In This Issue of The Paris Love Letter

• Café Culture: A Seat at the Intellectual Table - Café de Flore.

• Hidden Gems: The Elevated Eden - Promenade Plantée.

• A Peek into History: The Grandeur and Evolution of the Champs-Élysées.

• Inspiring Stories: The Locks of Love on Pont des Arts.

• Travel Tip of The Week: Enjoying Paris’ Parks and Gardens.

• Art & Literature: The Legacy of Shakespeare and Company.

• Reader Question: I've heard a lot about the 'arrondissements' in Paris. Could you explain what these are and how they affect my travel plans in the city?

• Featured French Song of The Week: Les Champs-Elysées | Joe Dassin | Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder.

Found in Paris - Fun & Useful Stuff From The Web

➡️ 10 Best Walking Tours in Paris (Article - TimeOut Paris) HERE

➡️ List of Upcoming Events in Paris HERE️

➡️ Our Favorite French Hand Cream HERE️

Cafe Culture: A Seat at the Intellectual Table - Café de Flore

In the bustling heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the iconic Café de Flore symbolizes Parisian café culture. With its art deco interior and a client list that reads like a "Who's Who" of 20th-century intellectual and artistic life, it's more than just a café – it's a historical landmark, a creative hub, a sanctum of thought.

Since the 1880s, Café de Flore has poured countless cups of coffee for thirsty Parisians and weary travelers alike. But not all customers were here solely for the robust espresso or the iconic hot chocolate. The café's magic lies in its reputation as the rendezvous spot for artists, intellectuals, and dreamers. Hemingway, Picasso, and Giacometti all found their inspiration within its walls. Most notably, it was the preferred haunt of existentialist philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Their ideas, hatched over hours-long café discussions, shaped the intellectual landscape of the era.

"One could remain there for a lifetime and write novels." - Simone de Beauvoir

Today, as you sit in the red moleskin banquettes, under the watchful gaze of the Flore's legendary waiters, you can't help but feel that you're a part of something bigger—a storied tradition, a lineage of thinkers. Maybe it's the atmosphere, the thrill of creative cross-pollination, or just the strong coffee, but ideas seem to flow a little freer at Café de Flore.

Whether you're here for a brief Parisian sojourn or a lifelong resident, Café de Flore invites you to savor a taste of the city's intellectual history, one sip at a time. So, next time you're in Paris, why not pull up a chair? You never know who might have sat there before you.

The Café de Flore website

Hidden Gems: The Elevated Eden - Promenade Plantée

Paris might be synonymous with grand boulevards and iconic landmarks, but it also has its share of off-the-beaten-path gems. One such treasure is the Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée verte René-Dumont. It's an oasis of serenity amidst the metropolitan hum, a green pathway soaring above the cityscape.

Once an old railway line, the Promenade Plantée was given new life in the 1990s when it was converted into a 4.7-kilometer-long elevated park—the first of its kind in the world. This leafy, elevated trail, lined with a splendid array of flowers, trees, and shrubs, stretches from Bastille to the Boulevard Périphérique, offering a fresh perspective on the city.

Walking the length of the Promenade Plantée, you'll journey through tunnels of foliage, ornate footbridges, and even between buildings. You can peek into private gardens, watch the city's hustle from a tranquil remove, and listen to the chorus of Parisian life without the racket.

Beneath the promenade lies the Viaduc des Arts, a succession of artisan workshops, galleries, and boutiques housed in the arches of the former railway viaduct—a perfect place to explore after your stroll along the aerial garden.

So, when the noise of the city becomes too much, or you simply desire a moment of quiet beauty, ascend into this verdant hideaway. The Promenade Plantée isn't just a walk—it's an experience, an idyllic escape that weaves its way through the heart of the city, a true hidden gem of Paris.

A Peek into History: The Grandeur and Evolution of the Champs-Élysées

Dubbed "the most beautiful avenue in the world", the Champs-Élysées has seen Paris evolve through centuries, all while undergoing a transformation of its own. This famed boulevard has a backstory just as grand as its present-day allure.

The history of the Champs-Élysées, whose name translates to 'Elysian Fields' (a place of beauty and happiness in Greek mythology), traces back to the 17th century. Originally, it was nothing more than fields and marshes until André Le Nôtre, a landscape architect for King Louis XIV, designed it as an extension of the Tuileries Garden. By the end of the 18th century, this elegant promenade, adorned with trees and lush gardens, became the place to see and be seen.

"On the Champs-Élysées, in the sun, in the rain, at midday or at midnight, there is everything you want on the Champs-Élysées." - Joe Dassin

Over the years, the Champs-Élysées turned into a symbol of French national pride. It played center stage in numerous historic events, such as the French Revolution's return of Napoleon from Elba and the joyful marching of the French forces after both World Wars. The Arc de Triomphe, standing proudly at its western end, became a national rallying point.

The avenue has also evolved in terms of its character. From being an elite residential area in the 19th century, it became a bustling commercial hub in the 20th, housing cinemas, cafes, luxury shops, and even car showrooms. Some Parisians today lament this change, and recent plans intend to give it a "green" makeover, reducing car traffic and enhancing its original grandeur.

Strolling along the Champs-Élysées today, one can't help but be entranced by its allure and history that whispers tales of its glorious past and paints pictures of a promising future. It is a testament to the Parisian spirit, a glorious blend of history and modernity, a symbol of the city's heart that beats in rhythm with its people.

Inspiring Stories: The Locks of Love on Pont des Arts

There's a tale woven into the fabric of Paris, a story of love immortalized in metal and tossed keys. Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge linking the Institut de France and the central square of the Palais du Louvre, was once a testament to enduring love, with countless 'love locks' adorning its railings.

The tradition was simple yet deeply symbolic. Couples would write their names on a padlock, secure it to the bridge, and toss the key into the Seine River below. The action carried a powerful message: their love was locked, and the key was lost, signifying unbreakable and eternal love.

This custom turned the bridge into a glittering spectacle. Each lock, a personal love story, each key a secret sunk to the river's murky depths. It was romantic, poetic, and quintessentially Parisian.

But alas, love can be too heavy a burden. In 2015, city officials began removing the padlocks, citing structural concerns due to the overwhelming weight. Sections of the bridge's railings, sagging under the weight of thousands of locks, were replaced with plexiglass panels. The city of love abandoned the tradition for the bridge's safety.

Yet the legend of the love locks lives on. For many, the Pont des Arts will always symbolize a place where love was publicly declared and eternally sealed. And while the physical locks may be gone, the stories they represented remain a romantic piece of Paris's heart, an unforgettable chapter in the city's love affair with love itself.

Art & Literature: The Legacy of Shakespeare and Company

A stone's throw from the Notre-Dame, nestled in a corner of the Latin Quarter, you'll find a timeless sanctuary of words, creativity, and imagination: the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Not just any bookstore, this Parisian gem is steeped in literary history and continues to serve as a beacon for English-language literature in the City of Light.

The bookstore's roots trace back to 1919 when an ambitious woman named Sylvia Beach opened the original Shakespeare and Company on rue Dupuytren. Beach's bookstore was more than a retail establishment; it became a vibrant hub for expatriate writers in Paris in the 1920s, famously known as the Lost Generation. It was a home away from home for literary greats like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce. Beach even published Joyce's controversial novel "Ulysses" when others wouldn't dare.

Unfortunately, the original Shakespeare and Company closed during the German occupation of Paris in World War II and never reopened. However, in 1951, another American, George Whitman, unknowingly picked up the mantle when he opened his bookstore, "Le Mistral." In 1964, after Sylvia Beach's death, he renamed his bookstore Shakespeare and Company as a tribute to Beach's original literary haven.

Today, stepping into Shakespeare and Company is like stepping into a time machine. Its iconic green facade gives way to cozy reading nooks, shelves crammed with books, and the antiquated charm of typewriters and piano music. It has remained a bohemian refuge where writers (referred to as 'Tumbleweeds') are allowed to stay for free in exchange for helping out in the shop, writing a one-page autobiography, and promising to read a book a day.

Shakespeare and Company is more than just a bookstore. It's a monument to the literary history of Paris and a warm, welcoming space for anyone who finds joy in the written word.

The Shakespeare and Company website

Travel Tips: Enjoying Paris’ Parks and Gardens

The City of Light is not just about stunning architecture and iconic monuments; it also boasts beautiful parks and gardens. Here are some tips for making the most out of these natural spaces:

1. Plan according to the season: While Parisian parks and gardens are enjoyable all year round, each season has its unique charm. In spring, cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux are a must-see, while autumn at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a colorful spectacle.

2. Picnics are welcome: Many Parisian parks allow picnics. Pack some cheese, baguette, fruits, and wine, and have a quintessentially Parisian experience. Just remember to clean up after!

3. Hours vary: Park hours change with the seasons. Check the opening hours online before planning your visit.

4. Free chairs: Many parks, like the Tuileries Garden and Jardin du Luxembourg, provide free, movable chairs. Grab one and pick your perfect spot.

5. Join in the park activities: From puppet shows in Parc Montsouris to free concerts in Parc Floral, there’s always something happening in Paris’ parks. Check the Paris city events calendar for details.

Reader Question

Kara asks - I've heard a lot about the 'arrondissements' in Paris. Could you explain what these are and how they affect my travel plans in the city?

Greuestion! Paris is divided into 20 districts known as 'arrondissements.' They're arranged in a clockwise spiral, with the 1st arrondissement in the center of the city near the Louvre and Notre-Dame. Each arrondissement has its unique character and attractions. For example, the 7th is home to the Eiffel Tower, while the 4th houses the vibrant Marais district. Understanding the layout of the arrondissements can help you plan your trip more efficiently. For instance, if most of the attractions you want to visit are in the 5th and 6th arrondissements, it might be worthwhile to look for accommodations in these areas. Happy traveling!

Featured French Song

Les Champs-Elysées | Joe Dassin | Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder