Our Week In Paris

Bonjour, Amis!

Happy Valentine's Day! This week has been a busy one, but we've still found time for some fun adventures around the city. I'm excited to share a few images with you.

Our main feature this week is in the Hidden Paris Gems section. We finally made it to Musée des Arts Forains, the fairground museum. We recommend a visit if you want a unique experience in Paris.

Here are a few photos from our wanders around Paris this week, from the canal to a skate park, Musée des Arts Forains, and a friend’s terrace with a stunning view.

1. (top left) Canal Saint Martin

2. (top right) The view from a friend’s terrace

3. (bottom left) Contemplating his next scooter move

4. (bottom right) A cafe along the canal

And finally, here's a photo I made from our friend's terrace. I absolutely love this wide panoramic view of the city with the Eiffel Tower on the left and Sacré-Cœur high on the hill of Montmartre to the right.

Linking You To Paris

➡️ The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel: Travel + Leisure shares expert tips on when to book flights for the best deals, highlighting key timeframes for domestic, international, and peak travel seasons.

➡️ Here’s everything to see at Paris’s Pompidou Centre before it closes this year: Timeout highlights key exhibitions before its five-year closure.

➡️ What's New for Paris Visitors in 2025: Lonely Planet provides a guide to the latest attractions and changes in Paris, from urban beaches to new museum openings.

➡️ French Culture: Food, Traditions, Fashion, Art and Language: France.fr explores the rich culture of France, highlighting Paris as the fashion capital of the world.

➡️ The World's Coolest Underwater Hotels: Okay, I know this article from Condé Nast Traveler isn’t related to Paris, but it’s worth sharing. Would you stay in an underwater hotel? 🫣

WEEKLY PRINT DEAL

Celebrate V-Day with Our Amour Collection

Our Amour Photo Print Collection is 40% Off

As Valentine's Day is upon us, we invite you to explore Paris through our Amour photo print collection. This weekend only, from Friday through Sunday night, we're offering a special discount - 40% off on all prints in our Amour collection!

Each print is a perfect gift or a delightful addition to your space. Please note that metal prints are not included in this offer. With free shipping on all orders, let Paris Love Affair be part of your Valentine's Day celebration.

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL

Love Letters in Medieval Paris - The Story of Abelard and Heloise

Some love stories transcend their time, resonating across centuries with their depth and complexity. In the narrow cobblestone streets of 12th-century Paris, amid the buzz of intellectual debate and candlelit studies, one of history's most fascinating romances began.

Peter Abelard was a charismatic philosophy teacher whose reputation drew students from across Europe. Among them was Heloise, a student whose brilliance rivaled his own. Their connection went far beyond a typical student-teacher relationship – they shared not just passionate discussions about philosophy, but a profound intellectual and emotional bond that would shape both their lives.

Their love affair, though carefully hidden, blossomed into a secret marriage. But in medieval Paris, such relationships came with devastating consequences. When Heloise's uncle discovered their union, his revenge was swift and brutal. He arranged an attack on Abelard that left him castrated – a scandal that shook Paris and forced both lovers into religious life.

Yet what could have ended their story instead transformed it. Separated by circumstance – Abelard as a monk and Heloise as a nun – they began a correspondence that would survive centuries. Their letters transcended mere romance, considering questions of faith, philosophy, and the nature of love itself. These writings would later become some of the most significant literary works of medieval Europe.

Today, their shared tomb in Père Lachaise Cemetery is a quiet monument to enduring love, still drawing visitors who leave flowers and notes at this historic site. Their story reminds us that true love transcends romantic ideals and happy endings – it's about profound connections that can survive separation, scandal, and centuries when built on a foundation of mutual respect, intellectual equality, and unwavering devotion.

PARIS HIDDEN GEMS

Paris's Hidden Fairground Museum

In a quiet corner of Bercy Village, away from Paris's usual tourist spots, sits an unexpected treasure – the Musée des Arts Forains. I recently visited with my family, following a reader's curiosity (Merci, Jennifer!), and found it to be a refreshing change from the typical Parisian museum experience.

The museum occupies former 19th-century wine warehouses, now transformed into a showcase of vintage carnival arts. Since 1996, collector Jean Paul Favand has carefully curated this space, filling it with fairground memorabilia that tells the story of entertainment from a bygone era.

What sets this museum apart is its hands-on approach. Unlike traditional museums where everything sits behind glass, here you can actually ride century-old carousels and try vintage games. My three-year-old was thoroughly entertained, and I found myself equally engaged in learning about the history of these remarkable pieces.

A highlight of our visit was the human-powered bicycle carousel – an ingenious contraption that had us all pedaling together to make it move. Fair warning: it can pick up quite a bit of speed, so hang on tight! We heard that a group of Paris firefighters got the carousel moving at 40 mph! 🤯

Our guide Fabrizio (who goes by Fabrice in Paris) made the experience particularly memorable. His fantastic singing voice and entertaining personality brought the exhibits to life throughout the tour. It's important to note that tours are conducted exclusively in French, which might be challenging for non-French speakers. However, Fabrizio thoughtfully switched between languages to accommodate international visitors in our group, making him an excellent guide to request if you're an English speaker.

The museum's location in Bercy Village is worth exploring too. The area, with its converted wine warehouses and peaceful park, offers a glimpse into a less-touristy side of Paris.

For practical information and booking details, visit the museum's website. It's a unique addition to any Paris itinerary, especially if you're looking to experience something different from the usual museums and monuments.

Here’s a short video I made of our visit:

THEN & NOW

La Samaritaine

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(Help support The Paris Love Letter 😃)

There's something magical about standing in front of La Samaritaine today and holding up an old photograph from its early days. The grand dame of Parisian shopping has seen it all – from the Belle Époque elegance of 1870 when it first opened its doors, to the roaring 1920s when its art deco and art nouveau designs made it the talk of the town.

After a lengthy 16-year beauty sleep and a meticulous renovation, La Samaritaine awakened in 2021 with a fresh face but the same graceful soul. The architects did something remarkable here – they managed to preserve the building's historic charm while weaving in modern touches that feel just right. Looking at it now, you can still spot the original peacock frescoes and ornate railings, but they share space with contemporary designs that wouldn't look out of place in a modern art museum. Paris is a city that knows exactly how to honor its past while stepping confidently into the future.

JOIE DE VIVRE

Express Your Love with a Paris-Inspired Love Letter

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, why not take a moment to express your feelings through a heartfelt love letter or poem? Paris, with its rich history of romance and great literary giants, offers endless inspiration for crafting words that speak to the heart.

Drawing Inspiration from Paris:

• Embrace the Classics: Think of the timeless love stories that have unfolded in Paris, like that of Abelard and Heloise, and let their passion inspire your words. Consider the city's iconic landmarks as backdrops for your sentiments, from the majestic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre.

• Capture the Atmosphere: Describe the ambiance of a cozy Parisian café, the glow of streetlights along the Seine, or the gentle rustle of leaves in a hidden garden. These vivid images can transport your reader to the heart of Paris.

• Personal Touch: Share a personal memory or dream of a moment spent in Paris, whether real or imagined. This personal connection adds authenticity and warmth to your letter.

• Poetic Expressions: If poetry is your style, embrace the rhythm and flow of French poetry, perhaps drawing inspiration from poets like Victor Hugo or Paul Verlaine.

Writing Tips from Famous French Poets:

• Victor Hugo: Embrace Emotion - Hugo believed in the power of emotion in writing. Let your feelings flow freely, capturing the raw emotion that love evokes. As Hugo once said, "To love is to act," so let your words be an action of love.

• Paul Verlaine: Focus on Musicality - Verlaine's poetry is known for its musical quality and rhythm. Incorporate a lyrical flow into your letters, paying attention to the sound and rhythm of your words. Verlaine advised, "Music before all else," so let the letter sing with emotion.

• Charles Baudelaire: Find Beauty in the Mundane - Baudelaire often found beauty in everyday life. Draw inspiration from the small, seemingly mundane moments that define your relationships. As Baudelaire put it, "Always be a poet, even in prose."

• Arthur Rimbaud: Be Bold and Imaginative - Rimbaud was known for his vivid imagery and bold imagination. Let your imagination run wild, painting pictures with your words that evoke the magic of Paris and your personal experiences.

• Guillaume Apollinaire: Embrace Modernity - Apollinaire's work often embraced modern themes and styles. Blend traditional romantic elements with your own modern experiences, creating a unique and personal expression of love.

Share Your Creation:

Once you've penned your letter or poem, consider sharing it with someone special or keeping it as a personal keepsake.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
Edith Piaf - La Vie en Rose

Are we overdoing it for Valentine's Day? 🤣 I couldn’t help myself from including this wonderful classic by Edith Piaf.

Known as "La Môme Piaf," her voice has become synonymous with the romance of Paris. Her classic song, "La Vie en Rose," paints a picture of love through rose-colored glasses, capturing the essence of finding beauty and joy in the simplest moments of life.

Released in 1947, this melody resonates with audiences worldwide, offering a glimpse into the beauty of love and the city that inspires it.

Discover More with Paris Love Affair

If you're enjoying The Paris Love Letter, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the Parisian experience with our curated offerings:

• Join Our Paris Tours: Experience the magic of Paris firsthand with our intimate tours, where we uncover the city's hidden gems and share the stories behind its iconic landmarks. Click Here.
  

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We love sharing our passion for Paris with you and hope these resources enrich your journey with us. Merci, for being part of our community!