🇫🇷 💌 The Paris Love Letter

FOUND IN PARIS
Fun & Useful Links

➡️ Paris iconic riverside booksellers can stay put during Olympics, Macron rules - For anyone following this saga, there’s a sigh of relief from the booksellers as their iconic green bookstalls will remain on the banks of the Seine during the Olympics.

➡️  The Taste of Things - A reader of The Paris Love Letter highly recommends this French film. Don, thanks for sending it our way! I have not seen the film, but the trailer and critical acclaim are lovely.

➡️ Flight Alert: I’m finding great prices on flights to Paris from various US cities in September, which is often an ideal month to visit. Septemeber can be beautifully warm as Paris regains its “normal” shape after two months of swarming tourists - Lower prices and more space to move around.

If you’re up for a quick getaway in April, French Bee has several low fares from NYC and other US cities. Here’s a screen capture of the April fares between NY and Paris:

Heads Up: The seats on French Bee are smaller than average, but in our experience, the planes are clean, and the service has always been excellent. We love that French Bee flies into Orly (ORY) instead of the labyrinth, otherwise known as Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

CAFÉ CULTURE
Culinary Elegance at the Louvre's Doorstep: Discovering Le Cafe Marly

Nestled under the arcades of the iconic Louvre, Le Cafe Marly is more than a place to dine. It's an experience that encapsulates the essence of Parisian sophistication. This gem, known for blending the charm of a Parisian brasserie with the intellectual ambiance of a literary café, offers guests the unique opportunity to relax on its terrace while soaking in the views of the Louvre's famous pyramid.

Cafe Marly prides itself on a menu that champions French culinary traditions, emphasizing quality and taste. From starters celebrating seasonal vegetables to main courses featuring exquisitely grilled meats and fish, the cuisine here is a nod to France's rich gastronomic heritage. A standout dish and a "Beaumarly Signature" is the pavlova with red fruits. This dessert continues to captivate and delight guests with its sweet and indulgent flavors.

What sets Cafe Marly apart is its setting: a perfect meeting spot for those who appreciate Parisian history, luxury, and fine food. With continuous service from early morning until the wee hours (8 AM to 2 AM daily), it caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from early risers seeking a tranquil breakfast spot to night owls looking for a chic dining experience under the Parisian sky.

In addition to its culinary offerings, Cafe Marly's ambiance is imbued with culture and luxury. The interior, as majestic as the terrace, offers views of the museum's sculpture rooms, making your visit a multisensory experience. This establishment is part of Beaumarly's DNA, a collection known for reinventing the art of the international brasserie, focusing on aesthetics, design, and gastronomy, reflecting a "fair, beautiful, and good​​"lifestyle.

HIDDEN GEMS
The Wall of Philip II Augustus: Unveiling Paris's Ancient Defensive Marvel

In the heart of Paris's 4th arrondissement lies a remarkable relic of the city's medieval past - the Wall of Philip II Augustus. While often overshadowed by the grandeur of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, this ancient defensive structure holds profound historical significance, offering a glimpse into Paris's evolution through the centuries.

Constructed during the reign of King Philip II, also known as Philip Augustus, in the late 12th century, the Wall of Philip II Augustus represents the strategic foresight and defensive prowess of medieval Paris. Originally designed to fortify and protect the burgeoning city, the wall was pivotal in shaping Paris's urban landscape and safeguarding its inhabitants during a tumultuous era marked by political upheaval and external threats.

The wall once encircled the heart of medieval Paris, encompassing the city's key neighborhoods and vital arteries. Its powerful presence not only provided a sense of security for the growing populace but also symbolized the authority and power of the monarchy, underscoring the significance of Paris as a thriving political and cultural hub.

The Wall of Philip II Augustus also bore witness to pivotal moments in French history, including the tumultuous events of the Hundred Years' War and the various conflicts that shaped the destiny of the city and the nation. Its imposing structure and strategic placement served as a tangible reminder of the challenges and triumphs that defined Paris's journey through the medieval ages.

Despite the passage of centuries and the inevitable transformations that have reshaped Paris, the remnants of the Wall of Philip II Augustus endure as a living record of the city's spirit and resilience. While much of the original wall has succumbed to the ravages of time and urban development, several sections and towers have been meticulously preserved, offering visitors and history enthusiasts a tangible connection to Paris's medieval legacy.

Today, as visitors meander through the 4th arrondissement, they can encounter these evocative remnants, each stone bearing the weight of centuries of history and the echoes of a bygone era. From the iconic Tour Jean Sans Peur to the discreet yet poignant stretches along Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul, the wall's surviving fragments spark contemplation and reflection, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through Paris's storied past.

ART & LITERATURE
Unlocking Symbolism: The Legacy of Gustave Moreau and His Museum

The Musée Gustave Moreau holds significant importance in the realm of Symbolist art. The artistic vision of Gustave Moreau and the broader Symbolist movement is exemplified in this work. As the former residence of the renowned Symbolist painter, the museum provides a unique and intimate insight into Moreau's evocative works and his creative process, offering art enthusiasts a deeper appreciation of Symbolist art.

Gustave Moreau was a prominent figure in the Symbolist movement, which emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the naturalism and realism of the time. Symbolist artists sought to convey emotions, ideas, and spiritual themes through symbolic imagery and allegory, often exploring themes of mysticism, mythology, and the subconscious. Moreau's work exemplified these characteristics, delving into fantastical and mythological subjects and infusing his paintings with rich symbolism and intricate detail.

Influencing other artists, Moreau's innovative approach to Symbolist art has left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of painters and creative minds. His intricate and symbolic visual language has inspired artists to explore the depths of imagination, spirituality, and the subconscious in their work. Moreau's emphasis on narrative and allegory, as well as his meticulous attention to detail, has resonated with artists seeking to imbue their art with layers of meaning and emotional resonance.

The Musée Gustave Moreau houses a comprehensive collection of Moreau's paintings, drawings, and watercolors, providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic evolution and thematic preoccupations. The museum's setting within Moreau's former residence adds an extra layer of significance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the environment where the artist lived and worked, gaining a deeper understanding of his creative context.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
"La Javanaise" by Juliette Gréco

"La Javanaise" is revered as one of Juliette Gréco's iconic songs, showcasing her distinctive vocal style and emotive delivery. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as a timeless classic in the chanson genre.