiences such as self-guided and guided tours, exhibitions, and immersive games, allowing visitors to explore its history, architecture, and treasures.

Architecture

The Palais Garnier is renowned for its intricate architecture, which combines Beaux-Arts with Neo-Baroque elements. It offers a lavish visual experience that is both grand and detailed.

Design and Style

The Palais Garnier's architectural design is characterized by its Beaux-Arts style, prevalent in the late 19th century, which emphasized classical forms and rich decoration. Neo-Baroque features dominate its façade and interiors, emphasizing symmetry and ornamentation, including multiple sculptures, columns, and friezes.

Grand Staircase

• Materials: Marble of various colors

• Design: A double staircase that leads to the Grand Foyer

• Features: The staircase is adorned with bronze female figures and sets a lavish tone for the entrance

Auditorium

• Capacity: 1,979 seats

• Chandelier: Weighing approximately 7 tons

• Ceiling Painting: Marc Chagall created a new ceiling painting in 1964, adding a touch of modernity to the classical interior.

• Acoustics: The horseshoe-shaped auditorium is designed to enhance the sound quality, providing an exceptional auditory experience.

Stage and Backstage

• Dimensions: The stage is among the largest in Europe.

• Technology: Equipped with advanced machinery for its time, designed to handle complex set changes.

• Flexibility: The backstage area was designed to facilitate the quick scenery shifts required by large-scale productions, highlighting the functionality behind the opulence.

History

The Palais Garnier is an architectural masterpiece of the 19th century, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III.

Construction

The construction of the Palais Garnier, initially named "le nouvel Opéra de Paris," started in 1861 and concluded in 1875. Emperor Napoleon III ordered its creation, seeking to replace the old opera house, the Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique, which no longer met the city's demands.

The opera house's design was selected through a competition, which was won by the then-unknown architect Charles Garnier. During these years, the construction faced several setbacks, including discovering an underground lake beneath the site that demanded an innovative solution for the building's foundations.

Renovations and Restorations

Over the years, the Palais Garnier has undergone numerous renovations and restorations to maintain its grandeur.

In the 20th century, the opera house was modernized to accommodate new technical requirements for stage productions and to improve audience comfort. Renovations have also been more cosmetic, addressing the wear and tear on the building's stonework and the opulent interior decorations.

These restorations strive to preserve Garnier's original vision while keeping the facility functional for contemporary performances.

Notable Events

Palais Garnier has been the site of many high-profile events since its opening.

Perhaps most famously, it served as the setting for Gaston Leroux's novel "The Phantom of the Opera." This novel has since been adapted into films and a long-running musical.

In a real-world context, the opera house has premiered significant works and hosted gala events, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier performance venue.

Since its inception, it has witnessed the evolution of opera and ballet. It continues to inspire artists and audiences alike with its rich history.

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. Looking at The July Column from Passerelle de Mornay

2. Touring on Bikes - The Louvre

3. Police on Horses in The Marais

4. The Palais Garnier

5. Our little Lion at a car show in Burgundy

6. Canal Saint Martin Walking Path

7. 5 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Plastic Bertrand - Ça plane pour moi (1978)

In the late 1970s, Belgian artist Plastic Bertrand, also known as Roger Jouret, made waves with his hit "Ça plane pour moi." This song blended punk and pop, standing out for its lively beat and playful lyrics. It quickly became a symbol of youthful energy and rebellion. "Ça plane pour moi" is celebrated for its vibrant chorus and unique perspective, marking a significant moment in music history where freedom and individuality were at the forefront. The song invites listeners to revisit a time of musical liberation and identity.