Sipping Sunday

A pre-lunch apéritif.

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Happy Sunday

Sit-down Saturday

 

 A bright café-restaurant by the river ready for lunch.

Backstreet bike

 

An orange bicycle leans against a fence off rue Montorgueil.

Wanderlust Wednesday

 Venice: Skip the Carnival and visit off season. Like now.

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 Travel adventure never gets old, and Paris' location in the heart of Europe makes it the ultimate launchpad to many destinations. Followers of this blog will notice that I try to keep a Paris connection by sticking to places that are accessible "3 hours (or less)" from The City of Light, whether by plane, train, or car. Even so, I've omitted many trips we've taken, near and far, and have so many photos of Paris I can post from anywhere.

Well before I started the blog - and before mass tourism transformed The Floating City into a different kind of carnevale thanks in large part to Instagram selfies - Venice was a cherished destination in Italy, as was Rome, where my Tante Maria, in a heartfelt shared (final) pearl of wisdom, advised: "Keep your adventures discrete and guard your joy."

 However Venezia is worth sharing. It has a magic about it that is palpable. By slipping away in spring or fall we'd avoid the summer throngs, opting for smaller palazzo-style hotels along quieter off-the-beaten-path canals. Or, as we once did with English friends, join them in their weathered fresco-covered-ceiling marvel that might double as a film set.

If you've never experienced the lure of Venice, September’s golden light, thinner crowds, and cooler weather is the perfect pretext to surrender to its spell. Not that you need one. - BPJ

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 VENICE

 3 hours (or less) from Paris 

 

Direct flights daily to Marco Polo airport

 

 

 

 

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If you're going for that historic palazzo feel in settings along quieter canals in less touristy districts, head to Cannaregio, Santa Croce, or San Polo. Hotels avoid the hustle of the Grand Canal or St. Mark’s while still offering Venetian aesthetics (frescoes, chandeliers, antiques...) with easy access to highlights. - BPJ

 

Tunnel Tuesday

 

 

One of Paris' oldest passages where the French Revolution was plotted and today headless ghosts roam on dark and stormy nights.

Mocha Monday

 

 Just as a good cup of coffee can start the day off right today's La Rentrée starts a fresh new chapter.

 

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When Woody Allen described New York as a place where “you always feel there’s something around the corner that’s going to be stimulating” he might as well have been talking about Paris. Every cobblestone, every hidden café and fleeting glance whispers adventure. The city doesn’t just inspire, it electrifies, with a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and stories that change with every sunrise.

 

Today’s Rentrée isn't just a student re-boot, it's for everyone. It marks the return to life after the summer lull, and for urban explorers, photographers, and writers, the city remains a playground of discovery. So grab a map and dive in - Paris is calling. - BPJ

Sunset Sunday

A private corner, a Greek island, a seaside village.

 

 3 hours (or less) from Paris

 

 PARIS - ATHENS

 

Direct flights daily + boats at Piraeus Port 

 

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Greek cuisine blends that magic fusion of tasty and good-for-you, making it hard to beat. A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, it’s both delicious and healthy due to its emphasis on fresh, whole ingredients and balanced flavors. Centered around olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fish, and lean meats, true Greek meals - not those greasy street-style foods touted in foreign countries - are known to provide loads of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and promote longevity. Dishes like grilled octopus, lamb, tzatziki, Greek salads, and lentil soups bursting with vibrant herbs and spices - dill, oregano, garlic - create satisfying savory profiles. A moderate inclusion of dairy, mostly feta and yogurt, adds protein and probiotics, while whole grains like barley ensure sustained energy. They know how to put a meal together and the combo of nutrient-dense foods and bold, fresh flavors, as we, and many others have discovered, makes "eating Greek" a pure delight in every way. - BPJ

 

Recipes + photos in September newsletter, out next week