There are many wonderful cities around the globe. However, there is something extra special about Paris. Its elegant architecture, enticing cafés and cobbled streets are all delightful, but its allure is much more complex. What gives the city its unique magic? Why so many people love Paris? I explore this below and offer you the chance to share why you love the city … which could win you an amazing Paris Valentine’s Day prize package including my books, my new Paris webinars as well as Frenchie items by Paris, Meet Boston and Paris In A Chocolate™!
As the capital of France for virtually 1,500 years, Paris has had a very privileged position. In addition to being the country’s administrative center, the city also became France’s intellectual, cultural and business hub. Starting in the Middle Ages, the city was transformed into a centerpiece to represent the country. The Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Opéra Garnier, the Panthéon; Paris’s grand architecture contributes to its beauty. Nevertheless, places with much humbler beginnings, such as the Banks of the Seine or the village streets of Montmartre, are equally integral to the city’s appeal.
These sorts of “places” help make up the personality of each Parisian quartier. Indeed, Parisians often designate themselves by their district rather than the city as a whole. Sites, streets, cafés, shops and parks distinguish Saint-Germain the Marais and Les Batignolles from Belleville. That said, Paris’s physical appearance isn’t the only factor in the city’s unique allure.
As the capital, Paris has attracted many of France’s greatest minds, including its foremost philosophers, scientists, writers, artists and musicians. This attraction has gone beyond its borders and for centuries an abundance of foreign geniuses have felt the call of the city, from the likes of Spanish-born Pablo Picasso to American Ernest Hemingway. Famous or not, the city almost compels people to be creative, whether through artistic or intellectual pursuits or in order to obtain one’s next carte de séjour, residence permit. No matter how this passion for Paris is evoked, it plays an integral role in the city’s magnetic energy.
Added to this is the joie de vivre that is extolled throughout France. One can linger on a café terrace for hours over a coffee or glass of wine. Mealtimes are not a rushed affair. The celebration of cuisine leads to evening-long dinners in bistros, drawn out by good conversation and debate. Sundays are spent leisurely strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc Monceau. The theater, cinema and exhibits also prominently feature in many Parisians’ agendas.
The city’s uniqueness is celebrated in my new book “There’s Only One Paris“. A collection of short stories written since the first Paris lockdown, the book traverses the city’s 20 districts and is the perfect virtual trip to the City of Light. You can win a copy of it and many more great Paris items! See how to enter below!
We Love Paris – Valentine’s Day Contest!
One lucky Paris lover will win the following:
- A copy of your choice of one of my books (Je T’Aime, Me Neither, Je T’Aime… Maybe or There’s Only One Paris)
- A Bonjour Gorgeous Mug by Paris, Meet Boston
- A Frenchie T-Shirt by Paris, Meet Boston
- A single Paris In A Chocolate™
- A “Remove for Champagne” mask by Paris In A Chocolate™
- A Webinar session of either Paris: 2000 Years of History or The Golden Age of Montmartre
How to Enter:
- Add a comment below or to the Facebook or Instagram posts telling us what you love most about Paris
- Participate in our Facebook photo contest (your favorite photos of Paris or A creative photo of your copy of There’s Only One Paris in a Frenchie setting
- Tag your friends on Facebook or Instagram to get entered additional times
The winner will be choose at random from those who entered on Valentine’s Day, Sunday February 14th at 6 pm Paris time.
Bonne chance! Good luck everyone!
The museums, the pastries, the elegant architecture, the shopping….please don’t make me choose!
All excellent aspects of Paris!! Thanks for commenting and I’ll add you to the contest!!
There’s nothing better than having a leisurely apéro on a terrace with views of the Seine!
Hello Susanne, Great choice! I love apéro and views of the Seine! Thanks for participating!
The food, the wine, the people, the museums, the markets, I could go on and on.
Hi Elaine, excellent things to love about Paris! Thanks for participating!