🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

PERSONAL UPDATE
Touring Paris’ Hidden Gems!

Greetings from Paris!

I’m having a lot of fun working with Bike About Tours. This week, I'm guiding guests on the Hidden Paris Tour, which visits some of my favorite hidden gems, like Arènes de Lutèce, previously featured in our newsletter. Let me know if you’re coming to Paris! I’d love to show you around on two wheels.

With Parisian Love,

James

PS - I’ve had some wonderful guests on tour this week and am grateful they are happy with the tour. Here is a review from one of my guests this week!

Merci 😀

CAFÉ CULTURE
Café Hugo - Restaurant in Place des Vosges

Laura and I recently enjoyed dining at Café Hugo in the historic and picturesque Place des Vosges. This renowned square, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in Paris, provides a unique blend of Parisian charm and tranquility. It's a delightful escape from the bustling city streets, offering a serene setting for a memorable dining experience.

Place des Vosges is the perfect backdrop for a meal. The square, with its lush green spaces and stately residences, encapsulates the essence of Parisian elegance. Café Hugo is all the more appealing for those looking to dine in rustic style without the hefty price tag often associated with such prime locations. 

Pro Tip: Dine on the terrace and enjoy the experience of being in Place des Voges, Paris' first planned square.

Our dining experience at Café Hugo included a shared Mediterranean platter and a glass of red wine each. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were well-balanced, and the presentation impeccable, all contributing to a dining experience that far exceeded our expectations, given the reasonable prices.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
Exploring the Architectural and Cultural Majesty of Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont

In the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is not just a structure of architectural grace and historical depth but a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. This Roman Catholic church, beloved by Parisians and travelers alike, seamlessly blends the flamboyant Gothic style with the elegance of the Renaissance, creating a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation and reflection. 

Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont's origins are deeply rooted in Paris's early medieval history. They trace back to the 6th century with the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul, founded during King Clovis's reign. This church laid the groundwork for a site of significant religious and cultural importance.

Throughout its history, the church has witnessed significant milestones, such as its transformation into a royal abbey during the Middle Ages, the replacement of the abbey church by the Panthéon in 1744, and its resilience during the French Revolution, where it suffered damage but retained its significance, with Catholic worship restored in 1803. 

The architectural splendor of Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is an example of the harmonious blend of French Gothic and Renaissance styles. Notable features include the Gothic bell tower, the jubé —an ornate partition symbolizing a bridge between earth and the divine—and the interior grandeur that showcases intricate stained glass, golden ceiling decorations, and a Baroque pulpit adorned with a sculpture of Samson.

The church's sculpted tympanum highlights its artistic and cultural heritage, which is recognized as a national monument of France and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fun Fact: Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is featured in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris!

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Tatiana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band - Ménilmontant (Charles Trenet)

Dive into the nostalgic charm of Paris with "Ménilmontant" performed by Tatiana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band. This rendition of Charles Trenet's classic brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the story of Ménilmontant, a beloved neighborhood in Paris where we used to live.

The combination of Eva-Marie's enchanting vocals and the Avalon Jazz Band's lively instrumentation transports listeners straight to the heart of French jazz. It captures the essence of a bygone era with a modern twist.