The Paris Postcard: Inspiration, Art, and Cozy Vibes

le 16 Janvier, 2026

Your weekly Paris Postcard is here—bringing you the city’s latest delights, secret spots, and little moments of magic, all wrapped up in Parisian style.

With a wealth of special events and attractions throughout the city, colder days are doing nothing to slow anyone down. Paris Déco Off and Maison & Object continue through January 19, offering an array of events, showrooms, and plenty of décor inspiration.

Meanwhile, the District 13 International Art Fair brings the energy of the global street art scene into the historic setting of Hôtel Drouot. Featuring works by more than 170 artists, the fair blends graffiti, urban art, and contemporary expression in a way that feels both raw and refined—a reminder that Paris remains a living, evolving canvas.

The Jacques Louis David exhibition at the Louvre closes on January 26, making these the final days to see a focused presentation of one of France’s most influential painters. That said, a notable change is affecting the ticket prices.

The Louvre introduced increased ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union. As of mid-January, non-EU tourists now pay €32 for entry, while EU residents continue to benefit from the standard €22 rate. Museum officials cite the rising costs of security, major restoration projects, and long-overdue infrastructure upgrades as the driving forces behind the decision—particularly as the Louvre continues to manage record visitor numbers and heightened security demands.

Another gentle reminder: Beware of fraudulent online ticketing websites and don’t get scammed.

If something a little more musical suits your taste, candlelight concerts at Saint-Ephrem Church offer an intimate way to experience classical music in Paris, with programs dedicated to composers like Chopin, Beethoven, and Satie. Surrounded by flickering candles and the church’s warm acoustics, the atmosphere feels both timeless and deeply European. These evenings are especially popular, so reserving tickets in advance is wise. The schedule and ticket sales can be found here.

For a comforting meal on a chilly January evening, Paris offers some truly inviting spots. Bistrot de Paris on rue de Lille serves classic, hearty French fare in a timeless bistro setting, while in the Quartier Latin, Au Petit Suisse welcomes guests with generous brasserie classics in a lively yet cozy atmosphere. For a touch of romance and extra warmth, snag a table next to the fireplace at Le Coupe‑Chou, where flickering flames enhance the intimate ambiance. And for rustic charm in the Marais, Robert et Louise offers wood‑fire‑grilled meats and traditional dishes in a convivial space—a perfect Parisian winter treat that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.

Finally, the Alliance Française de Chicago, in partnership with the Alliances in Miami and Paris, has a wonderful Zoom lecture series titled: The Making of the Great Museums of Paris: From 1900 Until Today. I’ve participated in many of these lectures, and they are always excellent. I’ll be there this year too!

#ICYMI

If you love antiquing you’ll want to book mark last week’s post. How to Find the Best Brocantes and Vide-Greniers.

For a bit of nostalgia, revisit my May 2015 post on The Antique Markets of Paris. It covers the same ground, but with less detail.

xoxo,

Jeannine