Journée à Paris [FRENCH VLOG w 🇫🇷 SUBS] Oldest pâtisserie in Paris, île de la Cité & St Michel

YourBestFrench

16 Jun 202414:55

Summary

TLDRIn this video, the host returns to Paris in early June, commenting on the unusually cold weather. They explore the oldest pastry shop in Paris, established in the 18th century, and sample a specialty called 'Puits d'Amour.' The tour continues with a visit to the historic Saint-Jacques tower, a bookseller on the Seine, and a flower market. The host reflects on the beauty of Paris, appreciating it more from an outsider's perspective. They also visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, currently under renovation after a fire, and discuss the oldest tree and clock in Paris. The journey ends with a look at the Conciergerie, the Saint-Michel fountain, and the Sorbonne, where the host once lived as a student in a 'chambre de bonne.'

Takeaways

😀 The video starts with a return to Paris in early June, where the weather is unusually cold and rainy, reminiscent of November.
🏰 The host takes viewers on a walk through the 2nd arrondissement, a pricey neighborhood, to visit the oldest bakery in Paris, established in the 18th century.
🍰 A specialty of the bakery is 'Puits d'Amour', a dessert made with almond paste, featuring fruit shapes, a vanilla cream filling, and caramelized sugar on top.
🗼 The tour includes a visit to the Tour Saint-Jacques, a historical landmark on medieval pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.
📚 The host meets a bouquiniste, a bookseller specializing in second-hand books, who shares insights into the importance of this Parisian tradition.
🌿 A stop at a flower market reveals the host's preference for pivoines (peonies), and a discussion on the beauty of both cut flowers and potted plants.
☀️ A brief moment of sunshine is captured, highlighting the unpredictable weather and the sudden change from a week of gloomy skies.
🕍 The video features a view of Notre-Dame Cathedral, discussing the 2019 fire and ongoing restoration efforts.
🌳 The oldest tree in Paris, planted by King Henry II's gardener, is shown, along with the oldest clock in the city, dating back to 1371.
⚖️ The area around the Palais de Justice is explored, including the Conciergerie, where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned during the French Revolution.
🎓 The host shares personal experiences as a student in Paris, living in a 'chambre de bonne' or maid's room, and visits the Sorbonne, a prestigious university.

Q & A

What is the weather like in Paris at the beginning of June according to the script?
-The weather in Paris at the beginning of June is described as being like November, which suggests it is unseasonably cold or gloomy.
What is the significance of the oldest bakery mentioned in the script?
-The oldest bakery mentioned in the script is significant because it has been in operation since the 18th century, making it a historical landmark in Paris.
What is 'Puits d'Amour' and how is it made, as described in the script?
-According to the script, 'Puits d'Amour' is a specialty pastry made with almond paste for the fruit shapes, filled with a vanilla cream, and topped with caramelized sugar. It is named after a well, which is a large hole in the ground dug to access water.
What is the importance of the Tour Saint-Jacques mentioned in the script?
-The Tour Saint-Jacques was one of the landmarks on the pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages, particularly for those traveling to Saint-James of Compostela.
What does the term 'bouquiniste' refer to, as used in the script?
-In the script, 'bouquiniste' refers to a bookseller, originally someone who sells used books, but now also selling posters, small souvenirs, keychains, and other items along the Seine in Paris.
What is the advice given by the bouquiniste in the script for reading a lot despite having a busy life?
-The bouquiniste suggests that one can read a lot even with a busy life by reading during work breaks, especially when it's not too cold, as he does at his job.
What is the significance of the flowers market visited in the script?
-The flowers market visited in the script is significant as it showcases the beauty and variety of flowers available in Paris, with a personal preference expressed for peonies and hydrangeas.
What is the historical event associated with Notre-Dame Cathedral as mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions the significant historical event of April 2019 when a part of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire and was severely damaged.
What is the oldest tree in Paris and who planted it, according to the script?
-The oldest tree in Paris is a Robinier pseudo-acacia, planted by the gardener of Henry IV, as mentioned in the script.
What is the historical significance of the Conciergerie mentioned in the script?
-The Conciergerie, as mentioned in the script, was a residence for the kings of France in the Middle Ages and served as a major detention site, including for the famous prisoner Marie-Antoinette, during the French Revolution.

Outlines

00:00

🌧️ A Walk in Paris

The script begins with a return to Paris in early June, where the narrator notes the unusually cold weather, more akin to November. Despite the weather, they decide to take a walk, hoping for no rain. They visit the oldest bakery in Paris, located in the 1st arrondissement, which is known for its high prices and tourist appeal. The narrator discusses the bakery's specialty, 'Puits d'Amour,' a dessert made of almond paste, vanilla cream, and caramelized sugar, and shares the historical significance of the bakery, founded in the 18th century. The video also features a visit to the Tour Saint-Jacques, a medieval pilgrimage landmark, and a conversation with a bouquiniste, a seller of used books and small trinkets, who shares insights into his profession and recommends some books.

05:03

📚 The Charm of Bookstores and Flowers in Paris

In this segment, the narrator meets a bouquiniste named Christian, who has been in the business for over 40 years. They discuss the importance of bouquinistes as a part of Parisian culture and the art of living. Christian shares his passion for reading and recommends books, including French literature from the 19th century and Anglo-American literature from the 20th century. The narrator reflects on the beauty of Paris, noting how living in a place can make one overlook its unique qualities. They visit a flower market, expressing a fondness for peonies and discussing the preference between cut flowers and potted plants. The video captures a moment of sunshine after a week of gloomy weather, and the narrator admires the Notre-Dame Cathedral, mentioning the 2019 fire incident and the ongoing restoration efforts.

10:04

⏳ Historical Landmarks and Student Life in Paris

The final paragraph takes the viewer on a journey through Paris's historical landmarks. The narrator introduces the oldest tree in Paris, planted by Henry IV's gardener, and the oldest clock in the city, which has been in operation since 1371. They discuss the Conciergerie, once a royal residence and later a prison during the French Revolution, where Marie-Antoinette was held. The narrator also visits the Palais de Justice and the Fontaine Saint-Michel, and shares a historical account of the French Resistance. They explore the Latin Quarter, known for its student population and home to the Sorbonne, one of the most prestigious universities. The narrator reminisces about their own student life, living in a 'chambre de bonne' or servant's room in an奥斯man building. The video concludes with a promise to continue exploring Paris and a farewell to the viewers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Paris

Paris is the capital city of France and serves as the primary setting for the video. It is a city renowned for its art, culture, and history. In the script, Paris is depicted through various landmarks and cultural elements, showcasing its beauty and charm. The video takes the viewer on a virtual tour through different parts of the city, highlighting its historical significance and modern appeal.

💡Weather

The weather is a central theme in the script, as the narrator comments on the unseasonably cold and rainy conditions for June, which is typically a warmer month. This sets the tone for the video, as the narrator hopes for a break in the weather to enjoy a walk around Paris. The weather serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and the importance of appreciating the moments of sunshine amidst the clouds.

💡Boulangerie

A boulangerie is a French bakery that specializes in bread and pastries. In the script, the narrator visits one of the oldest boulangeries in Paris, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of these establishments in French life. The boulangerie represents the artisanal and culinary heritage of Paris, where traditional baking techniques and recipes are preserved and celebrated.

💡Pâtisserie

A pâtisserie is a French confectionery shop that specializes in pastries, desserts, and sweets. The script mentions a pâtisserie that has been in operation since the 18th century, highlighting the long-standing tradition of French pastry-making. The pâtisserie in the video is a symbol of Parisian gastronomy and the city's reputation for exquisite and elaborate desserts.

💡Tour Saint-Jacques

The Tour Saint-Jacques is a historical monument in Paris that was once a part of a church and served as a landmark for pilgrims during the Middle Ages. In the script, the narrator points out this tower, emphasizing its historical role and architectural significance. It represents the deep historical roots of Paris and its importance as a spiritual and cultural center.

💡Bouquiniste

A bouquiniste is a seller of used books, typically found along the Seine in Paris. In the script, the narrator meets a bouquiniste who has been in the trade for over 40 years. This profession is highlighted as an important part of Parisian culture, representing the city's literary heritage and the art of passing on knowledge and stories through books.

💡Fleurs

Fleurs, meaning 'flowers' in French, is a recurring theme in the script as the narrator visits a flower market. Flowers symbolize beauty, life, and the fleeting nature of time. The video captures the vibrancy and color of the flower market, showcasing the aesthetic and sensory experiences that are part of Parisian life.

💡Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral and one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. The script mentions the cathedral and its recent history, including the significant fire in 2019. The cathedral represents the enduring spirit and resilience of Paris, as well as its architectural and religious heritage.

💡Conciergerie

The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Île de la Cité in Paris, which served as a royal residence and later a prison during the French Revolution. In the script, the narrator mentions the Conciergerie, emphasizing its role in French history and its connection to famous figures like Marie-Antoinette. It symbolizes the turbulent past and the transformation of Paris over time.

💡Palais de Justice

The Palais de Justice is a complex of buildings in Paris that houses the city's law courts. The script refers to the Palais de Justice as a symbol of French justice and the rule of law. It is noted for its inscription of 'liberté, égalité, fraternité,' which are the national motto of France, reflecting the video's theme of the city's historical and cultural significance.

💡Sorbonne

The Sorbonne is a prestigious university in Paris and a symbol of academic excellence. In the script, the narrator mentions the Sorbonne and her own experience as a student, highlighting the role of education and intellectual pursuit in Parisian culture. The Sorbonne represents the city's commitment to knowledge, research, and the cultivation of future generations.

Highlights

The weather in Paris is unseasonably cold for June, feeling more like November.

The narrator expresses hope for good weather by touching wood, a superstitious gesture.

A walk is planned in the 2nd arrondissement, known for being expensive.

Visit to the oldest bakery in Paris, established in the 18th century.

Description of 'la fermette', a term used to add an affectionate touch to words.

Introduction to 'Puits d'Amour', a specialty pastry from the bakery.

The tour Saint-Jacques, a medieval pilgrimage landmark, is highlighted.

A 'bouquiniste', or used book seller, is introduced as part of Parisian heritage.

Christian, a bouquiniste for over 40 years, shares his passion for books.

The narrator discusses the joy of reading and recommends books by Jack London.

The beauty of Paris is appreciated from an outsider's perspective.

A visit to a flower market, with a personal preference for peonies, is described.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen under renovation after the 2019 fire.

The oldest tree in Paris, planted by Henry IV's gardener, is mentioned.

The oldest clock in Paris, dating back to 1371, is shown.

The Conciergerie, a former royal residence and prison during the Revolution, is discussed.

The narrator reflects on the value of appreciating one's surroundings from a new perspective.

A visit to the Sorbonne and the narrator's old student residence is planned.

The narrator's experience living in a 'chambre de bonne' or servant's room is shared.

The video concludes with a promise to meet again and a hope that the viewer enjoyed the virtual tour of Paris.