OUR WEEK IN PARIS

Snapshots From Paris

Each week, I share a handful of photos that tell the story of our Paris. From quick phone snaps to more carefully composed shots, these images are little postcards of our life in Paris, inviting you to see the city through our eyes.

1. (top left) Place Dauphine

2. (top right) Conciergerie

3. (bottom left) Right Bank, looking towards the Conciergerie

4. (bottom right) Pont des Arts

I hope this edition of The Paris Love Letter finds you basking in the warmth of a wonderful Thanksgiving! Whether you spent it sharing turkey with loved ones or dreaming of Paris from afar, I trust your hearts (and bellies!) were full. Thank you for being part of our little Parisian community.

What a magical week it's been in the City of Light. Just before sending out my last newsletter, Paris transformed into an enchanting snow globe as unexpected November snow blanketed our streets. I grabbed my camera and dashed out to capture these rare moments – our beautiful city draped in white, holiday decorations twinkling through the falling snow.

LINKING YOU TO PARIS

➡️ The 38 Essential Restaurants in Paris: From Eater - Steak frites and great wine on the Left Bank, Roman-style flash-grilled artichoke with figs from a French Tunisian chef, a Michelin-starred tasting menu on the Champs-Élysées, and more of Paris’s best.

➡️ My Best 61 Travel Tips to Make You the World’s Savviest Traveler: From Nomadic Matt - Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.

➡️ Notre Dame reveals December opening date amid debate over entry fee: From Lonely Planet - It’s official: Notre Dame Cathedral, an icon of Paris, will officially reopen on December 8, 2024, after five years of restoration work following the 2019 fire. The reopening will feature several special exhibits, showcasing artifacts from the cathedral's history and highlights that reflect its 861-year history.

➡️ 30 Books To Transport You To France: From Hip Paris - Whether treating yourself or looking for a gift for the Francophile in your life, you can never go wrong with a good book. Find inspiration in stunning photography, charming drawings, and get up to speed with the legendary French approach to beauty, style and food with these 30 French inspired books.

Our Epic Black Friday Sale Kickoff!

This Black Friday weekend, I'm thrilled to offer you something special – a chance to bring a piece of Paris into your home at our most generous discount of the year!

For three days only (Friday through Sunday), enjoy 50% off all prints in our shop. Each photograph in the collection has been personally captured through my lens, telling a unique story of the city we all love so deeply.

✨ 50% Off All Fine Art Paris Prints

✨ Valid Friday Through Sunday Only

Your support through print purchases helps keep The Paris Love Letter flowing into your inbox, allowing me to continue sharing our beloved Paris with you all.

With gratitude,

James

Discount Applied at Checkout

VISITING PARIS

The Best Taxi Service in Paris (Better than Uber)

When visiting Paris, choosing the right transportation can make a significant difference in your travel experience. G7, one of Paris's premier taxi services, stands out as a better alternative to ride-sharing apps like Uber, and here's why.

Unlike ride-sharing services that rely on independent contractors, G7 operates under strict professional standards. Their drivers must obtain specialized professional licenses and undergo rigorous training. This professional certification process ensures a higher level of service and safety for passengers.

The company's commitment to safety extends beyond driver qualifications. G7 taxis have exclusive access to bus lanes, enabling faster travel through Paris's busy streets. Each vehicle undergoes regular maintenance checks and is equipped with security features, including tracking systems and cameras. The company maintains direct oversight of both vehicles and drivers, adding an extra layer of security.

The G7 app offers the same convenient features travelers love about ride-sharing apps – real-time tracking, secure credit card payments, and fare estimates – but with the added assurance of professional drivers and company accountability. While the service may cost slightly more than alternatives, frequent travelers report that the enhanced safety and reliability justify the difference.

For visitors to Paris seeking reliable, secure transportation, G7 represents the perfect blend of traditional taxi service standards and modern convenience. It's a choice that prioritizes passenger safety without sacrificing the ease of use we've come to expect from transportation apps.

PARIS HIDDEN GEMS

A Hidden Stairway to The Stars - The Mysterious Medici Column

Rising 92 feet into the Parisian sky, the Medici Column is a fascinating relic of the queen's obsession with the cosmos. Built in 1575, this architectural marvel is Paris' first free-standing column, but its true allure lies within its hollow core. I was first introduced to this gem by our friend, the Mystery Parisian. Whenever I’m in the neighborhood, I meander by this 16th-century tower. Paris really is an open-air museum.

Commissioned by Catherine de Medici as part of her royal palace (now the Bourse de Commerce), this elegant limestone structure appears purely decorative at first glance. But behind its ornate exterior lies a secret: a spiral staircase winding its way to what was once an astrological observatory.

The column's true purpose centered around Catherine's trusted confidant, Cosimo Ruggieri, her personal astrologer since their shared childhood in Florence. From his perch atop the column, Ruggieri would study the stars, making predictions that would influence some of France's most crucial royal decisions. The staircase connected Catherine's private apartments directly to Ruggieri's celestial workspace, allowing for discrete consultations.

While the royal palace is long gone, replaced by the current commodities exchange building, the column remains, still guarding its mysterious interior. Though the door at its base is now sealed, visitors can spot the distinctive cage-like structure at its summit – a silent reminder of a time when astrology and politics intertwined in the heart of Paris.

PARIS CAFES

A Hidden Gem of African Cuisine in Paris

Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Waly-Fay with our newsletter's own Mystery Parisian, and I'm excited to share this culinary discovery with you. Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement at 6 rue Godefroy Cavaignac, this charming establishment has been serving authentic West African cuisine since 2002.

The menu celebrates African flavors, featuring grilled specialties (à la braise) served with aromatic Yassa or red sauce and traditional dishes that transport you straight to West Africa. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted and served with fragrant rice or traditional accompaniments, creating an authentic dining experience that delights newcomers and those familiar with African cuisine.

Waly-Fay's intimate setting fills up quickly. Make sure to book ahead through their website or by calling – your taste buds will thank you for this delicious adventure beyond traditional French cuisine.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY

The Rise and Fall of La Piscine Deligny, Paris's Floating Oasis

La Piscine Deligny was one of Paris's most iconic swimming establishments, with a rich history dating back to its creation in 1785. Originally a floating bath structure on the Seine River near the Quai Anatole-France in the 7th arrondissement, it was named after a swimming instructor who founded a royal swimming school there in 1801.

In the 1840s, the facility was expanded using multiple connected barges to create a 50-meter pool, transforming it into a prestigious social destination. It attracted royalty and the Parisian elite, and even hosted swimming events during the 1900 Paris Olympics. Beyond swimming, La Piscine Deligny featured restaurants, private salons, and a popular sunbathing deck that gained fame for topless sunbathing in the 1970s.

After over 200 years of operation, this historic pool met a tragic end when it suddenly sank into the Seine in just 40 minutes on July 8, 1993, due to a structural failure. This marked the end of an era in Parisian swimming culture, leaving behind memories of its grandeur and social significance.

Interestingly, La Piscine Deligny was not only a hub for social gatherings but also a place of innovation. It was one of the first pools in Paris to introduce heated water, making it a year-round attraction. Additionally, it was a favorite spot for artists and writers, who often found inspiration in its unique setting and vibrant atmosphere.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Youcii – Le Chant du Silence (The Sound of Silence – cover in French)

This week, I'm sharing a beautiful rendition of a classic song that holds a special place in my heart: "Le Chant du Silence" by Youcii. This French cover of "The Sound of Silence" perfectly encapsulates the serene and introspective atmosphere that envelops Paris when it snows.

The gentle hush of winter in the city, with its soft, blanketing silence, mirrors the emotive depth of this song. It's a timeless piece that resonates with the quiet beauty of a snow-covered Paris, making it one of my personal favorites. Enjoy the tranquility and let the music transport you to a peaceful Parisian winter.